Wildlife authorities in Sri Lanka have temporarily restricted tourist access to the central heartlands of a major national park as severe drought conditions, exacerbated by the looming El Niño weather phenomenon, threaten local ecosystems.
Key Highlights
- Tourist access barred in high-impact core zones to protect vulnerable wildlife.
- Drying waterholes force animals into concentrated areas, raising stress levels and risk of human contact.
- Conservationists deploy emergency measures, including artificial water troughs, to assist park fauna.
The decision was taken as water levels in key reservoirs and natural ponds across the park depleted rapidly. With temperatures rising and rainfall severely lacking, critical species such as Asian elephants, leopards, and sloths are increasingly congregating around a dwindling number of water sources.
Park officials noted that heavy safari jeep traffic in these sensitive core areas causes undue stress to heat-exhausted animals. By limiting visitor footprint, management aims to reduce disturbance around remaining water points and prevent potential human-wildlife conflicts.
While the restrictions pose a temporary blow to local eco-tourism operators, environmental authorities emphasized that safeguarding animal welfare and maintaining ecological stability must take precedence until seasonal monsoons bring relief to the region.