ASSESSMENT OF CONSERVATION STATUS AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR KALAMETIYA SANCTUARY

Abstract

Kalametiya Sanctuary is situated on the southeastern coast between Tangalle and Yala National Park. The area covered by Sanctuary including Kalametiya and Lunama lagoons is about 712 ha. However, it has been largely destructed and the fishery resources o f the lagoons are also reported to be depleted. The objectives o f the study were to assess the floristic and faunistic diversity o f some o f the most prominent ecosystems within the Sanctuary and to assess the socio-economic status o f the villagers in the neighborhood. A management plan has also been prepared with a view to make conservation more efficient. Selective sampling was carried out in the 3 distinct ecosystems within the Sanctuary ie. Mangroves, Arid Zone forest and the Coastal ecosystem. Nine 10 x 10 m plots were established in each ecosystem type. In these the number o f species, number of individuals in each species were assessed. DBH (Diameter at breast Height) was measured in all the trees over 10 cm DBH. The saplings and bushes were recorded in plots of 5 x 5m within the large one. Small plots 1 x 1 m were used to count the number o f ground flora (below 1m height). Fauna in the Sanctuary were also observed. A questionnaire survey was conducted in five Grama Niladhari (GN) Divisions, which are inside or at close proximity to the Sanctuary. Ten families were selected randomly from each GN Division. Ecosystems were compared using floristic composition and ecological indices. From the socio-economic survey the type and magnitude of pressures to the Sanctuary from the neighboring communities were assessed. In total, 72 plant species belonging to 34 families and 3301 individuals were counted in all i the plots established in the Sanctuary in the arid zone forest, mangrove forest and coastal ecosystem. The highest diversity o f 1.13 was shown by arid zone forest. The highest dominance was shown by Coastal vegetation. In the faunistic survey, 76 bird species were recorded. Questionnaire survey showed that low income, low education level and temporary occupations of the villagers. Prevent poaching, encroachments and shell mining and increasing o f file income and awareness o f neighboring community can be recommended as probable measures to conserve the sanctuary successfully.