RESEARCH COMMUNICATION

ARRIVAL OF INDIAN PEAFOWL Pavo cristatus TO THE HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK COULD IT BE A RISK TO THE ENDEMIC FAUNA?

Abstract

Present study was conducted at the Horton Plains National Park which is located on the southern plateau of the central highlands of Sri Lanka at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 m (6,900–7,500 feet). The Horton Plains National Park is one of the most important national parks of Sri Lanka. Its flora is represented by 57 species of vascular plants. The vertebrate fauna of the region includes 24 species of mammals, 87 species of birds, 9 species of reptiles and 15 species of amphibians. Most of these species are endemic to Sri Lanka. The integrity of the indigenous flora and fauna of the Horton Plains National Park has been jeopardized to varying extents by deliberate introductions of exotic species. Introduced Gorse (Ulex europus) is expanding its range in grassland areas. Common carp and predatory rainbow trout, both introduced during the colonial period is causing havoc among endemic crustaceans, including endemic Caridina singhalensis which is now restricted to only a stretch of 10 km of one stream. According to the previous studies observed that massive increment of Jungle crow (Corvus levaillantii) populations due to garbage disposal by visitors has become a major threat to endemic animals of Horton Plains National Park. In addition to these threats, Indian Peafowls (Pavo cristatus) were recorded on four occasions at the Horton Plains National Park on 22st January in Cloud forest habitat, 25th March in Grassland habitat, 5th April and 7th July 2017 in the Cloud forest habitats. The Indian peafowl is known to inhabit drier lowland areas of Sri Lanka and it has never been recorded at the Horton Plains National Park hitherto. Therefore, the present study evaluated the potential threat they may pose to the endemic fauna of the Horton Plains National Park.

Keywords: Horton Plains National Park, Indian Peafowl, endemic fauna, threats

How to Cite: Dharmarathne,W.D.S.C,Chandrasiri,P.H.S.P,Mahaulpatha,W.A.D, (2018). ARRIVAL OF INDIAN PEAFOWL Pavo cristatus TO THE HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK COULD IT BE A RISK TO THE ENDEMIC FAUNA?.WILDLANKA, 6(1):Pages 032-035

Published On:2018-03-31

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