Animals in Sinharaja

Of some 65 buttterfly species the Blue Mormon(papilio crino) isthe commonest one recorded in the Sinharaja Forest. The others include two endemic species and 19 endemic sub-species. One of the common and interesting buttreflies that one comes across in the forest is the large black and white tree nymph,reputed to be the largest butterfly in the country.

SRI LANKA BLUE MAGPIE-urocissa ornata.This beautiful endemic bird is most appropiately called locally as "Kehibella" meaning" beautiful damsel of the forest' according to some etymologists it is a social species living in small group of 4-6 individuals outside the breeding season.During the breeding season the paris move out but remain not far away from the rest of its social members.They feed mainly on insect,small lizards etc.Its distribution is confined to the forest away from human

habitation.

SRI LANKA GRACKLE-Gracula ptilogenys
Locally referred to as Lanka Sela-lihiniya.It is an
endemic species confined to the wet zone up to about
2200 metres,in association with undisturbed natural
forest.It moves about in pairs or small group.They
are noisy bird especially in the evenings,and at iruit
bearing trees.The sharp clear call is unmistakable and
is carried across the valleys from the tree tops.They
nest in tree holes and confine mostly to the canopy.
The young when caged can be made to imitate human
voice.

PURPLE FACED LEAF MONKEY-Presbytis senex vetulus Locally known as HALLIWANDURA.This primate is a

vegetarian,feeding mostly at the top canopy of the forest.The most striking feature is the distinct silver-white lower back region,which separate it from the other sub-species.They move about in small group of about 12-15 individuals with a single adult-male.The rang of this sub species is in the south-western sector,soth of the kalu Ganga