Diversity, Threats and Conservation of Herpetofauna in and around the Eastern Sinharaja

Eastern Sinharaja, a 30km² moist montane tropical forest within the Rakwana mountain range, faces severe threats to its critically endangered endemic herpetofauna, including seven anuran amphibians and four reptiles. Human disturbances such as deforestation for cardamom and tea cultivation, illegal gem mining, timber felling, and pesticide use have drastically reduced their populations. Immediate conservation actions are critical, emphasizing habitat restoration with native species, establishment of buffer zones, and promoting agro-forestry practices to mitigate human impacts and sustain viable herpetofauna populations.

Surasinghe, T. D., & Jayaratne, R. L. (2010). Diversity, Threats and Conservation of Herpetofauna in and around the Eastern Sinharaja. Sabaragamuwa University Journal, 6(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.4038/suslj.v6i1.1685