Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park (Willu-pattu; Land of Lakes) is a park located on the island of Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of “Willus” (Natural lakes) - Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is located 30km west Anuradhapura and located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo). The park is 131, 693 hectares and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu is one of the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world renowned for its Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. The Leopard population in Wilpattu is still not yet known.

History

The Mahavansa records that in 543 BC Prince Vijaya landed at Kudrimalai Point (Horse Point), married Kuweni and founded the Sinhalese race. In 1905 the area was designated a sanctuary and in 1938 it was upgraded to the National Park status.

Climate

The Annual Rainfall is about 1000mm and the annual temperature is about 27.2 degrees.Inter-monsoonal rains in March and the northeast monsoon (December – February) are the main sources of rainfall.

Flora

There are many types of vegetation to be found in Wilpattu; Littoral vegetation, including Salt grass and low scrubmonsoon forest with tall emergents, such as Palu (Manilkara hexandra), and Satin (Chloroxylon swietenia), Milla (Vitex altissima), Weera (Drypetes sepiaria), Ebony (Disopyros ebenum) and Wewarna (Alseodaphne semecapriflolia).

Fauna

31 species of mammals have been identified within Wilpattu national park.Mammals that are identified as threatened species living within the Wilpattu National Park are theelephant (Elephas maximus), Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) and water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Sambhur, spotted deer, mongoose, mouse and shrew are more of Wilpattu's residents.

Avi-Fauna

The painted stork, the open bill, little cormorant, along with many species of owls, terns, gulls, eagles, kites buzzards are to be found at Wilpattu National Park. Wetland bird species that can be senn in Wilpattu are the Garganey (Anas querquedula), Pin tail (Anas acuta), Whistling teal (Dendrocygna javanica), Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), White ibis (Threskiornis malanocephalus), Large white egret (Egretta alba modesta), Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and Purple heron (Ardea purpurea).

Reptiles

The most common reptiles found in the park are the Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Common cobra (Naja naja), Rat snake (Ptyas mucosus), Indian python (Python molurus), Pond turtle (Melanonchelys trijuga) and the Soft shelled turtle (Lissemys punctata) who are resident in the large permanent Villus.

Tourism

From December 1988 to March 16, 2003 the park was closed due to Security Concerns the Country was facing. After nearly 16 years it was reopened to visitors. Visitors can currently only tour some 25% (75% of the park is dense forest or scrub) of the park. The best time to visit Wilpattu is during the months of February and October. There are a few private eco-tourism groups that show tourists around the park in Safari like trips.

Additional Notes

Kudrimalai, or Horse Point, was visited by a subject of Emperor Claudius in 47 AD, who was blown off course by the monsoon. The local king later sent his own envoys to Rome during the time of Pliny.

References

1. http://www.unep-wcmc.org/sites/pa/0383v.htm
   Sri Lanka Eco Adventure Tours - National Parks
   
2. http://www.srilanka.com/travel/traveldetail/TL00344
   4WD Safari Tours in Wilpattu National Wildlife Park
   
3. http://www.srilankaecotourism.com/wilpattu.htm#readmore
   Travel Sri Lanka
   
4. http://www.travelsrilanka.com/index.cfm?PAGE=501
   Sri Lankan Parks - Nature Voyages
   
5. http://www.naturesrilanka.com/natpark_wil.php

Additional Reading

1. You tube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxP5rrAyQrs
   Sri Lankan Parks - At Sri Lanka
   
2. http://www.atsrilanka.com/nParks.html