KiraZa KeZZe

A Paradise of Wetland Birds

~ri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Habitats in Kirala Kelle

Kirala Kelle - A Paradise of Wetland Birds

Kirala Kelle, as the Sinhalese name implies, is a 'mangrove forest' covering an area of 1,800 ha (with 310 hoi of wetland) accessible from Matara-Hakmana and MataraAkuressa roads and 3 km from Matara town. It is comprised of marshlands, irrigation canals, and mangrove habitats. Home gardens ca n be found in the immediate boundary of the wetland.

It is a n important wetland supporting many species of pia nts and animals. The Nilwala Flood Protection works and expanding agriculture

have changed the ecology of

the forest. Kirala Kelle today stands as an ideal habitat for wetland biodiversity, and is considered as one of the most val ua ble conservation areas in the Matara District. Being close to Matara town, it-is a potential site for nature-based tourism.

Presence of fossils of the Window pane oysters (Placenta placenta) in the area indicates that the area has been subjected to inundation by sea water during the Pleistocene period (3 million to 10,000 years before the present).

There are 35,000 inhabitants living on about 2,600 ha of la nd belonging to 11 Grama Niladhari divisions, around Kirala Kelle. About 16,000 of them live in the im mediate surroundings of the wetland.

Many people use the wetland for raising cattle, growing paddy and other crops and for fishery. However, agricultural activities are hampered by sal ine soils.

Kirala Kelle is made up of severa I different types of wetlands - marshland, mangrove areas, paddy lands, and irrigation canals - as well as numerous home gardens.

1. Marshland The largest area ismarshland.

The dominant species found in the marshland are Olu (Nymphaea pUbescens),

Manel (Nymphaea noucha/i), Kumudu (NymphQides indica), Cyperus p/atyphyllus, Nalagas (Phragmites karka), Induru (Hanguana mafayana), Ha mbu pan (Typha angustifo/ia) and Borupan (Eleaocharis du/cis). Although Hambu pan can be used for ha ndicrafts, the communities of Kirala Kelle do not use this resource extensively toearn extra income.

2. Mangrove

Scatteredlv distributed Kira la (Sonneratia caseo/aris) can be found at the edge of the irrigation canals. Bel1patta (Hibiscus ti/iaceus), Wei Kaduru ( Cerbera manghas), Diyadanga (Dolichandrone spetnaeeoi and Kera nkoku (Acrosticum aureum) are also found in the area.

3. Irrigation Canals

Several very attractive aquatic plants are found in the irrigation canals. These include Nelum (Ne/umbo nucifera), Olu (Nymphaea pubescens), Manel (Nymphaea noucnali], Kumudu (Nymphoides indica). People collect flowers of these for supplementing their income-bordering the canals is Mudukeiya (Pandanus odoratissima).

Flora (Plants)

In a recently concluded rapid, preliminary survey, 83 plant species belonging to 40 families were recorded in Kirala Kelle. Aquatic vegetation dominates the area; a considera ble population of herbs, shrubs, and small trees are also found. People use many of these plants as food sources. Fruits of Kirala (Sonneratia caseo/aris), seeds of Olu (Nymphaea pubescens), and young leaves of

Biodiversity

Kerankoku (Acro$ticum aureum) are some popular food items. There a re important medicinal pia nts such as Pupula (Vernonia zeylanica) and Ranwan keekirindiya (Wedelia chinensis). Reeds, Hambu pan (Typha angustifolia) and other reed species are also very common and are used in a limited way for making handicrafts.

Fauna (animals)

This complex, rich wetland habitat is the home for many animals. Thirteen species of mammals have been recorded from the site, including the com mon and endemic Purple faced leaf monkey (Trachypithecus vetulus}, and the Toque macaque (Macaca sinica). They feed on vegetation, and can be a nuisance on home gardens.

Wetland birds are the most prominent animals

of Kirala Kelle. One hundred and three bird species were recorded from Kirala Kele, of which 48 are wetland birds. Large flocks of Lesser whistling ducks (Dendrocygnajavanica) is a common sight; other common birds include the Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans), Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio),

Purple heron (Ardea purpurea), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus), and Pond heron (Ardeola grayii). Kirala Kelle not only provides the feeding ground

for ma ny birdspecies, but also provides nesting habitats.

for ma ny bird species such as herons, cormorants, egrets, coots, weavers and Munias. An influx of migratory wetland birds can also be observed during the migratory season from early September to late March evervvear,

Freshwater fishes form an important part of the wetland and provide food for the communities. Small scale fishing is very common to supplement household income. About 25 species offish are found in the waters of the wetland. The exotic species, Tllapia (Oreochromis mosambicus)

and Niloti (Oreochromis niloticus) are the most abundant. Other commercially important fish are the murrel (Channa

According to the Fauna and Flora protection ordinance, "no person shall hurt, shoot, kill or take any wild animal, or take or destroy a ny egg of any bird or reptile or a ny nest of any bird within the area". Therefore, it is evident that even though permits are not required to enter the Kirala Kelle,

it is still a protected area, and there are certain things that one should bare in mind during an excursion.

striata}, spotted snakehead {Channa punctata}, stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) and wa Iking catfish (Clarias brachysoma).

In addition to the a hove, many species of butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and hundreds of invertebrate species also decorate the biological wealth of Kirala Kelle.

It is your duty to conserve Kirala Kelle.

Threats to Kirala Kelle

Occasional land filling, unless arrested now ca n be a serious problem in Kirala Kelle. Currently, there generally is management of solid waste; however, with expansion of tourism, it is necessary that at least the current state of solid waste ma nagement is rnainta ined. Although it is not extensively distributed, very aggressive invasive plant Wei aththa (Annona qlabra] can be found along the irrigation canals. Unless management actions are not taken, this could be a serious threat to Kirala Kelle.

Proper ma nagement of Kirala Kelle is important for conserving the biological, hydrological and ecological aspects a nd for the surrounding communities to continueto use it in their daily lives. Kirala Kelle also offers an excellent nature tourism site which will also-help the cornrnunlties to earn money. Thus it is your responsibility to ensure that our flourishing and valuable wetland Kirala Kelle is well taken care of.

Kirala Kelle offers several opportunities for ecotourism as well as agro-tourisrn, with many options for accommodation including home-stays, farm-staysas well as other ancillary services. Additionally, there.a re opportunities for oriental healthca re treatments and traditional healing practices, in the serene and tranquil surround i ngs of Ki ra la Kelle.

Prepared by: IUCN {International Union for Conservation of Nature) Sri Lanka Office

The Kirala Kelle Eco-tourism area has much

to offer to tourists with its beautiful wetland ecosystem housing birds, butterflies and

other animals, and a myriad of colourful

plants as well as rare plants. A quiet boat trip through the numerous canals of Kirala Kelle

is an experience of a lifetime. Kirala Kelle is a treasure trove for those who want to enjoy nature and to gather knowledge on fauna and flora, as well as culture, history and agricultural practices,

For more information:

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 80, Galle Road,

Colombo 3.

Tel: 2437061; 2437059/60 Email: info@srilanka;travel www.sltda.gov.lk www.srilanka.travel

~ ~

.,

~

L- ~