Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park is a renowned nature reserve located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. With its diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity, it has gained recognition as an essential destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. This article will delve into the captivating features of Bundala National Park, including its geographical location, historical significance, ecological importance, and the diverse flora and fauna that thrive within its boundaries.
The national park is situated in the Hambantota District of Sri Lanka, spanning an area of approximately 62 square kilometres. It lies adjacent to the Indian Ocean, making it a coastal wetland of significant importance. The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969, received Ramsar status in 1991, and was designated as a national park in 1993.
The historical significance of Bundala dates back to ancient times. It was once part of the kingdom of Ruhuna, which existed over 2,000 years ago. The park contains evidence of ancient settlements and early human civilizations, such as the remnants of an ancient irrigation tank called the “Bundala Tank.” These historical traces add to the park’s cultural value, making it a site of interest for history enthusiasts as well.
The park is renowned for its exceptional ecological importance, particularly its wetland ecosystems. It is one of the most vital wintering grounds for migratory birds in Sri Lanka and serves as a refuge for many resident bird species throughout the year. The park’s wetland habitats include lagoons, salt pans, marshes, and intertidal mudflats, which collectively provide a haven for diverse avian species.
Over 200 bird species have been recorded in Bundala, including the greater flamingo, painted stork, black-necked stork, and many species of herons, egrets, and shorebirds. The park also supports a variety of waterfowl, such as ducks, pelicans, and cormorants. Birdwatchers flock to Bundala to witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of birds congregating in one place.
Apart from its avian diversity, Bundala is home to several other fascinating animal species. It boasts the highest concentration of elephants in Sri Lanka outside of the protected areas in the central highlands. Other prominent mammals found in the park include the Sri Lankan sambar deer, wild boar, Indian muntjac, and water buffalo. Additionally, Bundala’s coastal areas are frequented by marine turtles, while its waters host various species of fish and crustaceans.
Bundala National Park: Flora and Fauna
Generally, the temperature in Bundala National Park is relatively high, with an average temperature of 27°C. The annual rainfall varies between 900 mm to 1,300 mm. The dry season falls between May and September, with the best time to visit being from September to March, when migratory birds arrive at the park. Out of 197 bird species, 100 are water birds and 58 are migratory.
The highlights of the migratory birds include the greater flamingo, waterfowl, and cormorants. This rich biodiversity of birds has led to a national bird ringing program. Not only birds, but Bundala is also home to various animals such as the Asian elephant, different types of macaques and langurs, jackals, leopards, wild boars, porcupines, and deer. The brackish water in the Bundala lagoons is home to different species of fish and amphibians, with two species being endemic. The seashore of Bundala Park provides breeding grounds for all five species of globally endangered sea turtles.
sri lanka national park
Bundala National Park exhibits a remarkable array of flora and fauna, owing to its diverse ecosystems. The park encompasses different habitats, ranging from dry thorny scrublands to marshy wetlands, each supporting its unique plant and animal life.
The dry zone vegetation dominates the landscape, characterised by thorny shrubs and small trees adapted to arid conditions. Species such as palu (Manilkara hexandra), weera (Drypetes sepiaria), and kumbuk (Terminalia arjuna) are commonly found in these areas. Bundala also features salt-tolerant vegetation in its coastal zones, including mangrove forests along the lagoons.
As mentioned earlier, Bundala is renowned for its birdlife. The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is perhaps the most iconic bird species of the park. During the migratory season, thousands of these magnificent birds flock to Bundala, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The park is also home to several threatened bird species, such as the black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and the Indian cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis).
Bundala National Park: wild life
Bundala National Park plays a crucial role in the conservation of Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. The park’s designation as a Ramsar site underscores its global significance as a wetland of international importance. Efforts are underway to preserve and protect its diverse ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
Visitors to Bundala can explore the park through guided jeep safaris, which offer a chance to observe the wildlife up close. These safaris are typically conducted by experienced naturalists who provide insights into the park’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts. The best time to visit Bundala is during the migratory season from September to March, when the park teems with a vast number of bird species.
It is essential for visitors to follow responsible tourism practices while exploring the park. Respecting the rules and regulations set forth by the park authorities helps minimise human impact on the delicate ecosystems and ensures the sustainability of Bundala’s natural treasures for future generations.
Bundala National Park: best time to visit national park.
In addition to birds, Bundala supports a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians. Crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and turtles are all part of the park’s reptilian fauna. The most notable reptile species found here is the mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), which inhabits the park’s water bodies. Visitors may also encounter various species of lizards, including the Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) and the painted-lip lizard (Calotes versicolor).
Bundala’s wetland habitats provide an ideal environment for amphibians. Several frog species, such as the common Indian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) and the Sri Lankan horned frog (Pseudophilautus tanu), can be spotted in and around the park’s water bodies.
The park’s mammalian fauna is equally captivating. Bundala serves as an important habitat for the endangered Indian elephant (Elephas maximus), with large herds roaming its grasslands and water bodies. The Sri Lankan sambar deer (Rusa unicolor unicolor) is another significant mammal found in the park, along with the Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) and the wild boar (Sus scrofa). The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), an iconic species in Sri Lanka, can also be observed in Bundala.