Distribution and Conservation of Endemic Flowering Plants in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's endemic flowering plants, particularly concentrated in the Central Highlands and South Western Wet Zone, face severe threats with 72.4% of species, subspecies, and varieties listed as endangered. This high endemism, unique among South Asian countries, is driven by diverse factors but remains understudied in regions like the North East. Research using 5×5 km grid mapping identified nine endemic hotspots, including Adams Peak, Horton Plains, and Sinharaja, with four core areas exhibiting the highest concentrations of threatened species. Habitat loss, pollution, and lack of pollinators or dispersal agents are primary threats, necessitating urgent conservation action to protect this biodiversity.

Wijesundara D.S.A. (2022). Distribution and Conservation of Endemic Flowering Plants in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 26. https://doi.org/10.31357/fesympo.v26.5533