LAST REMAINING FOREST PATCH IN HOMAGAMA NOW UNDER THREAT

A 50-acre forest patch located in Diyagama, a suburb coming under the Homagama Divisional Secretariat has become home to over 220 species of flora and fauna, including several endangered and vulnerable species.

- Kamanthi Wickramasinghe

The Diyagama Forest is the only Forest patch in Homagama and its suburbs and is under threat following recent development projects. Apart from becoming a refuge for many species, this forest patch is also carrying out vital ecosystem services which would be disrupted if it isn’t protected. Initial studies suggest that conservation efforts should focus on controlling the spread of invasive species, reducing road kills of various fauna, protecting large trees from illegal exploitation and promoting natural regeneration with least disturbance to maximize its ecosystem services. While research studies continue to determine subspecies of certain flora and fauna recorded in this invaluable habitat, conservationists are urgently requesting authorities to gazette this forest patch as an Environmental Protection Area.

Home to many species

A complete biodiversity survey conducted by plant science students at the Colombo University recorded around 100 plant species including Badulla, Rathkela and several species of Korakaha. Many species of plants found in rainforests were recorded here. Around 90 species of birds were recorded including forest birds and wetland birds because this forest patch includes two lakes as well. One could find Dwarf Kingfisher, Stork Billed Kingfisher and Common Kingfisher in this area. At night, one section serves as a roosting area for around 1000 birds, mainly Egrets, pelicans and so on. Forest birds such as Hanging Parrots, Dark-fronted Babbler, Barbets, Woodpeckers ranging from the smallest species such as Lesser Yellow Nape to Common Flameback and Green pigeon could be spotted here. Rare and vulnerable species such as the Cotton Pygmy-goose can also be seen here. The Woolly Necked Stork also visits this location sometimes.