Abstract:
This study assesses some floristic and physiognomic features and
threats prevailing in dry forests at three localities: Bandaraketiya in Victoria Randenigala-Rantambe sanctuary (in Badulla District), Bundala National
Park (in Hambanthota District) and Manewakanda (in Anuradhapura
District) and compare these with the situation in a dry forest in the
Kilinochchi District to prescribe conservation and management guidelines
for northernmost dry forests of the country. The density of individuals, the
number of strata in the vegetation profile, species composition and the
endemic and threatened plant species present in four forests were not
comparable. These may be artefacts of their physical location and subsequent
variations in the climate and the nature of disturbances (the type, frequency
and magnitude). However, some climax forest species appear to be more site specific but most of the early seral species show a wide distribution
throughout the whole dry zone of the country. Severe and frequent
disturbances in dry forests result in the formation of plagioclimaxes locally
known as “scrub jungles” through deflected succession. Selective logging and
subsequent severe grazing and browsing prevent the re-establishment of
native climax tree species but pave the path for invasive species to occupy in
forests. Therefore, floristically rich northernmost dry forests of Sri Lanka
should be protected from selective logging and other anthropogenic
activities such as clearance and cattle ranching. Policies should be
formulated to conserve these unique dry forests and to prevent conversion,
fragmentation and illegal human activities in them. Measures should be
taken to introduce ecotourism industry to the area while conserving the
forests and their biodiversity. Promoting to grow native dry forest timber
tree species in home gardens of local villagers together with some fodder and
fuel wood tree species would be beneficial in protecting the northern dry
forests on the long run.
