Sri Lanka is a geographical island, which means that it has a higher rate of endemic animals than a body of land that is in physical connection to another. This fact has given rise to a multitude of mammals such as Ceylon elephant, leopards, mongooses, the Sri Lankan sloth bear and others, as well as a number of amphibians and reptiles that are endemic to the island. While this rates the island as a wildlife hotspot, the increasing population of the island has resulted in habitat destruction of these wild animals, endangering them further. However, the emergence of eco-friendly boutique hotels in Sri Lanka such as Uga Escapesgives some hope for the future, and expectations are high that these majestic creatures of nature will continue to thrive to fascinate another generation of visitors.
A favourite animal to see among the visitors to the island is the Asian elephant. While the Asian elephant can be found in the Indian subcontinent as well, the subspecies found in Sri Lanka is endemic to the country. It is found in both the wild and domesticated, as these creatures are used in religious processions and the like. An elusive mammal, luck needs to be with you to witness it, is the leopard. Found in a few of the wildlife parks in Sri Lanka, a leopard sighting is as rare as it is sought after. In addition to that, you will witness plenty of Toque macaque, Purple-faced langurs, and Palm squirrels running about in the wild, unaware of the danger that is posed to their lives.
The best way to witness the creatures that are endemic to the Indian subcontinent and to Sri Lanka is to visit one of the wildlife parks in the island. Safaris are taken up by locals and visitors alike in the early hours of the morning and at dusk, to witness and to photograph these creations of nature that are under the threat of being erased from existence.
| Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+ |
