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Sigiriya   Sanctuary

                The island , Sri Lanka is blessed with the nature and has been protecting the beauty of her since ancient times. Unusual for an Asian country with high population, the island still has a forest of almost 23% of the total landmass. The department of wildlife conservation has been protecting several important forests in the country since 1950's. Almost 13% of the land area is under the jurisdiction of Department of Wild Life Conservation (DWLC).

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                     The Protected areas are categorized in to National resources and sanctuaries. Sanctuaries are unique as they have both crown land and private land. The Sigiriya Sanctuary is in and around the famous Sigiriya rock and is adjacent to the Minneriya National park. The access to this sanctuary is through Sigiriya , Dambulla road. The roads to Colombo, Polonnaruwa train way direct the access to this sanctuary. The Sanctuary is situated mainly in the dry zone and the temperature ranges from 24o C - 34.5o C . The forest types are mainly dry evergreen forest, shrub forests, and dry deciduous forest. The dominant vegetation types found in the area are typical to the
dry zone. The major tree species are as follows..

1. Palu (Minilkara hexandra)

2. Satin wood (Chlorozylon swietenia)

3. Milla (Vitex altissma)

4. Weera (Drypetcs sepiaria ) 

5. Kalumediriya (Diospuros quaestia)

               Other than this Wal indi (Phoenix zeylanica). Bambusa spp Wara (Calotropis gigantea) are also found in the lower stratums of the forest.   

         The fauna of Sigiriya is highlighted by the elephant population which migrate to the area from time to tine. The migration of elephants is connected with Minneriya, Gritale and Karalla palle kele area.   The macaques (Rilava) and langurs (Vandura)  are common species of primates in the sanctuary and are sometimes a nuisance to the visitors.

Sumbar (Cerrus unicolor) is less frequently seen but spotted deer is abundant in the sanctuary.

Other than the above many types of birds including the raptors (eagles, falcons etc.) Several types of butterflies are seen specially during Hammering season.

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