Lunugamvehera National Park
A Sri Lankan park protecting a reservoir and wildlife corridor.
Lunugamvehera National Park, located in Sri Lanka's Dry zone, was declared in 1995 to protect the catchment area of the Lunugamvehera reservoir and the wildlife of the region. It serves as a critical habitat for water birds and elephants and functions as a corridor for elephants migrating between Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park. The park is situated 261 km southwest of Colombo and, after being closed due to the Sri Lankan civil war, is now open to the public.
Quick Facts
- Iucn Category
- II
- Location
- Uva province, Monaragala district, Sri Lanka
- Nearest City
- Thanamalwila
- Area
- 23,498.8 ha
- Established
- December 8, 1995
- Governing Body
- Department of Wildlife Conservation
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Lunugamvehera National Park was established in 1995 with the dual purpose of safeguarding the catchment area of the Lunugamvehera reservoir and the wildlife that inhabits the region. The park lies in the Dry zone of Sri Lanka, experiencing annual drought relieved by the southwestern monsoon. Its elevation is 91 metres, and the total land area covers 23,498 hectares, of which 14 percent (3,283 ha) is under the reservoir, with an additional 50 ha comprising two smaller reservoirs. Nearby Thanamalvila receives 1,000 mm of annual rainfall, which decreases from north to south and west to east across the park. The mean annual temperature is 30 °C.
Reader's Guide
Lunugamvehera National Park holds significance as a protected area that maintains the water levels of five downstream tanks in the Kirindi Oya and supports the wetland characteristics of Bundala National Park. Its role as an elephant corridor between Yala and Udawalawe National Parks underscores its importance for wildlife migration. The park's fauna includes 183 bird species, 43 mammal species, and notable reptiles like the mugger crocodile. Conservation concerns include reports of translocated elephants starving to death. The park is also one of the protected areas where the tufted gray langur can be found. Its reopening after the civil war has made it accessible for conservation and public enjoyment.
Did You Know?
- The park's fauna includes 183 bird species and 43 mammal species.
- Several translocated elephants have been reported to have starved to death in the park.
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