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Sri Lankan Safari, Colombo (2025)

26/06/2025

Bandula Pethiya (Pethia bandula) 🐟✨

🌊 Bandula Pethiya (Pethia bandula) is a tiny freshwater gem found only in a short, rocky stream near Galapitamada, Sri Lanka. 📏 It grows up to about 4.1 cm in standard length and is very lightweight. ⚖️ With a lifespan typical of small minnows, it lives a few years in the wild. 🎂 Sadly, it’s classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN due to its extremely limited range, habitat loss, pollution, and over-collection for the aquarium trade. 🚨🌿 Intensive conservation projects have helped boost its numbers and even created a second “insurance” population. 💚🛡️

🔬🌿 Special Feature:
The Bandula Pethiya is one of the most range-restricted freshwater fish in the world! 🌍🚨 It was originally found in just a single stream in Galapitamada, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 — meaning its entire global population depended on that tiny stretch of water for survival! 😲💧
Because of this extreme vulnerability, it became a symbol of freshwater species conservation in Sri Lanka. Conservationists later established a second population to prevent extinction — making it one of the first actively managed conservation success stories for a freshwater fish in the country 🛡️🐟🌱.

🍽️ Diet of Bandula Pethiya:
The Bandula Pethiya is an omnivorous freshwater fish, and it feeds on a variety of small items found in its stream habitat:
• Algae 🌿
• Detritus (decaying plant matter) 🍂
• Small aquatic invertebrates like insect larvae 🐛
• Microorganisms in the water 🦠
This diet allows it to thrive in shallow, slow-flowing streams where organic material and biofilm are abundant. Its foraging helps maintain the health of the stream ecosystem, making it a tiny but important part of the aquatic food web 🌊🔄.
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25/06/2025

🌿 Sri Lankan Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) 🐍

This remarkable snake is a master of disguise 🌿—coiling along branches and swaying like a vine. Mildly venomous but generally harmless to people, it’s an arboreal hunter that gives birth to live young through ovoviviparity — a forest marvel! 🍼✨

• 📏 Length: 1.5–2.0 m (150–200 cm), with a slender, vine-like build worldspecies.org+12parrotfishcollective.org+12freepik.com+12en.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3kingsnake.com+3
• ⚖️ Weight: Typically light and thin—around 2 cm in diameter; heavier records vary but remain under 500 g
• 🎂 Lifespan: Around 2 years in the wild; may live up to ~10 years in captivity worldofcreature342.blogspot.com
• 🍽️ Diet: Carnivorous—eats lizards, frogs, small birds, mammals, sometimes other snakes nutriphy.in+6wilpattu.com+6baliwildlife.com+6
• 📊 IUCN Status: Least Concern (stable populations)

The Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) is mildly venomous, and while it’s not considered dangerous to humans, bites can still cause some localized symptoms.

🐍 Common Symptoms of a Green Vine Snake Bite:
1. Mild swelling around the bite area 🦶
2. Redness or inflammation of the skin 🔴
3. Slight pain or irritation – often compared to an insect sting 🐜
4. Itching or burning sensation around the bite site 🔥
5. Minimal bleeding from the puncture marks 🩸
6. In rare cases: numbness or tingling around the area ⚡

📍 Common Areas Where Green Vine Snakes Are Found in Sri Lanka:
🌳 1. Lowland Rainforests
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve
• Kanneliya Forest Complex
• Kottawa Arboretum
These dense rainforests offer the perfect habitat with trees and shrubs for camouflage.

🌿 2. Wet and Intermediate Zones
• Knuckles Mountain Range
• Kitulgala Forest Reserve
• Udawattakele Forest in Kandy
These regions offer a mix of wet climate and forested terrain ideal for arboreal hunting.

🏞️ 3. Hill Country Forests
• Hanthana Mountain Range
• Nuwara Eliya outskirts (forested areas)
Even cooler, higher-altitude forests can support their presence when enough foliage exists.

🌴 4. Dry Zone Forests (less common but possible)
• Wasgamuwa National Park
• Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve
They are occasionally spotted in dry zone habitats with dense tree cover or riverine forests.

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24/06/2025

Types of endemic parrots in Sri Lanka...

🟢 Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
📏 Size: ~40 cm (tail included)
⚖️ Weight: 116–140 g
🎂 Lifespan: 25–30 years
📊 IUCN Status: Least Concern ✅
A lively green parakeet with a pink-black neck ring (in males) 💚💖, the rose-ringed parakeet is a chatterbox 🗣️, often seen in urban parks and home gardens 🌳🏡. It’s clever, charming, and even mimics human speech! 🧠🗨️
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🟢 Layard’s Parakeet (Psittacula calthrapae)
📏 Size: ~34 cm
⚖️ Weight: Not well-documented
🎂 Lifespan: Around 15–20 years
📊 IUCN Status: Least Concern ✅
Endemic to Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, this forest-loving parakeet has a soft bluish-grey head and bright green body 🌿🩵. It’s playful, noisy, and usually flutters in small flocks through jungles and rural gardens 🌳🕊️.
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🟢 Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus)
📏 Size: ~13 cm
⚖️ Weight: Not well-documented
🎂 Lifespan: Unknown (shorter than larger parrots)
📊 IUCN Status: Least Concern ✅
The tiniest of them all! 🐣 This bright green parrot has a red crown and is often seen hanging upside down while feeding 🍎🌸. A true forest acrobat and an adorable endemic of Sri Lanka 🌿🇱🇰.
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🟠 Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria)
📏 Size: 56–62 cm
⚖️ Weight: 250–300 g
🎂 Lifespan: 25–30 years (up to 40 in captivity!)
📊 IUCN Status: Near Threatened ⚠️
Large, majestic, and powerful 💪🦜, the Alexandrine Parakeet has a bold red shoulder patch and a booming call 📢. Named after Alexander the Great 👑, it’s sadly threatened by habitat loss and pet trade 😔🌍.
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🟢 Plum-headed Parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala)
📏 Size: ~33 cm
⚖️ Weight: Not specified
🎂 Lifespan: 15–20 years
📊 IUCN Status: Least Concern ✅
A colorful cutie with a purplish-plum head (males) or bluish crown (females) 💜💙. Gentle and quiet compared to others, these parakeets love wooded gardens and can be seen nibbling on fruits and seeds 🍓🌾.
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24/06/2025

Schmarda's Shrub Frog 🐸🌿- Pseudophilautus schmarda…

Meet the charming Schmarda's Shrub Frog 🐸🌿 — a tiny gem of Sri Lanka’s cloud forests! Found mostly in the misty highlands like Horton Plains and Knuckles, this little frog is known for its beautiful earthy tones and its love for cool, damp habitats 🌧️🍃. Mostly active at night 🌙, it hides among leaves and moss during the day, blending in like a master of camouflage 🍂🕵️. Sadly, it’s also quite rare and threatened due to habitat loss 🚫🌲 — making it a true treasure of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity 💚🇱🇰.

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18/06/2025

🌸 Nectar-feeding Birds in Sri Lanka

These birds not only add color and melody to Sri Lanka’s landscapes but also play a vital role in pollination, helping tropical plants and trees thrive 🌼🌴. Many of them are also endemic, making them truly special to the island 🇱🇰💚.
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🐦 Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica)
Small, colorful bird with iridescent plumage
Common in gardens and forests
Feeds on nectar, insects, and spiders
Endemic to the Indian Subcontinent, including Sri Lanka
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🐦 Loten’s Sunbird (Cinnyris lotenius)
Long-curved bill, perfect for sipping nectar
Found mainly in dry and intermediate zones
Prefers hibiscus and wildflower nectar
Seen in gardens and scrubland
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🐦 Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus)
Male has deep shiny purple-blue plumage
Feeds on nectar and insects
Less common but seen in drier parts of the country
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🐦 Legge’s Flowerpecker (Dicaeum vincens)
Tiny, fast-moving bird
Endemic to Sri Lanka
Feeds on nectar, small fruits, and occasionally insects
Found in forested areas and gardens
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🐦 Sri Lanka White-eye (Zosterops ceylonensis)
Small bird with a bright white eye ring
Feeds on nectar, fruits, and insects
Found in the central highlands
Endemic to Sri Lanka

Would you be interested in arranging an unforgettable safari tour in Sri Lanka? Call or Whatsapp: +94 77 347 6288 or visit: www.srilankansafari.com/reservations.php

18/06/2025

Types of Pollinators in Sri Lanka…. 🦋🐝🐦

Sri Lanka is buzzing with a variety of amazing pollinators that help keep its lush ecosystems thriving! 🐝🌸 From busy bees and colorful butterflies 🦋 to fast-hovering sunbirds 🐦 and even tiny bats 🦇, these hardworking creatures transfer pollen as they feed on nectar or fruits. You’ll also spot beetles, flies, and wasps doing their part in forests, gardens, and farmlands 🌿🌾. Together, these pollinators play a vital role in growing food, flowers, and forests across the island paradise of 🇱🇰! 💚🌼

🐝 1. Bees
Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) & giant honeybee (Apis dorsata)
• Weight/size: Apis dorsata are large (~1.8–2 cm), Apis cerana smaller (~1.2 cm)
• Lifespan: Workers live ~5–6 weeks; queens up to a few years
• Habitat: Forests, home gardens; Apis dorsata nests in trees; A. cerana uses cavities researchgate.net+6nathab.com+6nathab.com+6infogalactic.com+11cir.lk+11researchgate.net+11en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2
• Status: Not IUCN-listed but facing declines, especially wild colonies of A. dorsata
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🦋 2. Butterflies & Moths
• Troides darsius (Sri Lanka Birdwing): wingspan ~15 cm, lifespan 2–4 weeks adult; wet-zone forests; CITES Appendix II, Near Threatened wildisland.lk+4en.wikipedia.org+4news.mongabay.com+4
• Pachliopta jophon (Ceylon Rose): medium-sized, slow flight, Critically Endangered, forests of central hills
• Idea iasonia (Ceylon Tree Nymph): ~10 cm wing-span, Near Threatened, found wet/dry zones worldatlas.com+7wildisland.lk+7reddit.com+7
• Total: ~245–248 species, ~24–31 endemic; some Critically Endangered/Endangered (~21 CR, 38 EN)
Would you be interested in arranging an unforgettable safari tour in Sri Lanka? Call or Whatsapp: +94 77 347 6288 or visit: www.srilankansafari.com/reservations.php

17/06/2025

🐊 Types of Crocodiles Found in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Sri Lanka is home to two fascinating species of crocodiles that play a vital role in the island’s ecosystems 🌿. These ancient reptiles have roamed the wetlands, rivers, and lagoons of the country for centuries and are a thrilling sight to encounter during wildlife safaris or nature tours 🛶📸.

1. Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) 🐊🌾
Also known as the Marsh Crocodile, the mugger is the most widespread species in Sri Lanka. Found in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, this crocodile has a broad snout and can grow up to 4 meters in length 😮. Mugger crocodiles are excellent swimmers but often bask on riverbanks in the sun ☀️. Despite their fearsome looks, they are generally shy and avoid human interaction unless provoked.
Where to see them: Yala, Bundala, Udawalawe, and Wilpattu National Parks 🏞️.

2. Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) 🌊🐊
The mighty Saltwater Crocodile, known locally as Geta Kimbula, is the largest living reptile in the world 😲. In Sri Lanka, it is found along the coastal areas, estuaries, and mangroves, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the island 🏝️. These giants can grow beyond 5 meters and are known for their powerful build and territorial nature.

Where to see them: Nilwala River in Matara, Kumana National Park, and some coastal lagoons 🌅

Read More: https://www.srilankansafari.com/types-of-crocodiles-found-in-sri-lanka.php?

Would you be interested in arranging an unforgettable safari tour in Sri Lanka? Call or Whatsapp: +94 77 347 6288 or visit: www.srilankansafari.com/reservations.php

17/06/2025

Happy World Crocodile Day! 🐊🌎
Happy World Crocodile Day! 🐊🌎 Let’s raise awareness and protect these ancient reptiles 🐊💪 From mangroves to rivers, they play a vital role in nature’s balance 🌿💧 Show some love for our scaly friends today! 💚🐊
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13/06/2025

Sri Lankan sambar deer (Rusa unicolor unicolor) 🦌…

The Sri Lankan sambar deer (Rusa unicolor unicolor) 🦌 is a majestic and iconic resident of Horton Plains National Park 🌿, nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. As the largest species of deer on the island, these gentle herbivores are a common and captivating sight, especially during the early mornings and late afternoons. With their shaggy brown coats, impressive antlers (in males), and calm demeanor, sambar deer are often spotted grazing in the open grasslands or resting near the forest edge. Horton Plains, with its cool climate, misty plains, and rich biodiversity, offers the perfect habitat for these deer, who play a vital role in the park's ecosystem. Visitors hiking to World’s End or Baker’s Falls often encounter these beautiful animals along the trails, adding to the park’s serene and wild charm.
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13/06/2025

spotted deer (Axis axis)...🦌

The spotted deer (Axis axis), also known as the chital 🦌, is one of the most graceful and commonly seen wild animals in Sri Lanka's national parks 🇱🇰🌿. Recognizable by their reddish-brown coat dotted with white spots and elegant, slender build, these deer often move in herds and are especially active during the early morning and late afternoon. They are frequently seen grazing in the open grasslands or resting under trees in parks like Yala, Wilpattu, and Minneriya. Their keen senses and alert nature help them detect predators, often living in close proximity to animals like langurs and peacocks, who also serve as early warning systems. Watching a herd of spotted deer move quietly through the forest or pause to drink from a waterhole is a truly enchanting part of any Sri Lankan wildlife experience. 🌳🦚🌾
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11/06/2025

🐘 The Sri Lankan Elephant – A Gentle Giant of the Island 🌿
The Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is the largest and most iconic subspecies of the Asian Elephant and a proud symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife heritage. These majestic mammals roam the island’s forests, grasslands, and national parks, from the dry zones of Minneriya and Udawalawe to the lush greenery of Gal Oya and Yala.
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📏 Size, Height & Weight
• Height: Adult males can stand about 2.7 meters to 3.2 meters at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller.
• Weight: Males can weigh between 3,500 – 5,500 kg, and females usually weigh 2,000 – 3,500 kg.
• Length: From trunk to tail, they can reach 6 to 7.5 meters in length.
These elephants are noticeably larger and darker than their mainland Asian cousins and have larger ears to help with heat regulation in Sri Lanka's tropical climate. However, tuskers (males with tusks) are very rare—only about 7% of the male population carry tusks.
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⏳ Lifespan
• In the wild, Sri Lankan elephants can live up to 60 – 70 years.
• In captivity or protected environments, with proper care, some can live even longer.
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📉 IUCN Conservation Status
• The Sri Lankan Elephant is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to:
o Habitat loss from deforestation and development
o Human-elephant conflict
o Poaching, especially of rare tuskers
Sri Lanka’s elephant population is estimated at around 5,000 – 6,000 individuals, making it the largest Asian elephant population in a single country, relative to land size.
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🌿 Special Facts & Cultural Importance
• 🐘 Elephants are deeply woven into Sri Lankan culture, especially in religious processions like the Esala Perahera in Kandy, where a grand tusker carries the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.
• 🐾 These elephants are keystone species, meaning they help shape the ecosystem. They open up pathways in dense forests, disperse seeds through their dung, and create water holes used by other animals.
• 🌾 Sadly, the biggest threat they face today is from human-elephant conflict, particularly in agricultural areas where expanding farmlands overlap with traditional elephant habitats.
• 🚫 The government and conservation groups are working to promote elephant corridors, introduce electric fences, and support community awareness programs to protect both humans and elephants.
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09/06/2025

⚫⚪ Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
Don’t be fooled by the name — killer whales, or orcas, are actually the largest members of the dolphin family! 🐬👑
With their iconic black-and-white tuxedo look 🖤🤍 and strong social bonds, orcas are intelligent hunters and incredibly graceful swimmers. Though rare in Sri Lanka’s waters, their presence is a true thrill! ⚡🌊
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🐋 Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata)
The minke whale is the smallest of the rorquals — but don’t underestimate it! 💨
These speedy little baleen whales are known for their shy nature and curious glances 🧐🌊. Sleek, fast, and agile, minkes can be seen darting through tropical waters near Sri Lanka like marine ninjas! 🥷🐳
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🦷 S***m Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
Say hello to the deep-diving champion of the whale world! 🏆🌊
The s***m whale, with its massive square head and clicky echolocation, is the largest toothed predator on Earth! 🦷🐋
Often seen off Sri Lanka’s east coast, these mysterious deep-sea giants can dive over 2,000 meters in search of squid 🦑🌌!
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🍈🐳 Melon-Headed Whale (Peponocephala electra)
These toothed whales belong to the dolphin family and have a rounded head that gives them their fruity name! 🍈🐬
Also called the little killer whale, they travel in large, playful pods and love warm tropical waters — perfect for Sri Lanka! 🐳☀️🌊
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🔍 Omura’s Whale (Balaenoptera omurai)
A true mystery of the ocean — Omura’s whale was only described in recent decades! 🧩🐋
Also known as the dwarf fin whale, this rare species is elusive and often mistaken for Bryde’s whales. If you’re lucky enough to spot one near Sri Lanka, you’ve just had a super rare encounter! 🎯🌊
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🌊🐬 Final Splash:
From playful dolphin cousins to deep-sea divers and stealthy speedsters — Sri Lanka’s waters are full of whale diversity that will leave you wide-eyed in wonder! Let’s keep the oceans safe and thriving for these amazing marine beings! 💙♻️🌍

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For inquiries and bookings, dial 📲 +94 77 3476288 or write to us at 📧 [email protected]
Private and Tailor-Made Wildlife Holidays in Sri Lanka with an unforgettable experience. Visit:
https://www.srilankansafari.com/reservations.php

Sri Lankan Safari

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