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Photo focus: Anawilundawa wetlands under threat
The ancient waterway which fed the sanctuary has all but disappeared
The Anawilundawa Sanctuary, a bird-watcher’s paradise has a multitude of both resident and migratory birds and has been designated an international RAMSAR wetland ( the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for the conservation of wetlands), is under threat from several different fronts.
It has a total of 131 species of birds and 74 species of butterflies. It is also home to around 20 species of amphibians, 30 species of reptiles, 20 species of mammals including the Slender Loris and Rusty-spotted cat (Handun Diviya).
A tank system, dating back to the time of King Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century, provides water to the sanctuary in addition to providing water for the cultivation of some 4000 hectares of paddy land.
The sanctuary is home to 131 species of birds
However the fate of the sanctuary is endangered facing threats on multiple fronts.
For instance the ancient waterway which fed the sanctuary has all but disappeared. The ongoing drought has worsened the problem
Additionally, despite protests from area residents a large factory is under construction. Residents accuse these politicians now turn a blind eye on the issue and accuse them of being bought over by factory owners.
The sanctuary is also home to a variety of animal species
Another major threat is the spread of an invasive species of aquatic plant that is rapidly taking over the tank system inside the sanctuary.
W.M.K.S. Chandraratne, Assistant Director of the Department of Wildlife’s Puttalam office said
a plan to provide water had now been approved and was being put in place with the assistance of the Puttalam District Secretary. He added human activity had contributed to threats faced by the wetland system.
The Wildlife Department in Puttalam has said a plan to provide water to the sanctuary has been approved
The wildlife sanctuary is home to both resident and migratory birds
Unless urgent action is taken these beautiful scenes may turn out to be distant memories
The Anawilundawa Sanctuary faces multiple threats one being from a species of invasive acquatic plant