Anawilundawa Sanctuary
Anawilundawa is one of the 3
RAMSAR wetland
in Sri Lanka, the other two being
Bundala
and
Madhu Ganga Sanctuary
. The sanctuary covers 1,397ha lying between the costal line and the Negambo
- Putlam railway line. This wetland consist of six large man made tanks
and 3 peripheral tanks interconnected to create a complex irrigation system.
The larger tanks are Pinkattiya, Maradansola, Anawilundawa, Mayyawa, Surawila
and Vellawali. The history of these tank system goes back to 12th century
and sadly the water ways which fed this system is lost without an trace
and today these tanks are fed by flood waters of the Deduru Oya brought
to the area via the Sengaloya scheme. These tanks has created a natural
habitat which is ideal for the birds as well as supplied water to paddy
fields around this area for over 800 years.
Today this area is very popular among bird watchers and nature lovers.
During migration season a large variery of birds can be seen using this
area as feeding ground as well as breeding ground .
from RAMSAR
"An ancient system
of human-made cascading tanks or reservoirs, ranging between 12 and
50 hectares each and totaling some 200 ha, dating back to the 12th century,
which help to sustain traditional paddy fields in the area as well
as islets of natural vegetation. In addition to being unique to the biogeographical
region, the site harbours quite a few species of threatened fish,
amphibians, birds, mammals, and especially reptiles and supports up to
40% of the vertebrate species found in Sri Lanka. The system serves as
an important refuge for migratory birds and also supports about 50% of
the country’s
freshwater fish species, including at least three endemic species.
Only 3-4 meters deep, it is a highly productive wetland with an array
of zooplankton and phytoplankton, which also makes it extremely important
for migratory fish. The tanks store water, in this dry region, for
irrigation purposes, and also play a major role in flood control, aquifer
recharge, retention of pollutants and sediments, and nutrient export.
Local communities have practiced sustainable traditional farming and
fishing since ancient times, but extension of prawn (shrimp) farms in
surrounding areas has resulted in mangrove destruction and pollution
and eutrophication caused by waste water releases; other potential threats
derive from the spread of two species of alien invasive fish and four
of plants and from the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in nearby
coconut plantations .. "
Articles
-
Anawilundawa Sanctuary
-
I write from the shores of the Sath Korale..
Created : November 22, 2009
Updated :
December 1, 2009
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