Wasgamuwa National Park – A Sanctuary for Sri Lankan Elephants and Wildlife
Introduction Wasgamuwa National Park is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in the Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts of Sri Lanka. Originally designated as a nature reserve in 1938 and later upgraded to a strict nature reserve in the 1970s, Wasgamuwa was officially declared a national park in 1984. The park was established to protect displaced wildlife affected by the Mahaweli Development Project and is one of Sri Lanka’s key protected areas. Spanning across 225 kilometers from Colombo, Wasgamuwa is renowned for its large herds of Sri Lankan elephants and diverse ecosystem. It is also recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s Important Bird Areas.
Physical Features of Wasgamuwa National Park Wasgamuwa National Park is situated in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, characterized by an annual average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and a rainfall ranging from 1,650 to 2,100 mm. The park receives most of its rainfall during the northeastern monsoon from October to January, while the dry season lasts from July to September. The highest elevation in the park is Sudu Kanda (White Mountain), standing at 470 meters (1,540 feet). The park features a range of landscapes, including dry evergreen forests, riverine forests, primary and secondary forests, and grasslands.
The soil composition in the park includes quartz and marble, contributing to its unique biodiversity. Wasgamuwa’s forests represent Sri Lanka’s dry-zone dry evergreen forests, supporting an abundance of plant and animal species.
Flora of Wasgamuwa National Park Wasgamuwa is home to over 150 floral species, with several plants holding economic significance. Notable plants in the park include Cryptocoryne walkeri and Munronia pumila. The park’s vegetation consists of several layers of trees, with dominant species such as Chloroxylon swietenia, Manilkara hexandra, and Vitex altissima found in the emergent layer. Other common trees in the park include Elaeodendron glaucum, Pterospermum canescens, and Diospyros ebenum.
The park also features notable historical trees, such as the 1,700-year-old tamarind tree known as “Oru Bendi Siyambalawa” (Canoes-Moored-Tamarind).
Fauna of Wasgamuwa National Park Wasgamuwa is renowned for its rich wildlife, with 23 mammal species, including a herd of around 150 Sri Lankan elephants. Other notable mammals include the endemic purple-faced langur and toque macaque, as well as rarer species like the Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, and small golden palm civet. Common sightings also include water buffalo and Sri Lankan axis deer.
The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with 143 bird species recorded, 8 of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. Notable bird species include the red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka junglefowl, lesser adjutant, yellow-fronted barbet, and the rare Sri Lanka frogmouth. Water birds like painted stork, black-headed ibis, and Eurasian spoonbill are often seen at the park’s reservoirs.
Wasgamuwa is also home to 17 species of reptiles, including the endangered Lankascincus skinks, Calotes ceylonensis lizards, and Chrysopelea taprobanica snakes. Additionally, the park harbors 8 species of amphibians, including the endangered Fejervarya pulla. The park’s waterbodies are home to species like the water monitor and mugger crocodile.
With 50 recorded butterfly species, Wasgamuwa is a haven for endemic species, including 8 types of butterflies unique to Sri Lanka.
Conservation Efforts and Threats Wasgamuwa National Park faces several conservation challenges, including conflicts between wildlife and local communities. Wild animals, particularly elephants, have been known to damage crops and property, leading to human-wildlife conflict. Illegal logging remains a serious threat, and the park is also vulnerable to disease transmission between domestic cattle and wildlife. Villagers release cattle into the park, which competes with wild animals for grazing land and water sources.
To mitigate these threats, an elephant transit home is being proposed, along with enhanced efforts to prevent illegal logging and cattle intrusion. Environmentalists have raised concerns about the resettlement of people displaced by the Moragahakanda reservoir construction, which could exacerbate the human-elephant conflict.
Historical Significance Wasgamuwa is not only a wildlife sanctuary but also a site of historical importance. The park contains the ruins of several ancient irrigation tanks, including the Malagamuwa, Wilmitiya, and Dasthota tanks, as well as the Kalinga Yoda Ela canal built by Parākramabāhu I. Additionally, the park is home to the site of the historic battle between King Ellalan and King Dutthagamani, with Yudangana Pitiya identified as the battleground.
The park also contains the ruins of the Chulangani chaitya, built by King Mahanaga, which has a circumference of 966 feet, surpassing the size of the famous Ruwanwelisaya stupa.
Conclusion Wasgamuwa National Park is a vital ecological and cultural treasure, offering sanctuary to Sri Lanka’s iconic elephants, endemic species, and rare wildlife. Its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity make it an essential destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists. Through continued efforts to address conservation challenges, Wasgamuwa remains a key site for preserving Sri Lanka’s natural and historical heritage.
