Endemic Butterflies of Sri Lanka

Butterflies are day-flying insects of the order Lepidoptera. The order Lepidoptera is the second largest insect order in Sri Lanka with over 2160 species. At least 195 of them are true Butterflies and 50 are Skippers, rest being macro and micro Moths. Sri Lanka is home to 245 species of butterflies with 23 of these being endemic to the island.

General Distribution

The majority of species are found in the foothills up to 3,000 feet elevation. A much smaller number of species are found above 4,000 feet while 20 species of butterfly are restricted to the low lying dry zone below 500 feet elevation. A majority of endemic species are restricted to the wet zone forests. The number of butterflies peaks in two seasons during the year. The first of these is during the Southwestern monsoon in the months of March to April. The second is during the Northeastern monsoon which continues from September to October.

General Threats and Conservation

Habitat destruction and degradation, air pollution, over-usage of pesticides, and over-exploitation for ornamental trade are the main threats to butterflies in Sri Lanka. Prolonged droughts and over-predation also pose a threat to them. Opportunistic predators such as ants and birds prey on butterfly eggs, caterpillars, pupae and adult individuals. The Sri Lankan Rose and Sri Lankan Birdwing species are presently included in the appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This United Nations initiative aims to protect these species against over-exploitation by restricting trade across borders.

1. Sri Lankan Birdwing

Scientific Name – triodes darsius

Family – Papilionidae

This is the largest butterfly in the country and also the national butterfly of the island. This is a forest lover but visits open areas of home gardens where nectar plants and its host plant Aristolochia (Sap Sanda) grow. It is frequently visible in riparian forest as well as open scrublands. It is not so uncommon throughout the island although it is mostly observed in the wet zone. Its large forewings are glossy black and hind wings bright yellow with a black margin. It has a quite slow wing beat but the flight is moderately fast as its wings are larger with an expanse of about 165–175 mm. Its status is listed as Near-Threatened by the IUCN.  

2. Sri Lankan Rose

Scientific Name – pacliopta jophon

Family – Papilionidae

It was earlier classified as a subspecies of Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector) but now it is considered endemic to Sri Lanka. It is confined to the central hill country and is considered a globally threatened species due to the loss of habitat. The male upperside is black. The fore wing has three or four broad white streaks in a cell and a variable number of similar somewhat broader streaks. The hind wing too has white streaks with crimson lunules irrorated with black scales. The underside is similar, the markings more distinct and more sharply defined. This is totally a forest butterfly but visits open areas where nectar plants grow. It has quite a slow wing beat and the flight is slower compared to other Pachliopta species. It comes down to feed nectar early morning and late afternoon. Its status is listed as Critically Threatened by the IUCN.

3. Ceylon Tree Nymph

Scientific Name – idea iasonia

Family – Nymphalidae

The Ceylon Tree Nymph is a species of nymphalid butterfly in the Danainae subfamily. First described by John Westwood in 1848, the Ceylon Tree Nymph can be found in both wet and dry zones of Sri Lanka. It is the largest member of the Danaidae family in the country with a wingspan of 110–155 mm. Both its wings have similar patterns which are of a translucent silvery white color. The forewings are almost twice as long as their width. The female is larger in size than the male, and the males have narrower forewings than the females. The surface area of The Ceylon Tree Nymph's wings is relatively large when compared with its weight; this allows it to fly with little effort and stay aloft for long periods of time.

There are two populations of the Ceylon Tree Nymph. The smaller and darker colored variety is found in the wet zone of Sri Lanka from sea level to about 5,000 feet (1,500 m).They usually inhabit the sub canopies of lowland tropical rain forests. The other variety, which is larger and lighter colored, is found in the low country dry zone. They are usually encountered near water courses. Since the Ceylon Tree Nymph requires very little effort to fly its wing beats are very slow, so slow that the individual movements of each wing can be easily observed. Most of its time is spent flying and hovering in the high tree canopies. However, it descends to ground level to feed and to breed but does not rest on the ground. It usually rests on the ends of dead branches or twigs. It is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. The main threat faced by the Ceylon Tree Nymph is the destruction of its habitat. Several of its naturally occurring areas are protected areas, such as the forest reserve of Sinharaja.

4. Ceylon Tiger

Scientific Name – parantica taprbana

Family – Nymphalidae

The Ceylon Tiger is also a species of the Danainae subfamily. It has a wingspan of about 80-90 mm. The color patterns of sexes are similar. The upper surface of both wings is rich in dark chocolate brown with bright greenish white markings. The forewings have two distinct streaks starting at the base of the wings and the hind wing has similar markings. Both upper wing surfaces have a number of rounded spots towards the outer margins. The markings on the underside correspond to those on the upper surface but are lighter in color.

It is restricted to central mountain forests above 3000 feet on top of Pidurutalagala. It occasionally strays into the gardens of tea plantations. It is noticeably faster flier than any other Danaid. It flies commonly near to tree canopy and get nectar on wayside flowers. It hangs on the flowers at an incline with wings partly open while feeding. It flies lazily along pathways and roadsides. Not easy to approach and will fly away albeit slowly at any sudden movement. At very sunny days this species used to be seen flying slowly about the flowers in parks.

5. Cingalese Bushbrown

Scientific Name – mycalesis rama

Family – Nymphalidae

This satyrid butterfly has a wingspan of about 56 mm. Its wings are dark brown on the upper side, with two eyespots at the sub marginal area of the wings. The lower eyespot on the forewing is prominent and circled with orange, while the others are rather faint. The underside is dull orange brown, clearly distinguishing it from other Bushbrowns. It is rare and can be found near bamboo jungles in the low country wet zone. Their larva feeds on plants of the family Poaceae such as Bamboo. Though its flight is weak like other Bushbrowns, it flies at a higher level. This butterfly is extremely shy and will disappear into the undergrowth when approached. The IUCN lists it as Endangered.

6. Ceylon Treebrown

Scientific Name – lethe daretis

Family – Nymphalidae

The wingspan of the Treebrown is about 50-60 mm. There seems to be significant differences between the male and the female. The male is a medium-sized, mostly dark brown butterfly having a series of dark sub-marginal spots on the hind wing. The underside is lighter with more vivid markings. It can be distinguished from all other similar looking species by the eye-spots on the underside of the hind wing. There are six eye-spots which are similar in size, shape and color pattern. The eye-spots are smaller of the male and the yellow band is absent. The female is larger and less brighter than the male. The undersides are similar in both sexes. The upper side of the female has a yellow band across the center of the forewing and a well-defined set of large eye-spots on the hind wing. It has a series of white streaks that form a diagonal line from the post discal area of the fore wing and a series of large spots faintly outlined in white on the hind wing.

It is sighted between elevations of 5,000 and 8,000 feet, but is confined to areas where bamboo grows because its host plant consists of the Poaceae family. It may often be seen settled on the ground by the side of forest paths. Though it usually flies away when disturbed, it does not venture too far away and resettles in the undergrowth where its camouflage makes it difficult to spot. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

7. Ceylon Forester

Scientific Name – lethe dynsate

Family – Nymphalidae

Males are dark brown with the upper surface of the wings being unmarked except for faint dark eyespots on the sub marginal areas and tornal areas of the hind wings. Underside is heavily shaded and the sub marginal area of the wings carry a series of eye spots which are framed in speckled purple and helps to distinguish the butterfly from the treebrowns. Females are paler than the male and their underside is similar to the upper side except they are diffused. They can be found between 800 and 1200 feet where bamboo trees are found. Foresters have a swift flight and stay at a considerable height, but they also settle occasionally on the ground. It is quite rare and is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

8. Blue Oak Leaf

Scientific Name – kallima philarcus

Family – Nymphalidae

Its large size and the unique blue color are easily distinguishable when compared with other Kallima species. It is leaf shaped, with the upper side colored in several hues of blue, brown and white. It has dried up leaf-like patterns on the underside which is completely contrasted with the upper side. It can adapt its colours to the changing seasons, the dry season form being somewhat larger and paler. It is not rare but local, from the sea level to about 2500 feet. It points its head down on a twig, with its tail in the contact with twig or branch to deliberately give the impression of a withered leaf hanging in a perfectly natural manner. It is a strong flier but settles often, while wings wide open towards the sun. They maintain a slow flapping of wings while basking. When it is been attacked by predators, it seeks refuge against a tree looking exactly like a withered leaf. At times it folds its wings and drifts down imitating the falling of a dead leaf. It’s also known to be fond of rotting fruits. It is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

9. Jewel Four-ring

Scientific Name – ypthima singala

Family – Nymphalidae

The wing span of this butterfly is about 30-45 mm. There is one large eye-spot on the forewing and a series of smaller ones on the hind wing. Males and females look quite different on the upper side. This is a much more local butterfly than the White Four-ring and is confined to the hill tracts of the eastern part of the island, with some local populations near Kandy in the central hills. Hence it is less common. It is essentially restricted to grasslands in Uva district between the elevations of 500 to 5000 feet. It is a butterfly of the dry grasslands and is rarely seen outside this habitat. Its host plant consists of grasses belonging to bamboo family. This is a lively little butterfly that flies all day long among the short grass and herbs in its habitat in large groups. Its flight is weak and can be considered as a short skip or a bounce closer to the ground. It moves forward in a zigzag manner with a few crisp wing beats, often settling at regular intervals to rest nectar. If disturbed, it goes immediately to ground, trying to hide in low shrubs or thick grass within security but it does not remain very long. It is one of the first butterflies to come out in the morning, even in damp conditions and has a tendency to bask in the early morning with its wings partly open. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

10. Ceylon Palmfly

Scientific Name – elymnias singhala

Family – Nymphalidae

Its wingspan is quite large and is about 60-80 mm. Its wings are dark brown and its patterns are more refined than the Common Palmfly. The edges of its wings are rugged with a faint white streak. It is rather shy and usually inhabits dark dense forests. It often flies as a couple and individual female can be seen hovering host plants. It has a fondness for over-ripe fruits. It is rare and can be found near Kandy and other similar elevations. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

11. Ceylon Hedge Blue

Scientific Name – udara lanka

Family – Lycaenidae

It is a small family with a wingspan of about 25-30 mm. The upper side of the male consists of a uniform dark purplish-blue with a faint brownish tinge. The underside is shining silvery white with faintly marked in spots and lines. The female is lighter in shade. It is found in the up country and can be sighted in elevations between 3000 and 6000 feet and commonest between the months of February and October. It is most frequently encountered in forest foot paths and clearings and is also found in gardens of bungalows of tea plantations, though never far from hilly jungle.It likes to bask in the sun. It flies weakly about low bushes and shrubs and keeps away from tree tops. The males often settle on damp patches, sometimes in considerable numbers. The females may be seen at flowers. The IUCN lists it as Endangered.

12. Ceylon Cerulean

Scientific Name – jamides coruscans

Family – Lycaenidae

Like other butterflies of the Blues Family it is also small with a wingspan of 25-30 mm. It is bluish brown with white markings and a prominent dark spot on the underside of the wing. Also on the underside are acute ‘v’ markings on the outer marginal bands. It has a particular liking towards wild flowers for nectar. It is found up to 500m of the low country in southern parts of Sri Lanka. This is a forest dwelling species which flies at lower levels of the forest. When encountered, it is usually in the company of others of its kind. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

13. Milky Cerulean

Scientific Name – jamides lacteata

Family – Lycaenidae

It is slightly larger than other Blues Family butterflies with a wingspan of about 32-35 mm. The upper side consists of a pale, shiny, purplish blue. The tail is black tipped with white. The underside is a pale grayish brown. The female is quite similar to the male.  It is found up to 500 m of the mid country and can be found throughout the country. It is extremely active, fluttering around plants for a long time before it settles. It is also jittery and will take flight when senses any disturbance. Confined mostly to forests and well wooded areas it usually flies near the ground and can rarely be seen. It is normally found in rabbles. It is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

14. Woodhouse's Four Lineblue

Scientific  Name – nacaduba ollyeti

Family – Lycaenidae

It has a wingspan of about 30-32 mm. It has a particular tint of purple blue or deep purple on the upper sides. It can be distinguished by its similar species from their more brownish upper surface and the particular metallic gloss.  The female can be distinguished because its upper sides are more blue than purple. They also have a habit of sipping mud. These butterflies are very rare and can only be found in forested areas in the mid country. The IUCN has recorded its status as Data Deficient (which is done when proper studies and research have not been done with regards to the particular species).

15. Pale Ceylon Six Lineblue

Scientific Name – nacaduba sinhala

Family – Lycaenidae

It has a wingspan of about 18-28 mm. It is smaller in size than its similar species. Its colour patterns consist of particular silvery purple tint. It can be distinguished from its similar species from the three large whitish spots. The top of its front wings are round and are also transparent.  The female can be distinguished with its blue colour shade and tint and also because its front wings are shade of silvery white with dark bands.  It’s more common than the other species of Lineblues. These butterflies are mostly found in forested areas in the wet and intermediate zones. They are migratory and are also known to sip mud. The IUCN has recorded its status as Data Deficient.

16. Ceylon Indigo Royal

Scientific Name – tajuria arida

Family – Lycaenidae

It has a wingspan of about 24-26 mm. It is a silvery white butterfly with black spots. The underside is particular with a prominent black line. The female is similar to the male. The males of have reduced forelegs, lacking in claws. The antennae are banded with white. They are sun-lovers and enjoy basking. They tend to fly in a flitting, irregular manner staying close to the ground. It is found in the low country wet zone especially in the Haldumulla area. It appears in the new 500 rupee note. It is listed as Critically Threatened by the IUCN.

17. Ormiston’s Oakblue

Scientific Name – arhopala ormistoni

Family – Lycaenidae

It has a wingspan of about 24-26 mm. The colour patterns of this butterfly are made up of shades of brown and so it is able to camouflage itself well.  The female is entirely brown on the upper surface. It is extremely rare and can be found in the low country wet zone. The IUCN has recorded its status as Data Deficient.

18. Green's Silverline

Scientific Name – spindasis greeni

Family – Lycaenidae

They are small butterflies usually with a wingspan of 20-30mm. The butterflies are easily recognized by the silvery markings on the underside and the two hind wing tails. They are very distinct because of their colorful patterns. It has an extremely rapid flight. It is very rare in Sri Lanka and the IUCN has recorded its status as Data Deficient (which is done when proper studies and research have not been done with regards to the particular species).

19. Clouded Silverline

Scientific Name – spindasis nubilus

Family – Lycaenidae

It has a wingspan of about 24-26 mm. It has a dull indigo blue upper surface and is distinguishable from the other species by the glowing brick red color on the underside of the wing. The bands are not so dark and are separated by the black outlines and heavy silver lining. On its upper side, it has a brilliant shot blue at its hind wing. The female is similar to the male with the exception of the shot blue at its hind wing. It is considered as an extremely uncommon butterfly found in the low country dry zone up to 100m particularly in the North. It has an extremely rapid flight but settles often, upon which it can be approached easily. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

20. Lesser Albatross

Scientific Name - appias galene

Family – Pieridae

It is a medium sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 50-60 mm. It is a variable species with distinct wet and dry season forms.  The upper side of it is cream, with a dark band that extends along the top of the forewings right up to the mid area. The hind wing is entirely yellow. The female differs from the male as its upper surface has broad dark bands that cover most of the upper area of the forewing and outer margins of the hind wing. It is one of the most common butterflies of the intermediate and dry zones of the island. It inhabits dry evergreen forests and scrub jungle. It is not found in the hills except during migration.

Usually they are very active, swarming and has a medium paced flight. They are sometimes seen resting within the forest shade during peak hours for foraging. It spends a great deal of time in the canopy of the trees searching for nectar and visits wild flowers readily but does not find ornamentals attractive. In late evenings it roosts in large numbers under the canopy of trees, settled on the upper surface of leaves with their forewings drawn into the hind wings. Both male and female butterflies are seen mud-sipping during the day time and sometimes form large swarms in dried up streambeds with a trickle of flowing water. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

21. One Spot Grass Yellow

Scientific Name – eurema andersonii

Family – Pieridae

Its wingspan is about 35-40 mm. It is a bright yellow butterfly. There are a few markings on the underside. It differs from the other Grass Yellows by curved forewings, which gives it a rounder appearance. There is also a prominent and uneven, narrow black margin on the border of its wings. On the upper side of the hind wing there is a single small brownish spot. This species is the least variable species of Eureme in the country. It is an extremely rare butterfly which only lives in the wet zone of the island up to elevations of about 3500 feet and is mainly confined to wet evergreen forests.

It is somewhat gregarious and flies more weakly and hovers close to the ground. It inhabits forest edges and sunlit areas inside the forests and rarely ventures out into wide open spaces. Like other species in its family it also loves to sip mud. It is a species that breeds in forests or close to them, and has only been sighted at certain times of the year from April periodically to September. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

22. Black Flat

Scientific Name – celaenorrhinus spilothyrus

Family – Hesperidae 

It has a wingspan of about 25-35 mm. It is a blackish brown butterfly with tiny white spots on its forewing. The females are similar to the males but have bigger white spots as well as small yellow spots on their forewings. The Black Flats belongs to the Skipper family and are so-called because they tend to skip from plant to plant. Although they are daytime fliers they are not true butterflies. The most common visible difference between a Skipper and a true butterfly is that they have hooks at the end of their antennae. Compared to other butterflies, Skippers have relatively smaller, elongated wings for their size. Unlike other butterflies they tend to rest for long periods of time with their wings opened flat (hence the name Flats). However, when they do fly it is with a lot of speed, especially in the smaller species.

All over the island from sea level to 3000 feet elevation, rarer or absent towards the North. Butterfly seems to prefer wet zone. This is a forest lover but visits open areas and home gardens where nectar plants grow. They are also frequently visible in riparian forest and open scrublands at forest edges. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN.

23. Decorated Ace

Scientific Name – halpe decorata

Family – Hesperiidae

It has a wingspan on about 25-35 mm. It is a dirty yellow butterfly with a dark pattern at the edge of its forewings and another dark pattern in the middle of its wings. Like the other species in the Skipper family it too tends to skip from plant to plant. Like a moth the Decorated Ace also has a body which is quite disproportionate to its wings when compared to the average butterfly. Its body is also dirty yellow. This butterfly belongs to the sub genus Thoressa or the ace butterflies together with four other species. They are called ace butterflies because their shape tends to take a distinct triangular shape. It is extremely uncommon and is considered as Endangered by the IUCN.

Sri Lankan Sambar Deer

The Sri Lankan Sambar Deer (rusa unicolor unicolor) is a sub-species of the Sambar Deer. Sambar (rusa unicolor) is a large deer native to the southern and southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Cervidae and the order Artiodactyla. The name is also spelled sambur, or sambhur. In Sinhala it is called Gona and in Tamil it is called Marai.

Description

In general, they attain a height of 102 to 160 centimeters at the shoulder. Head and body length varies from 162 to 246 centimeters with a 25 to 30 centimeters tail. Individuals belonging to western subspecies tend to be larger than those from the east. Thus the Sri Lankan subspecies is one of the largest Sambar Deer species with the largest antlers both in size and in body proportions. Large males weight up to 270-280 kg. The large, rugged antlers are typical – the brow tines being simple and the beams forked at the tip, so that they have only three tines. The antlers are typically up to 110 centimeters long in fully adult individuals. As with most deer, only the males have antlers. The shaggy coat can be anything from brown to dark grey in color. Sambars also have a small but dense mane, which tends to be more prominent in males.

Habitat & Diet

Sambars prefer the dense cover of deciduous shrubs and grasses, although the exact nature of this varies enormously with the environment. They mostly live in lowland dry forest and montane forest. Large herds of Sambar roam the Horton Plains National Park, where it is the most common large mammal. Sambars primarily live in woodland and feed on a wide variety of vegetation, including grasses, foliage, fruit, and water plants, depending on the local habitat. They are seldom found far from water. They also consume a great variety of shrubs and trees.

Behaviour

Sambars are nocturnal or crepuscular (active during twilight). The males live alone for much of the year, and the females live in small herds. This is an unusual pattern for deer, which more commonly live in larger groups. They often congregate near water, and are good swimmers. They are generally quiet, although the males bellow during the rut, and all adults can scream or make short, high-pitched sounds when alarmed. However, they more commonly communicate by scent marking and foot stamping. They are gentle animals although they can be defensive when threatened. Though they mate and reproduce year-round, Sambar calving peaks seasonally. Gestation lasts around eight months and usually only one calf is born at a time.

Threats & Conservation

The main threat to the Sri Lankan Sambar population is deforestation and environmental pollution. Humans pose the next threat as Sambars are hunted and poached for their meat, hide and antlers. Sambars are not usually hunted by other predators since they are very big animals although the young sambars are targeted. Although the IUCN has listed it under Least Concern there are several conservation projects to preserve the Sambar population in the island. 

Red Slender Loris

The Red Slender Loris (loris tardigradus) is a small, nocturnal prosimian endemic to the rainforests of Sri Lanka. It belongs to the family Lorisidae and the Primates order. It is called Unahapuluwa in Sinhala and Thevangu in Tamil. This is number 6 of the 10 focal species and number 22 of the 100 EDGE mammal species worldwide considered the most Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered. There are 2 subspecies of Red Slender Loris: Loris tardigradus tardigradus and Loris tardigradus nycticeboides.  

Characteristics

The Red Slender Loris is one of two slender loris species, the other one being the Grey Slender Loris. They have a body length between 11.6 and 17 centimeters weigh between 103 and 172 grams. They have soft, dense fur which it is reddish/brown in colour with a silver/grey coloured underside. Their limbs are long and slender and on each foot their big toe opposes the other 4 so they have a pincer-like grip. They do not have tails. They have large, round, forward facing eyes which enable them to have a precise depth perception. Their ears are large, round, thin and hairless at the edges. On their face they have a central pale stripe that starts above their eyes and runs down towards their nose.

Behavior & Habitat

The Red Slender Loris can be found in the lowland and tropical rainforests in the south western wet-zone of Sri Lanka. They form small social groups consisting of individuals of both sexes and some youngsters. They are nocturnal and during the day they rest in a tree hole, a dense leaf nest or a similar secure place. The adults typically hunt separately during the night. They are primarily insectivorous but also eat bird eggs, berries, leaves, buds and occasionally invertebrates as well as geckos and lizards. To maximize protein and nutrient uptake they consume every part of their prey, including the scales and bones. They make nests out of leaves or find hollows of trees or a similar secure place to live in. Females are dominant. They breed twice per year between May and December. After a gestation period of 166 - 169 days, 1 or 2 young are born.  The lifespan of this species is believed to be around 15–18 years in the wild.

Threat and Conservation

Habitat destruction is a major threat. It is widely trapped and killed for use in supposed remedies for eye diseases and get killed by snakes, dogs, and some fish. Other threats include: electrocution on live wires, road accidents and the pet trade. It is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN. It is protected under the Fauna and Flora Ordinance of 1938. 

Monitor Lizards

Water Monitor (Kabaragoya)

 Monitor Lizards are large reptiles belonging to the genus Varanus and the family, Varanidae. They have long necks, powerful tails and claws, and well-developed limbs.  In Sinhalese the Monitor Lizard is called Thalagoya and the Water Monitor is called Kabaragoya and they are known as Udumbu in Tamil and Goannas in Australia.  There are about 60 varanid species and the last one was discovered in 2009 in New Guinea.

Evolution

Monitor lizards differ greatly from other lizards in several ways, possessing a relatively high metabolic rate for reptiles and several sensory adaptations that benefit the hunting of live prey. Recent research indicates that these lizards, including the Komodo dragon, may have some venom. It is also believed that the monitor lizards have evolved from the Mosasaurs that lived during the Cretaceous era.

Distribution

The various species of Varanus cover a vast area, occurring through Africa, the Asian subcontinent from India and Sri Lanka to China, down Southeast Asia to Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, Australia and islands of the Indian Ocean and South China Sea. There is also a large concentration of monitor lizards in Tioman Island in the Malaysian state of Johor.

Monitor Lizard (Thalagoya)

Characteristics and Behaviour

Some are small reptiles of less than a foot in length, while the Komodo Dragon, the largest living lizard, grows to 2-3 meters. All monitors are tropical reptiles and carnivorous but some are known to be omnivorous as well. They are active lizards that may be very hostile, lashing out with their tails upon the slightest provocation. Even a small monitor can produce a stinging lash with its tail. Monitors will devour anything they are capable of overpowering and tend to swallow their prey whole, like snakes. Monitors are daytime lizards. Their diet composes of small birds, large insects and crocodile and bird eggs, crabs, fish, other lizards, frogs and squirrels.

Monitors do not divest themselves of their tails, like some other lizards. Once lost, the tail of a monitor does not grow back. They are mostly terrestrial, but many are agile climbers and good swimmers. They lay from 7 to 37 eggs, which they often cover with soil or protect in a hollow tree stump. Eggs are 2 inches long with leathery shells. Incubation is 8 to 10 weeks. The young use an egg tooth to emerge.

Protection

In Sri Lanka monitor lizards have been granted protected status especially the Asian Water Monitor now limited to Sri Lanka. Killing or keeping any of these animals without a license will be fined. In the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and all other parts of South India, catching or killing of monitor lizards is banned under Protected Species Act.  

Golden Palm Civet

The Golden Palm Civet (paradoxurus zeylonensis) is the only endemic species in Sri Lanka from the Viverridae or the Civet Family belonging to the Carnivora Order. It is called Pani Uguduwa, Ran Hothambuwa or Sapumal Kalawadda in Sinhala and Maram Nai in Tamil. However the Asian Palm Civet and the Golden Palm Civet are sometimes collectively referred to as Kalawedda. Golden Palm Civets are featured on the 3 rupee Sri Lankan postage stamp however, on the stamp they are named as the Golden Palm Cat.

Characteristics

It is a smallish civet and has a coat that is either light brown or dark brown in color. Despite its name, the golden palm civet is not necessarily golden in colour: there are both golden and dark-brown morphs. The fur of the golden species is genuinely golden, from a beautiful bright red-gold to a more faded and brownish golden tone, whereas individuals of the brown morph vary from dark grayish brown to nearly black. The hair on the back of its neck grows reverse grain, from the shoulders toward the head. A fully grown mature individual is about 95 centimeters long.

Behaviour and Habitat

Like other palm civets, they are nocturnal, and arboreal. They spend the day sleeping in large hollow tree branches. They are solitary except throughout the mating season and at some stage when the offspring are being raised. Reproduction occurs in the latter months of the year, and it is presumed that females give birth to more that one litter with two or three young annually. They are spread throughout the country and have been recorded in all three biotic zones but can be found especially in the rainforests of such as Singharaja and Wasgamuwa. Being omnivorous their diet consists of a vast variety of food ranging from fruits like bananas and mangos to small birds, lizards, frogs and bantam mammals like rats.

Threats and Conservation

Apart from being endemic the species is also endangered and has been listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The populations of these species are rapidly decreasing mainly due to deforestation leading to the destruction of their habitat, as well as hunting and poaching. In response to the grave threat of the extinction of the Golden Palm Civet the national zoological gardens of Sri Lanka initiated a breeding and conservation program in 2005. The Fauna and Flora Ordinance carries heavy penalties for the killing of endemic species which includes the civet.

Sri Lankan Axis Deer

The Sri Lankan Axis Deer (axis axis ceylonensis) or Ceylon Spotted Deer is a subspecies of axis deer (axis axis) that inhabits only Sri Lanka. It is called Thith Muwa in Sinhala and Pulli Maan in Tamil. The name chital is not used in Sri Lanka although it is the name used throughout the sub continent. The Sri Lankan Axis Deer is the only other subspecies of the chital deer other than the Indian Chital (axis axis axis). It belongs to the Cervidae family under the Artiodactyla order.

Description

The axis deer’s coat is pinkish fawn, marked with white spots, and its underparts are white. Its antlers, which it sheds annually, are usually three-pronged and curve in a lyre shape and may extend to 75 centimeters. Compared to the hog deer, its close relative, the chital has a more cursorial build, its antler pedicles are proportionally short and its auditory bullae are smaller. It also has large nasals. It stands about 90 centimeters tall at the shoulder and masses about 85 kilograms, although males tend to be larger than females. Its lifespan is around 8–14 years.

Habitat and Diet

These deer are mostly in the Dry Zone and inhabit lowland dry forests, savannas, and shrub lands. Very rarely, these deer inhabit dry mountain areas. The Sri Lankan axis deer eats primarily grasses, but it also eats fallen fruits and leaves. They graze closely with langur, peacock, wild buffalo, and sambar.

Behaviour

They are active primarily during early morning and again during the evening, but they are commonly observed near waterholes anytime. They usually live in groups of between 10-60 animals, though herds may include up to 100 animals. The chital has a protracted breeding season due in part to the tropical climate, and births can occur throughout the year. Males sporting hard antlers are dominant over those in velvet or those without antlers, irrespective of their size and other factors. Stags commonly bellow during the rut. Hinds birth one fawn, rarely two, at a time. Chital are generally silent when grazing together. They do however make high-pitched chuckles when walking. When grazing chital do a "courtesy posture" when they pass each other. When alarmed, chital will bark. When in danger, they run in groups. They will make bursts of high-speed running and then soon tire and dive into heavy cover to hide.

Conservation

Unlike the mainland axis deer (Axis axis) which is plentiful, Sri Lankan axis deer populations are considered to be vulnerable. Threats include hunting for meat and deforestation. Historically, axis deer were found in very large numbers in the entire dry zone of Sri Lanka, but these numbers have been significantly reduced. Axis deer are important prey for the Sri Lankan leopard as well as for sloth bears and jackals. Today several thousands of these deer are found in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan axis deer are mainly found in protected areas in the dry zone, with a small number of herds living outside the protected forest areas. Large herds can be found only in protected areas.

Sri Lankan Sloth Bear

The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (melursus ursinus inornatus) is a subspecies of the Sloth Bear. It is the only representative of the Bear Family or Ursidae found in Sri Lanka. It is an endemic animal to Sri Lanka and classified as one of the most threatened with extinction by the IUCN. It is called Walaha in Sinhala and Karadi in Tamil.

Description

Sloth bears are small and have long, shaggy black fur, especially over the shoulders and neck, which looks like a mane. It has a distinctive whitish or yellowish chest patch. The snout is light colored and mobile about 7 cm long. These bears also have a long muzzle with lips that can be closed. They have long white curved, blunt claws and a tail that is approximately 15 cm long. Adult sloth bears usually weigh about 140 kg females being somewhat smaller than the males. They are usually 3 feet high at the shoulder and about 6 feet long.

Habitat and Diet

Sloth bears are found in forested areas and in grasslands, predominantly at lower elevations and so mostly found in the dry zone. They apparently favor drier forests and have been reported to prefer areas with rocky outcrops. Sloth bears are omnivorous and its favorite food is primarily termites and other insects which it snorts and sucks out of termite hills on the ground with a vacuum-cleaner sounding roar that can be heard several hundred yards away. Its diet includes fruits, blooms and honey in its menu.

Behavior

The sloth bear derives its name from a superficial resemblance to tree sloths, which are in fact much smaller mammals of the order Edentata. Adult sloth bears are usually solitary, except during the breeding season. They are mostly nocturnal, feeding and traveling by night and sleeping in the day. They are excellent tree climbers and are often seen hanging from a tree limb like a sloth. The comparatively poor vision and hearing of sloth bears is compensated for by a highly developed sense of smell. They are known to roar, snarl, yelp and even whimper. After mating, there is a period of about 6 to 7 months before the young are born. They are born in earthen dens and stay inside till two or three months old. Mother bears are known to carry their young on their backs, the cubs using the long shaggy fur on their mother's back to hold on to.

Conservation

The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is highly threatened, with a population of less than 1000 (the wild population may be as few as 500). Destruction of dry-zone natural forest is its main threat, because unlike other large Sri Lankan animals, the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is highly dependent on natural forests for its food source. Programs such as AZA Bear Advisory Group have made it a high priority to protect the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear. 

Sri Lankan Elephant

The Sri Lankan Elephant (elephas maximus maximus), as suggested by its name from Sri Lanka, is the nominate subspecies of the Asian Elephant and is the largest of the subspecies although smaller than the two species of African elephants. It is endemic to the island and is classified as an endangered species under the IUCN Red List. It is called Aliya or Atha in Sinhala and Yannai in Tamil. It is a highly revered creature throughout the country even participating in religious ceremonies like processions.

Description

The Sri Lankan Elephant is generally dark grey in colour and is the darkest of all Asian elephants. It has patches of depigmentation (areas with no skin color) on its ears, face, trunk and belly. The main difference between the Sri Lankan elephant and the African elephant is that the former has smaller ears. The Sri Lankan Elephant tends to grow to around 2 to 3.6 meters in height and 3,000–5,000 kilograms in weight. A unique feature of elephants is their tusks and some grown animals even have tusks. Their skin is around 3–4 cm thick.

Habitat & Diet

Sri Lankan elephants generally live in hot climates. The historical range of the Sri Lankan Elephant includes all Sri Lankan eco-regions: lowland rainforests, montane forest and the Sri Lankan dry-zone forest. Today the Sri Lankan Elephant is extinct from montane forest and occupies mainly dry-zone forests, although a small population lives in rainforests. Udawalawe, Yala, Wilpattu and Minneriya National Parks are prime locations for spotting elephants. It is an herbivore and its diet includes grass, leaves, bark, fallen fruits and palm leaves. Large bulls need nearly 200 kg of food per day.

Behaviour

Usually they stay in the jungle to shelter them from the heat of the sun during the day. They use mud to cover their body against heat. They love the water and can be found swimming in tanks and rivers. Elephant rarely live alone and live in large herds. The oldest female elephant is the leader of the herd. Elephants are also very active in the night. Some people believe that they have grave yards and come near to a water resource when they are about to die. Female elephants give a birth once in 4 years and 2-3 babies in their life span.

Conservation

The main threat for elephants is the human/elephant conflict where humans kill the animals to protect crops and houses. The next greatest threat is deforestation as this leads to loss of habitat and food for the elephants. Other threats include poaching (especially for the ivory trade), drought and capture for domesticity. The Sri Lankan Elephant is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance and killing it carries the death penalty. The government of Sri Lanka plays an active role in the conservation of elephants through programs like the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Kegalle treating injured elephants and caring for orphan elephants and the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Centre where orphaned elephant calves are kept until they are released into the habitat.