Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park | |
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![]() World's End, a sheer precipice within the park | |
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Standort | Central province, Sri Lanka |
Nearest city | Nuwara Eliya |
Area | 3,160 hectares (12.2 sq mi) |
Established | 1969 |
Governing body | Department of Wildlife Conservation |
World Heritage site | in tentative list 2006 |
Horton Plains National Park (Sinhala: හෝටන් තැන්න) is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft) is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region. This region was designated a national park in 1988. It is also a popular tourist destination and is situated 32 kilometres (20 mi) from Nuwara Eliya.
The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three major Sri Lankan rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. In Sinhala the plains are known as Mahaweli Plains. Stone tools dating back to Balangoda culture have been found here. The plains' vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane forest, and includes many endemic woody plants. Large herds of Sri Lankan Sambar Deer feature as typical mammals, and the park is also an Important Bird Area with many species not only endemic to Sri Lanka but restricted to the Horton Plains. Forest dieback is one of the major threats to the park and some studies suggest that it is caused by a natural phenomenon. The sheer precipice of World's End and Baker's Falls are among the tourist attractions of the park.
Physical features
Horton Plains is located on the southern plateau of the central highlands of Sri Lanka.[1] The peaks of Kirigalpotta (2,389 metres (7,838 ft)) and Thotapolakanda (2,357 metres (7,733 ft)), the second and the third highest of Sri Lanka, are situated to the west and north respectively. The park's elevation ranges from 2,100–2,300 metres (6,900–7,500 ft).[2] The rocks found in the park belong to the Archaean age and belong to the high series of the Precambrian era and are made up of Khondalites, Charnockites and granitic gneisses.[3][4] The soil type is of the red-yellow podsolic group and the surface layer is covered with decayed organic matter.[3]
The mean annual rainfall is greater than 2,000 millimetres (79 in). Frequent cloudy cover limits the amount of sunlight that is available to plants. The mean annual temperature is 13 °C (55 °F) but the temperature varies considerably during the course of a day, reaching as high as 27 °C (81 °F) during the day time, and dipping as low as 5 °C (41 °F) at night. During the southwest Monsoon season, the wind speed sometimes reaches gale force. Although some rain falls throughout the year, a dry season occurs from January-March. Mean annual temperature is around and ground frost is common in February. Mist can persist throughout rainy days.[5] Many pools and waterfalls can be seen in the park, and Horton Plains is considered the most important watershed in Sri Lanka.[1] The Horton Plains are the headwaters of important rivers such as the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe.[1] Due to its high elevation, fog and cloud deposit a considerable amount of moisture on the land. Slow moving streams, swamps, and waterfalls are the important wetland habitats of the park. Agra Oya, a tributary of Kotmale Oya, which in turn a tributary of the Mahaweli River, has its source in the park.[5]
History
The park is named after Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, the British governor of Ceylon from 1831 to 1837, who travelled to the area to meet the Ratemahatmaya of Sabaragamuwa in 1836.[3] Stone tools dating back to Balangoda culture have been found here. The local population who resided in the lowlands ascended the mountains to mine gems, extract iron ore, construct irrigational canal and fell trees for timber. A 6-metre (20 ft) pollen core extracted from a mire revealed that in the late quaternary period the area had a semi-arid climate and a species-restricted plant community.[6]
Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker had adviced the British Government "to leave all Montane Forests above 5000 ft. undisturbed" and an administrative order to this effect had been issued in 1873 that prevented clearing and felling of forests in the region. Horton Plains was designated as a wildlife sanctuary on 5 December 1969,[3] and because of its biodiversity value, was elevated to a national park on 18 March 1988. The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary which lies in west is contiguous with the park. The land area covered by Horton Plains is 3,160 hectares (12.2 sq mi). Horton Plains contains the most extensive area of cloud forest still existing in Sri Lanka.[3]
Horton Plains National Park along with Peak Wilderness Sanctuary and Knuckles Mountain Range is currently on a tentative list of potential World Heritage Sites.[7] They are listed under mixed (both natural and cultural) category of selection.[7]
Flora
![shrubs with pink flowers](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Hortanplain2.jpg/220px-Hortanplain2.jpg)
The vegetation of the park is classified into two distinctive groups, 2,000 hectares (7.7 sq mi) of wet patana (Sinhalese for "montane grasslands") and 1,160 hectares (4.5 sq mi) of subtropical montane evergreen forests.[1] Nearly 750 species of plants belonging to 20 families have been recorded from the park. The forest canopy reaches the height of 20 metres (66 ft) and features Calophyllum walkeri, forming communities with varieties of Myrtaceae species such as Syzygium rotundifolium, and S. sclerophyllum, and Lauraceae members including Litsea, Cinnamomum, and Actinodaphne speciosa.[3] The undergrowth layer is characterised by Strobilanthes spp. The thickness of the Strobilanthes vegetation hinders the development of a herb layer. Dwarf bamboo species such Indocalamus and Ochlandra also found in the undergrowth layer. Rhodomyrtus tomentosa bushes specially grow in forest margin and near the mountain peaks. Species such as Gordonia and Rhododendron arboreum have spread to Sri Lanka, along the Western Ghats of South India from the Himalayas and are now common. Nearly 54 woody plant species have been recorded from the park, of which 27 (50%) are endemic to Sri Lanka.[3]
![grassland with a prominent mountain peak in the far distance](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/SLz30horton.jpg/220px-SLz30horton.jpg)
Frequent fire and grazing characterises Plagioclimax communities of the grassland flora.[1] Grasslands are dominated by Arundinella villosa and Chrysopogon zeylanicus. Waterlogged swamps or slow moving streams are found in low lying areas, and macrophytes such as Aponogeton jacobsenii, sedge species Isolopis fluitans and Utricularia spp. are found near the slow moving streams. The bamboo Chimonobambusa densifolia thrive along the banks of the streams, and near the swampy areas grass species such as Juncus prismatocarpus, Garnotia mutica, Eriocaulon spp. and Exacum trinervium are common. Tussock grasses such as Chrysopogon zeylanicus and Cymbopogon confertiflorus are found in the wet hollows.[3] Herbaceous flora of the grasslands include temperate species including Ranunculus, Pedicularis, Senecio, Gentiana and Alchemilla and also tropical species such as Eriocaulon and Ipsea speciosa (a rare endemic daffodil orchid). The most widespread boreal herbaceous plants of the park are Viola, Lobelia, Gaultheria, Fragaria, and Plantago.[8]
Hanging lichens such as Usnea barbata are also common.[5] A number of ferns and orchids can be seen in the park. About 16 of the orchid species being endemic. Other notable plants include shrubs such as Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Gaultheria fragrantissima, herbs, Exacum trinervium, E. walkeri, Drosera indica, and tree ferns Cyathea spp.[1] Anzia, a foliose lichen genus belonging to Parmeliaceae family, which had not been recorded in Sri Lanka previously, was discovered here in 2007.[2] There are conflicting views on how the grasslands of the park came into being, whether man-made or natural. It is now believed that the grasslands on the dry slopes were created by forest clearance and fires while grasslands in low lying areas were naturally created by wet conditions, frost and soil erosion.[3]
Fauna
The vertebrate fauna of the region includes 24 species of mammals, 87 species of birds, 9 species of reptiles and 8 species of amphibians.[1] The Sri Lankan Elephant disappeared from the region in the 1940s at the latest.[3] A large herd of about 1500 Sri Lankan Sambar Deer roam the park.[5] Other mammal species found in the park include Kelaart's Long-clawed Shrews, Toque Macaques, Purple-faced Langurs, Rusty-spotted Cat, Sri Lankan Leopards, Wild boars, Stripe-necked Mongooses, Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotains, Indian Muntjacs, and Grizzled Giant Squirrels. Fishing Cats and European Otters visit the wetlands of the park to prey on aquatic animals.[1] A subspecies of Red Slender Loris, the Horton Plains Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus nycticeboides formerly sometimes considered as Loris lydekkerianus nycticeboides) is found only in highlands of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the World's most endangered primates.[9][10]
Along with Ohiya, Pattipola and Ambewela, Horton Plains forms one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka.[11] Together with the adjacent Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Horton Plains contains 21 bird species which occur only on Sri Lanka. Four, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White-eye, and Sri Lanka Wood-pigeon, occur only in Horton plains, while other endemic species include Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Orange-billed Babbler, Sri Lanka Bush-warbler, and Sri Lanka Whistling-thrush. Many birds migrate here in winter including Swiftlets, and Alpine Swift. Crested Serpent-eagle, Mountain Hawk-eagle, Black-winged Kite, and Peregrine Falcon are the birds of prey found in Horton Plains. Harriers are among the migratory raptors.[1] This is a key wildlife area. All six highland endemic birds are found here, including Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White-eye, Sri Lanka Wood-pigeon, and Sri Lanka Bush-warbler. Yellow-eared Bulbul and Black-throated Munia are widespread throughout the highlands.[3]
Many amphibians inhabit the watercourses of the park including endemic species such as Polypedates eques, P. longinasus, Fejervarya greenii, Lankanectes corrugatus, and Microhyla zeylanica.[1] Philautus microtympanum, Ramanella palmata, P. femoralis and Theloderma schmardanum are also endemic frogs.[5] Some of the frog species Horton plains are now extinct. They are Philautus leucorhinus, P. temporalis, and P. variabilis. Black-lipped Forest Lizard, Kelaart's slender skink, Rhino Horn Lizard and Small-horned Lizard are the skinks and lizards. Common rough-sided snake and Rat snake are snakes of the park. Two fish species found in the park, common carp and rainbow trout; both are introduced species.[1] Horton Plains is also home to many endemic crustaceans including Caridina singhalensis and Perbrinckia species. The endemic freshwater shrimp Caridina singhalensis is found only in streams that have a temperature of less than 15 degrees C and is now restricted to only a stretch of 10 km of one stream.[12]
Threats and conservation management
Horton Plains was a part of a large system of plains and forest cover that included Agra-Bopats, Moon Plains and Elk Plains.[3] Between 1831 and 1948, it became a Sambar deer hunting ground. Elephants and Wild Boar were also hunted to a lesser extent. During this period lower slopes were cleared initially for coffee and then for tea plantations. As a result, Horton Plains and Peak Wilderness became isolated from other forest and grassland areas. Potatoes were cultivated in the grasslands but planting ceased in 1977. After being declared a National Park, these areas were reinstated as grasslands. Tourism-related issues such as plant removal, littering, fires and noise pollution are major conservation issues.[1] Gem mining, timber logging, the collection of plants for ornamental and medicinal purposes, encroachment, poaching and vehicle traffic are the other threats. The spread of invasive alien species such as Gorse (Ulex europaeus), brackens, and Pennisetum spp. threaten the native flora. The introduced rainbow trout may have affected endemic species of fish, amphibia and crustaceans.[3]
Some Sambar deer have died due to eating polythene litter that blocked their food passages, and visitors are banned from bringing polythene into the park.[13] Sambar have benefited from the introduced Pennisetum grass species.[14]
A recent threat, first reported in 1978, is forest dieback.[3] In some areas, especially in the peripheral region, this has been severe with nearly a 50% in vegetation. Water deficiency has been attributed as the main cause of dieback as droughts are becoming more frequent. Regrowth of forest is hindered by frost which is increasingly severe. The forest dieback has affected 22 species of plants with Calophyllum walkeri being the most affected.[15] A study has suggested that low Calcium causes soil acidification and increased toxicity caused by metallic elements such as Aluminium may be causing the dieback. Leaching of nutrients and the resulting imbalance in soil micronutrients may also be contributing to the dieback.[16]
Tourist attractions
![view down a steep wooded valley](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Worldsend.jpg/220px-Worldsend.jpg)
Horton Plains is a popular tourist destination, with World's End being the key attraction.[1] In the six months ending in August 2009, Horton Plains National Park earned a revenue of Rs. 20.1 millions (US$ 0.17 millions).[17] The park is accessed by the Nuwara Eliya-Ambewela-Pattipola and Haputale-Boralanda roads,[5] and there are railway stations at Ohiya and Ambewela. World's End is a sheer precipice with a 4,000 ft (1,219 m) drop. It is situated at the southern boundary of the park.[5] Another cliff known as the Lesser World's End is also located a little distance away from the World's End. Baker's Falls, a waterfall formed by Belihul Oya, a tributary of the Walawe River[5] is named after Sir Samuel Baker, a hunter and explorer[18] who attempted to establish a European agricultural settlement at Nuwara Eliya. The falls are 20 metres (66 ft) high. Slab Rock Falls lies 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) to north of Baker's Falls.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Horton Plains National Park". International Water Management Institute. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
- ^ a b Jayalal, R.G.U. (30 November 2007). "Anzia (Lichenized Ascomycetes, Parmeliaceae) A New Record from the Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka" (PDF). Proceedings of the Peradeniya University Research Sessions, Sri Lanka. University of Peradeniya.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Green, Michael J. B. (1990). "Horton Plains National Park". IUCN directory of South Asian protected areas. IUCN. pp. 216–219. ISBN 2831700302.
- ^ Ranasinghe, P; Fernando, G; Dissanayake, C; Rupasinghe, M (2008). "Stream sediment geochemistry of the Upper Mahaweli River Basin of Sri Lanka—Geological and environmental significance". Journal of Geochemical Exploration. 99: 1. doi:10.1016/j.gexplo.2008.02.001.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Senaratna, P.M. (2005). "හෝටන් තැන්න". Sri Lankawe Jathika Vanodhyana (in Sinhala) (2nd ed.). Sarasavi Publishers. pp. 186–193. ISBN 955-573-346-5.
- ^ Premathilake, Rathnasiri (2003). "Late Quaternary climate history of the Horton Plains, central Sri Lanka". Quaternary science reviews. 22 (14): 1525–1541. doi:10.1016/S0277-3791(03)00128-8.
{{cite journal}}
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ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Peak Wilderness Sanctuary (PWS), Horton Plains National Park (HPNP), Knuckles Range (KR)". unesco.org. UNESCO. 2009. Retrieved 24 November 2009.
- ^ Campbell, Douglas Houghton (1926). "Ceylon". An outline of plant geography. New York: Macmillan Publishers. p. 191.
- ^ Nekaris, K. A. I. (2007). "Horton Plains Slender Loris, Ceylon Mountain Slender Loris, Loris tardigradus nycticeboides Hill, 1942. In: Primates in Peril: The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates 2006–2008". primate-sg.org. Arlington, VA.: Unpublished report, IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group (PSG), International Primatological Society (IPS), and Conservation International (CI). pp. 12–13.
- ^ Perera, M. Sandun J. (2008). "A Review of the Distribution of Grey Slender Loris (Loris lydekkerianus) in Sri Lanka" (PDF). Primate Conservation. 23: 89–96. doi:10.1896/052.023.0110.
- ^ "IBAs in Sri Lanka". birdlife.org. BirdLife International. Retrieved 6 December 2009.
- ^ de Silva, KHGM (1982). "Aspects of the ecology and conservation of Sri Lanka's endemic freshwater shrimp Caridina singhalensis". Biological Conservation. 24 (3): 219–231. doi:10.1016/0006-3207(82)90059-3.
- ^ Fernando, Vimukthi (21 April 2002). "Horton Plains : Nature's pristine glory". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 24 November 2009.
- ^ Padmalal, U.K.G.K.; Takatsuki, Seiki; Jayasekara, Palitha (2003). "Food habits of sambar Cervus unicolor at the Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka". Ecological Research. 18: 775. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1703.2003.00595.x.
- ^ Werner, Wolfgang L. (1988). "Canopy dieback in the upper montane rain forests of Sri Lanka". GeoJournal. 17: 245. doi:10.1007/BF02432929.
- ^ Chandrajith, Rohana; Koralegedara, Nadeesha; Ranawana, K. B.; Tobschall, H. J.; Dissanayake, C. B. (2008). "Major and trace elements in plants and soils in Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka: an approach to explain forest die back". Environmental Geology. 57: 17. doi:10.1007/s00254-008-1278-0.
- ^ Sriyananda, Shanika (August 8, 2009). "Wildlife picks up with end of war". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 24 November 2009.
- ^ Baker, SW (1854). The rifle and the hound in Ceylon. Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, London.
External links
Media related to Horton Plains National Park at Wikimedia Commons