Hunting Loxococcus in Sinharaja (rain-)forest

[doranakandawatta]

From Kalawana, we wanted to discover Loxococcus in habitat, in the Sinharaja forest and we explained the guide of the reserve we want to do so.

Encompassing the last extensive patch of primary lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is situated in the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Covering an area of 8,864 ha and ranging from an altitude of 300 – 1,170 meters, it consists of 6,092 ha of Forest Reserve and 2,772 ha of Proposed Forest Reserve. This narrow strip of undulating terrain encompasses a series of ridges and valleys that are crisscrossed by an intricate network of streams. Draining to both the south and north, this detailed matrix of waterways flow into the Gin River on the southern boundary of the property and Kalu River via the Napola Dola, Koskulana Ganga and Kudawa Ganga on its northern boundary. Annual rainfall over the last 60 years has ranged from 3614 - 5006 mm with most of the precipitation during the south-west monsoon (May-July) and the north-east monsoon (November- January).

But after 13 km under heavy rain, we saw only one Loxococcus planted in the car-park at the entrance-exit gate.

Anyway we enjoyed this walk, amused by the guide who was worrying about the leeches more than us, and seeing a beautiful landscape and nature.

Palms were mostly Calamus sp.

[doranakandawatta]

We have been wet!

[Josh-O]

cool pic's

[doranakandawatta]

cool pic's

if you like Calamus ...

[realarch]

Thanks Philippe, quite an excursion. Calamus and leeches is not a combo I'd be too happy with, but, hey, not too much you can do about it. Might as well enjoy the moment as best you can.

Tim