Joanna James
As one of Asia's premier safari destinations, Sri Lanka is home to countless species endemic to its wildernesses. Here are seven fascinating animals found in the jungles of the island nation.
Also known as an old world monkey species, the Purple Faced Langur is a type of monkey endemic to the island of Sri Lanka. Occupying some of the country's forests and natural reserves this attractive species is a creature most tourists will come across during their travels around the country. The long-tailed monkey is arboreal by nature and is also listed among the twenty-five primates in the globe facing extinction.
Although most wildlife enthusiasts will classify the gentle giants found in the paradise isle as Asian elephants as the species bears no resemblance to the African elephant, the elephants in Sri Lanka are in fact a subspecies of the larger Asian elephant population known as Sri Lankan elephants. Also listed in the country's endangered species list, the highest density of this elephant variety in Asia is found in Yala National Park and the Udawalawe National Park. Those based at an eco-hotel in Sri Lanka the likes of the Rainforest EcoLodge or any other accommodation hub in the wilderness should take the time to enjoy a safari in these elephant gathering hotspots.
Simply known as a "Rilawa" in the local tongue, the Toque Macaque is a curious and mischievous monkey variety endemic to the country. As a relatively smaller monkey species, these fun-loving apes are also staring extinction straight in the eyes due to the loss of habitat and hunting activities.
Occupying the mountainous regions of the island nation, the Golden-Palm-Civet is another endemic animal only found in Sri Lanka. With a golden and brown hued coat, the civet is also arboreal. Small in size and inquisitive by nature the hill country is home to larger numbers of this species than other regions of the country.
As the national bird, the Sri Lankan Junglefowl is no ordinary bird species in the island. Closely connected to the red junglefowl, the best places to spot the Sri Lankan Junglefowl in the wild include the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Kitulgala while the Yala National Park also boasts a Sri Lankan Junglefowl population.
Those who wish to catch a glimpse of a Sri Lankan Sloth Bear should head to the country's most visited nature reserve, the Yala National Park as this bear variety is known to dwell on lowland forests which are dry. With no resembles Asian bears in appearance the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is an attractive creature in its own right and also a species that's only found in Sri Lanka.
Birding enthusiasts hoping to spot a bird species unique to the paradise island will find no finer alternative to the stunning Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill. Known as "Alu Kadatta" in the local language, the birds eat just about anything and are omnivores from birth. Found mainly in the country's forests, the resident bird is a highlight of any birding expedition in Sri Lanka's national parks.
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