Zeylanica

Photograph © by Nilu Rajapakse

Purple-faced Leaf Monkey/Langur (Trachypithecus vetulus)

A small troop of monkeys were searching for food in our home garden in Homagama. Monkeys in general are rather desperate for survival these days, with the fast disappearing habitat and food sources. For them, it is a constant battle, as Human gradually take over their natural territory, and so, the natural inhabitants become the intruders. As villages expand these hopeless arboreals are mercilessly chased out with fire-crackers, sticks and stones. One begins to really wonder who the uncivilized species are in this context.

There are four species of the Purple-faced Leaf monkey or Purple-faced Langur which is classified as an “Old World” monkey.

Of the four different species (Presbytis senex) is endemic to Sri Lanka . The Purple faced leaf monkey is identified as a threatened species by IUCN. They mainly survive in the Sinharaja forest, Kitulagala protected zone and the Horton Plains National Park.

As I tried to photograph the small troop they wore a curious but nervous expression, gazing at me in anticipation mixed with fear. One large male relaxed on a tree while the others remained at close range. As I approached closer (unfortunately I had to ascend in order to get a closer look) they hastened away. I do hope they find the food and shelter they were looking for…

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple-faced_Langur

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_World

Contributors, Fauna, Nature, Nilu purple faced langur, purple faced leaf monkey

The Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), 93-102 cm
Bundala, Dec 2008

Spotted at the Bundala National Park, this bird gave us a wonderful pose for a few moments. A graceful and colorful bird, as its name implies, the painted stork are found close to water bodies in many parts of Sri Lanka. They are found in larger colonies in the protected areas in the dry zone.

Painted Storks at Bundala

We were looking for Flamingos in Bundala when we spotted the Painted Storks. It was a beautiful site as they stood against the lagoon. Painted Storks are seen in India, Sri Lanka and other south Asian countries where they breed. They share their territory with other water birds such as Herons, the Asian Open-bill, Cormorants, etc. Above them on the food chain are Leopards and crocodiles and other carnivorous animals. Painted storks eat fish, frogs and snails. They often flock in groups on leafless trees close to water bodies.

Useful Links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Painted_Stork

Avifauna, Contributors, Nature, Nilu, Wildlife bundala, Mycteria leucocephala, Painted Stork, Sri Lanka, Wildlife