Abstract:
This study assesses the ecological sig
nificance, environmental challenges, and conserva
tion needs of the Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve. It
is a semi-isolated wet zone forest fragment within
Kandy City, Sri Lanka. When considering its
limited size and history of plantation-based dis
turbance, Dunumadalawa has a rich biodiversity,
including 13 endemic bird species (39.4% of Sri
Lanka’s endemics), 29 endemic bird subspecies, di
verse carnivores such as the Sri Lankan Leopard
(Panthera pardus kotiya) and Fishing Cat (Pri
onailurus viverrinus), and 31 species of pterido
phytes. Data were collected through ecological
surveys, camera trapping (2019–2021), floristic as
sessments, and key informant interviews to exam
ine biodiversity patterns and human–wildlife in
teractions.
The findings highlight severe envi
ronmental pressures, including habitat fragmenta
tion, invasive alien species such as Myroxylon balsa
mum and Lantana camara, and the spread of pine
plantations that suppress native flora. Based on
these observations, the study recommends targeted
conservation measures, including invasive species
control, native reforestation, community awareness
programs, continuous biodiversity monitoring, and
stronger institutional coordination for habitat man
agement. This research emphasizes the critical role
of Dunumadalawa as a biodiversity refuge within an
urban matrix and provides actionable recommenda
tions for its sustainable protection.
