The importance of
Rainforests
Tropical rainforests are
located around the equator. The temperature around the equator is high. Hence
the rate of water evaporation is high. As a result there is frequent rain in
rainforests. They are found in South and Central America, Africa, in the
islands around Australia and Asia. The rainforests are important to human
existence and the surroundings. Rainforests are rich source of medicinal
plants, food and useful forest products. They maintain about 50% of the plant,
animal, bird, reptile and insect species of the world. These forests help to
maintain a regular rainfall. They also stand as a buffer against floods,
droughts and erosion. These forests produce a significant amount of the world’s
oxygen.
“Sinharaja”
Rainforest in Sri Lanka.
The sinharaja forest is the
only undisturbed rainforest left in Sri Lanka. It is about 9000 hectares in
extent. Many of the plants are rave. Over 60% of the tree species are found
only in the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. If these species of tree are allowed
to get destroyed, the world would lose them altogether. So it is important that
much effort is made to conserve this rich, valuable and fragile habitat.
The sinharaja forest is home to
many rare animal, birds, butterflies, insects, reptiles and trees. Ferns and
mosses grow well as the climate is humid because of heavy rainfall.
The vegetation
Vegetation means trees, shrubs and woody climbers. The average height of
tree in the Sinharaja varies between 35 to 40metres. Some trees are above 50
metres.
The animals and the birds
Sinharaja provides a habitat for
animals. The plants provide them with food. There are large mammals as well
ones living there. The purple faced monkeys can be observed easily. They move
about in groups. There are herbivores, carnivores as well as mixed feeders. The
wild pig, the sambur, the mouse-deer and the barking-deer are some that you
find in the Sinharaja. There is also evidence of the presence of the leopard.
Among others are the rusty spotted cat and the fishing cat. There are many
other varieties of small mammals.
Studies have recorded 147 species of birds. Some threatened species of
birds are found in the Sinharaja. Among them are the blue magpie, the
white-headed starling and the ash-headed babbler.
Reptiles
Studies have recorded 45 varieties of reptiles. These include snakes,
lizards and tortoises. The viper and the cobra are among the venomous species.
Conservation of sinharaja is of vital necessity. It ensures the maintenance of
water resources. It also controls floods, which is a constant threat due to
heavy rainfall in the area.
No comments:
Post a Comment