Assessment of Ecological Significance, Environmental Challenges, and Conservation Strategies in Dunumadalawa Forest Reserve, Kandy, Sri Lanka

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.