Editorial photo #9898464 Human Interest

Sinharaja Rainforest In Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Kangaroo Lizard (Otocryptis weigmannii) on a tree bench at Sinharaja Rain Forest in Kalawana, Sri Lanka, on April 12, 2023. The Sri Lankan Kangaroo Lizard is a small, ground-dwelling agamid lizard endemic to the wet zone forests and lower mountain forests of Sri Lanka. It is commonly seen in the leaf litter of shady rain forests. When perceiving danger, it spurts away quickly on its large hind legs and might eventually climb up a sapling or tree. It feeds on small insects, grubs, and tender shoots. Sinharaja is the country's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic, and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles, and rare amphibians. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. (Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto)