By Ifham Nizam
Sri Lanka, a country blessed with abundant natural resources, is globally recognised for its exceptional biodiversity. Particularly, the central highlands of the island, part of the wet zone, are home to a wealth of unique plant and animal species.
These regions, rich in biodiversity, also face significant ecological challenges, which are compounded by historical human activities such as plantation agriculture. Among those leading the charge for conservation in these ecologically sensitive areas is Rajika Gamage, a renowned conservation biologist with more than 25 years of experience.
Gamage’s groundbreaking work focuses on the biodiversity of the up-country wet zone landscapes, which, despite historical deforestation and environmental degradation, continue to support diverse species.
His work sheds light on the evolution of the landscapes from the colonial era through to the present day, providing an in-depth understanding of the environmental changes and their impacts on Sri Lanka’s ecological systems.
The history of Sri Lanka’s central highlands is deeply tied to its coffee and tea plantations, which have drastically altered the landscape. In the late 1800s, coffee was introduced to Sri Lanka and quickly became an important agricultural product.
However, a devastating coffee blight in the 1870s led to the shift from coffee to tea cultivation. This change resulted in widespread deforestation and the destruction of many unique ecosystems. Additionally, human settlements and the introduction of new agricultural practices altered the local climate and the biodiversity of the region.
The conversion of the region’s lush forests into plantations also meant the disruption of natural water systems. Key rivers like the Mahaweli Ganga, Kelani Ganga, and Kalu Ganga served as vital water sources for agriculture and the surrounding communities, but the construction of these plantations fragmented habitats, leading to the decline of various species, Rajika says.
He stresses that as forests were cleared and replaced with monoculture crops, both plant and animal life suffered, and the fragile ecosystems that once supported a wide variety of life were significantly weakened.
Despite these challenges, he says the current tea plantations still provide vital support to a range of species, including unique amphibians, reptiles, and migratory birds. Gamage emphasizes the importance of recognising the interplay between agriculture and biodiversity in these landscapes, especially given the role of tea plantations as a temporary habitat for a variety of species.
Ecological Challenges and Opportunities
Gamage’s work delves into the environmental changes that have occurred due to the introduction of new plant species, invasive animals, and the increased use of agrochemicals. Invasive species such as the Ice Cream-bean (Inga edulis), Calliandra, and Cherry Guava (Psidium cattleyanum) have disrupted local ecosystems. These non-native species often outcompete native flora and fauna, threatening the survival of indigenous species and further stressing the region’s biodiversity.
The up-country wet zone forests, he says despite facing these challenges, continue to serve as essential ecological hubs. They are crucial to the maintenance of Sri Lanka’s water resources, contributing to the flow of major rivers that support both agriculture and human communities. Moreover, the remnants of these forests still hold immense ecological value, acting as refuges for many species, and offering potential for restoration.
A Call for Conservation
Through his extensive fieldwork and research, Gamage highlights the need for immediate action to conserve Sri Lanka’s highland ecosystems. His research highlights the long-term consequences of human activity on biodiversity, focusing on water pollution, soil degradation, and the threat to indigenous plant and animal life. Gamage’s work features the importance of integrating conservation efforts with local community development and agricultural practices.
As a leading conservation biologist at the Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Gamage has worked closely with various stakeholders, from farmers to environmental organisations, to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
from The Island https://ift.tt/vSR9xEP
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