Mammals
In Sinharaja and its surrounding forests, there have been elephants in the past, but their numbers have dwindled over time. Currently, only a few elephants remain on the Rakwana side of Sinharaja, particularly in Handapan Ella, Thangamalai, and Deepdene areas. Prior to the logging project in 1971, elephants were abundant in the periphery of the forest, but they have not been seen in the western sector since 1974.
Other large mammals found in Sinharaja include leopards, samburs, fishing cats, rusty spotted cats, barking deer, mouse deer, jackals, and wild boars. Leopards are rarely seen, but their presence is evident through their scats, which show they consume crabs and small mollusks as well. The Purple-faced Langur is an endemic species in Sinharaja, while the Toque or Rhesus Monkey is mainly observed in peripheral forests.
Sinharaja is also home to various smaller mammals such as squirrels, mongoose, civets, porcupines, and bats, including rare sightings of pangolins. Addition...
Other large mammals found in Sinharaja include leopards, samburs, fishing cats, rusty spotted cats, barking deer, mouse deer, jackals, and wild boars. Leopards are rarely seen, but their presence is evident through their scats, which show they consume crabs and small mollusks as well. The Purple-faced Langur is an endemic species in Sinharaja, while the Toque or Rhesus Monkey is mainly observed in peripheral forests.
Sinharaja is also home to various smaller mammals such as squirrels, mongoose, civets, porcupines, and bats, including rare sightings of pangolins. Addition...
