Udawalawe National Park, established on June 30, 1972, covers approximately 30,821 hectares (119 square miles) in Sri Lanka. It serves as a crucial sanctuary for wildlife displaced by the creation of the Udawalawe Reservoir. The park is located at the intersection of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces and experiences a warm climate with moderate rainfall, averaging around 1,500 mm annually.
The park's landscape is primarily composed of dry grasslands and scrublands, interspersed with riverine forests along the Walawe River. This diverse environment supports a rich array of flora and fauna. Notably, the park is renowned for its thriving population of Sri Lankan elephants, with approximately 250 individuals frequently seen near the reservoir.
In addition to elephants, Udawalawe is home to a variety of bird species, including migratory waterbirds, as well as mammals such as sambar deer and leopards. This unique ecosystem makes Udawalawe a favored destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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