WILLPATTU NATIONAL PARK
Wilpattu National Park consists of a complex of lakes called villus which are surrounded by grassy plains and set within scrub jungle. Many of the big game found in Wilpattu National Park including elephant, sloth bear, water buffalo , and spotted deer can be seen here, though the biggest attraction at wilpattu is the Sri Lankan Leopard. It covers an area of 131,000 hectares and is comprised of varying habitats including coastal belt, natural lakes, cliff tops, scrubland, open grasslands and dense forest. There are also some old wilpattu is among the oldest and most important protected areas in Sri Lanka and, being situated away from the common tourist routes, is a park which can be enjoyed in tranquil seclusion.
MAMMALS
Over 31 species of mammals have been recorded in wilpattu. Some of the regular big game seen in here include the Asian Elephants, Leopard, sloth Bear, wild Buffalo, spotted Deer, muntjac And Barking Deer which is the most common herbivore.
BIRDS
Endemic spotted here include Sri Lanka jungle Fowl, Brown – capped Babbler, Sri Lankan woodshrike And Black- capped Bulbul . Wilpattu is also very good for migrating birds like waterfowl and waders . Some of the commoner migrants seen include Black-tailed Godwit , common Redshank, common sandpiper , Great stone – curlew, whiskered Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-winged Stilt , Gargany And Northern Pintail . Forest birds include Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Small Cuckoo, Racket-tailed Drongo, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Coppersmith Barbet, Red – wattled Lapwing , Brown Fish owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Crested Hawk Eagle And water birds include painted Storks , Asian Open-bill, Eurasian Spoonbill, And spot- billed Pelican.
REPTILES
Mugger crocodiles are frequently seen in the Wilpattu with a few species of fresh water Terrapins are also found in the park. Indian Rock Python, Russell’s viper, Indian cobra, sand boa, saw- scale viper and Hump nose viper.
BUTTERFLIES
Some butterflies recorded include the Great Eggfly , Great Orange Tip, Glad-Eye Bush- Brown, Blue Mormon , Common Mormon, common Rose and Crimson Rose.