Hurulu Forest Reserve
Facts and practical information
Hurulu Forest Reserve of Sri Lanka was designated as a biosphere reserve in January 1977. The forest reserve is an important habitat of the Sri Lankan elephant. Hurulu forest reserve represents Sri Lanka dry-zone dry evergreen forests. There are many other protected areas situated around Hurulu Forest Reserve viz. Ritigala strict nature reserve, Minneriya-Girithale and Mahaweli flood plains nature reserves, Wasgamuwa National Park and Kahalla-Pallekele sanctuary. Carved out at the edge of the Hurulu Forest Reserve is the Hurulu Eco Park which offers jeep safaris. ()
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Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Sri Lankan elephant
The Sri Lankan elephant is a distinctive subspecies of the Asian elephant, endemic to Sri Lanka. Since 1986, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as endangered, primarily due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation.
Mammals
Rusty-spotted cat
The rusty-spotted cat, one of the smallest members of the feline family, is native to India and Sri Lanka, with recent sightings in Nepal. Unfortunately, it is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Mammals
Sri Lankan leopard
The Sri Lankan leopard, a unique subspecies found exclusively in Sri Lanka, was first identified in 1956 by Paules Edward Pieris Deraniyagala. Since 2008, it has been classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of only about 700-950...
Mammals
Indian star tortoise
The Indian star tortoise is a stunning yet endangered species residing in arid regions and scrub forests across India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Its allure in the exotic pet trade has sadly propelled it towards the brink of extinction.
Reptiles
Sri Lankan junglefowl
The Sri Lankan junglefowl, or Ceylon junglefowl, is a distinctive bird endemic to Sri Lanka and holds the honorable status of the country's national bird. This species belongs to the Galliformes order and is notably related to the red junglefowl, the wild progenitor of...
Birds
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