The Kallanchiya Reserve Forest in the Galnewa Divisional Secretariat Division of the Thambuththegama range in Anuradhapura District is set to be declared a protected reserve on World Environment Day under the government’s “Vanaspathi” National Programme.
Spanning 35.2 hectares, the dry zone forest has been identified as an ecologically significant area with rich biodiversity and serves as an important habitat for wild elephants. The reserve is also home to several other wildlife species, including deer, porcupines, macaques, numerous bird species, reptiles and insects.
The forest contains a wide variety of native plant species, including Weera, Palu, Ahala, Damba, and Keeriya, along with several trees, thorny shrubs, and climbers. (Newswire)