RESEARCH ARTICLE

A PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON LESSER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos javanicus) IN KUMANA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN PROVINCE SRI LANKA

Abstract

Globally threatened Leptoptilos javanicus (Lesser adjutant) is the largest bird recorded in Sri Lanka. It is found associated with wetlands in the dry zone of the island. These birds are threatened mainly due to loss of habitat which includes loss of feeding and nesting sites. Therefore, it is useful to identify major sites to observe these birds frequently. Main objective of this study was to identify the major sites in Kumana wetland cluster in the Eastern Province where Lesser adjutant can be observed since it provides suitable habitats to these birds and attracts a large number of visitors. This study was carried out in September 2013 in Kumana National Park. Sites occupied by Lesser adjutant were recorded by moving along a trail in a vehicle in Kumana National Park from the main entrance. According to the observations Thummulla wewa (003-06-609E, 001-53-719N), Yakala lagoon (003-04-029E, 001-49-795N) and Aliya wala (003-07-796E, 001-57-449N) are the three best sites to observe Lesser adjutant. A total number of 16 individuals were observed with a sighting of 10 at Thummulla wewa. Ground and tree crowns should be scanned for Lesser adjutants since they tend to rest on upper branches of relatively tall trees associated with water bodies. Alteration of habitats and increasing number of visitors at their natural sites will disturb the birds easily. Therefore, continuous monitoring of their population size and structure and improving the awareness of general public are vital to protect these birds which will attract both local and foreign tourists, especially in eco-tourism.

Keywords: Habitat, Wetland, Birds, Population size

How to Cite: Bandara,A.M.R.S,Ranawana,K.B, (2014). A PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON LESSER ADJUTANT (Leptoptilos javanicus) IN KUMANA NATIONAL PARK, EASTERN PROVINCE SRI LANKA.WILDLANKA, 2(1):Pages 059-063

Published On:2014-12-31

Download