A Paradise of Wetland Birds Sri Lanka Tourism Development AuthorityKirala Kelle, as the Sinhalese name implies, is a ‘mangrove forest’ covering an area of 1,800 ha (with 310 ha of wetland) accessible from Matara-Hakmana and Matara- Akuressa roads and 3 km from Matara town. Itis comprised of marshlands, irrigation canals, and mangrove habitats. Home gardens can be found in the immediate boundary of the wetland. Itisan important wetland supporting many species of plants and animals. The Nilwala Flood Protection warks 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 valuable 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 land belonging to 11 Grama Niladhari divisions, around Kirala Kelle. About 16,000 of them live in the immediate 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 saline soils. Habitats in Kirala Kelle Kirala Kelle is made up of several different types of wetlands — marshland, mangrove areas, paddy lands, and irrigation canals — as well as numerous home gardens.1. Marshland The largest area is marshland. The dominant species found in the marshland are Olu (Nymphaea pubescens), Manel (Nymphaea nouchali), Kumudu (Nymphoides indica), Cyperus platyphyllus, Nalagas (Phragmites karka), Induru (Hanguana malayana), Hambu pan (Typha angustifolia) and Borupan (Efeaacharis dulcis). Although Hambu pan can be used for handicrafts, the communities of Kirala Kelle do not use this resource extensively to earn extra income. 2. Mangrove Scatteredly distributed Kirala (Sonneratia caseolaris) can be found at the edge of the irrigation canals. Belipatta (Hibiscus tiliaceus), Wel Kaduru ( Cerbera manghas), Diyadanga (Dolichandrane spathacea) and Kerankoku (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 nouchali), Kumudu (Nymphoides indica). People callect flowers of these for supplementing their income-bordering the canals is Mudukeiya (Pandanus odaratissima). Biodiversity Flora (Plants) Ina recently concluded rapid, preliminary survey, 83 plant species belonging to 40 families were recorded in Kirala Kelle. Aquatic vegetation dominates the area; a considerable population of herbs, shrubs, and small trees are also found. People use many of these plants as food sources. Fruits of Kirala (Sonneratia caseolaris), seeds of Olu (Nymphaea pubescens), and young leaves ofKerankoku (Acrasticum aureum) are some popular food items. There are important medicinal plants 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 common 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 (Dendracygna javanica) is a common sight; other common birds include the Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans), Purple Swamphen (Porphyria porphyria), Purple heron (Ardea purpurea), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus), and Pond heron (Ardeola grayii), Kirala Kelle not only provides the feeding ground for many bird species, but also provides nesting habitats for many 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 fram early September ta late March every year. 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 of fish are found in the waters of the wetland. The exotic species, Tilapia (Oreochromis mosambicus) and Niloti (Oreachromis niloticus) are the most abundant. Other commercially important fish are the murrel (Channastriata), spotted snakehead (Channa punctata), stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) and walking catfish (Clarias brachysoma). In addition to the above, 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 can be a serious problem in Kirala Kelle. Currently, there generally is management of solid waste; however, with expansion of tourism, itis necessary that at least the current state of solid waste management is maintained. Although it is not extensively distributed, very aggressive invasive plant Wel aththa (Annona glabra) can be found along the irrigation canals. Unless management actions are not taken, this could be a serious threat to Kirala Kelle According to the Fauna and Flora protection ordinance, “no person shall hurt, shoot, kill or take any wild animal, or take or destroy any egg of any bird or reptile or any nest of any bird within the area”. Therefore, it is evident that even though permits are not required to enter the Kirala Kelle, itis still a protected area, and there are certain things that one should bare in mind during an excursion. Proper management of Kirala Kelle is important for conserving the biological, hydrological and ecological aspects and for the surrounding communities to continue to use it in their daily lives. Kirala Kelle also offers an excellent nature tourism site which will also help the communities 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-tourism, with many options for accommodation including home-stays, farm-stays as well as other ancillary services. Additionally, there are opportunities for oriental healthcare treatments and traditional healing practices, in the serene and tranquil surroundings of Kirala Kelle.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 isa 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.slitda.gov.lk www.srilanka.travel Design concent & layout: X. Amita Tharanga