Reptile diversity in Beraliya Mukalana Proposed Forest Reserve, Galle District, Sri Lanka

D. M. S. Suranjan Karunarathna, A. A. Thasun Amarasinghe
2012 TAPROBANICA The Journal of Asian Biodiversity  
Beraliya Mukalana Proposed Forest Reserve (BMPFR) is a fragmented lowland rainforest patch in Galle District, Sri Lanka. During our two-year survey we recorded a total of 66 species of reptile (28 Lizards, 36 Snakes and 2 Tortoises), which represents 31.4 % of the total Sri Lankan reptile fauna. Thirty-five of the species are endemic to Sri Lanka. Of the recorded 66 species, 1 species is Critically Endangered, 3 are Endangered, 6 are Vulnerable, 14 are Near-threatened and 4 are Data-deficient.
more » ... his important forest area is threatened by harmful anthropogenic activities such as illegal logging, use of chemicals and land-fill. Environmental conservationists are urged to focus attention on this Wet-zone forest.
doi:10.4038/tapro.v4i1.4378 fatcat:6kl6f4subrezlnyh3rn3sn7y24