Sinharaja Forest Reserve

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Sinharaja Forest Reserve from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• Complex Small-Holder Agriculture in Rainforest Buffer Zone, Sri Lanka, Supports Endemic Birds

  Complex small-holder agroforestry in the buffer zone of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lankasupports higher abundance and diversity of endemic birds compared to tea plantations or forest fragments. The study found that tree gardens, characterized by multi-strata vegetation, hosted more bird species across various ecological traits than other land-use types. While forest fragments and tree gardens showed similar overall bird abundance, their species assemblages differed significantly. Additionally, increased shade tree richness in tea plots correlated with greater bird diversity. This research underscores the potential for small-scale agroforestry to enhance biodiversity conservation within protected area buffer zones, offering a practical model for sustainable land management.

  Hanle, J., Singhakumara, B. M. P., & Ashton, M. S. (2021). Complex Small-Holder Agriculture in Rainforest Buffer Zone, Sri Lanka, Supports Endemic Birds. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.608434

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Diversity of Amphibians in the Eastern and Southern Parts of the Sinharaja Rain Forest

  A comprehensive study of amphibian diversity in the eastern and southern parts of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka, reveals that 24 species were identified, with a striking 92% (22 species) being endemic to the region. Notably, sub-montane forests exhibited higher diversity, including endangered and critically endangered species, compared to lowland rain forests. The research, employing quantitative deductive methodology with line transects and quadrate samples, highlights significant threats such as biopiracy, illegal forest utilization, gem mining, encroachments, and unethical tourism. These findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts by authorities to mitigate human impacts on this biologically unique and vulnerable ecosystem.

  Kumara, H. I. G. C., & Samarawikrama, V. A. M. P. K. (2019). Diversity of Amphibians in the Eastern and Southern Parts of the Sinharaja Rain Forest. Sri Lanka Journal of Advanced Social Studies, 9(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.4038/sljass.v9i1.7146

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Impact of fishing with Tephrosia candida (Fabaceae) on diversity and abundance of fish in the streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

  Fish poisoning using Tephrosia candida significantly reduces fish diversity and abundance in streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. The study found that streams with active poisoning practices had 13 fewer fish species, lower Shannon-Weiner diversity indices, and 80% less fish abundance compared to control streams without poisoning. Four endemic and one native fish species became locally extinct in poisoned streams. Conducted over seven bimonthly field trips from May 2013 to June 2014, the research surveyed five streams—three with poisoning (treatment) and two without (control)—using electrofishing and nets. Physico-chemical water parameters remained consistent across streams, indicating that the observed declines were directly linked to fish poisoning. The findings highlight the urgent need for stricter regulation of this practice to protect biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage sites.

  Kankanamge Epa, U. P., & Ruvandika Waniga Chinthamanie Mohotti, C. (2016). Impact of fishing with Tephrosia candida (Fabaceae) on diversity and abundance of fish in the streams at the boundary of Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. Revista de Biología Tropical, 64(3). https://doi.org/10.15517/rbt.v64i3.19099

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Change Detection Using Mappable Vegetation Related Indices A Case Study from Sinharaja Forest Reserve

  A significant increase of 962 hectares in vegetation prime was detected in the western Sinharaja Forest Reserve between 2001 and 2005, while a 15-hectare decrease occurred over the entire period from 1993 to 2005. The study also identified that the forest reserve's fringe areas were particularly vulnerable to forest fires, with burn areas of 160 hectares (1993-2001), 79 hectares (2001-2005), and 10 hectares (1993-2005). These findings were derived using multi-year Landsat 7 ETM+ images, analyzed through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Burn Index (BI) techniques. The research highlights the importance of ground truthing data for sustainable forest resource management in fire-influenced areas.

  Madurapperuma, B., & Kuruppuarachchi, J. (2014). Change Detection Using Mappable Vegetation Related Indices A Case Study from Sinharaja Forest Reserve. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 18(0). https://doi.org/10.31357/fesympo.v18i0.1921

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Differences in Survival and Growth Among Tropical Rain Forest Pioneer Tree Seedlings in Relation to Canopy Openness and Herbivory

  A study on pioneer tree species in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka, reveals that canopy openness significantly enhances seedling survival over time, while herbivory reduces it, particularly under dense canopies. The research tracked 960 seedlings of six species across four gap-understory positions, finding that survival and growth varied consistently with known shade tolerance rankings. Notably, Trema orientalis exhibited the lowest survival but highest growth potential when established, whereas Dillenia triquetra showed the highest survival but minimal growth. Wendlandia bicuspidata uniquely responded positively to herbivory by resprouting. These findings suggest that both light availability and herbivory play crucial roles in shaping pioneer species distribution through fine-scale niche partitioning, with implications for reforestation strategies.

  Goodale, U. M., Berlyn, G. P., Gregoire, T. G., Tennakoon, K. U., & Ashton, M. S. (2014). Differences in Survival and Growth Among Tropical Rain Forest Pioneer Tree Seedlings in Relation to Canopy Openness and Herbivory. Biotropica, 46(2), 183–193. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.12088

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Time Preference and Natural Resource Use by Local Communities: The Case of Sinharaja Forest in Sri Lanka

  Poverty significantly drives higher rates of time preference (IRTP) among local communities, leading to increased harvesting of forest resources from Sinharaja. This study demonstrates that individuals with lower incomes prioritize immediate gains over long-term sustainability, resulting in greater exploitation of natural reserves. Using a simultaneous equation model, researchers found that addressing poverty in peripheral communities is crucial for effective long-term conservation strategies. The findings underscore the need for integrated approaches that combine economic interventions with environmental management to protect UNESCO-listed sites like Sinharaja.

  Gunatilake, H., Wickramasinghe, W., & Abeygunawardena, P. (2012). Time Preference and Natural Resource Use by Local Communities: The Case of Sinharaja Forest in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Journal of Agricultural Economics, 10(0), 31. https://doi.org/10.4038/sjae.v10i0.4590

  View Publication Record | Read Publication

• Extinction Risk Assessments at the Species Level: National Red List Status of Endemic Wild Cinnamon Species in Sri Lanka

  Among the seven endemic wild cinnamon species in Sri Lanka, three are classified as Threatened (Cinnamomum litseaefolium, C. rivulorum, and C. sinharajaense), two as Highly Threatened (C. capparucoronde and C. citriodorum), one as Indeterminate (C. ovalifolium), and only C. dubium as Not Threatened. This assessment, based on eco-geographical surveys, herbarium data, and potential distribution modeling using DIVA-GIS, highlights critical threats including habitat destruction, urbanization, and unsustainable agriculture. The study underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these ecologically and economically valuable species, particularly those endemic to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

  Kumarathilake, D., Senanayake, S., Wijesekara, G., Wijesundera, D., & Ranawaka, R. (2011). Extinction Risk Assessments at the Species Level: National Red List Status of Endemic Wild Cinnamon Species in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 21(3), 247. https://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v21i3.3298

  View Publication Record | Read Publication