15/04/2026
🌼 Gileemale Exploration 2026
Organized by the Nature Team – University of Moratuwa, the Gileemale Exploration held on 15th March 2026 was a journey into one of Sri Lanka’s hidden ecological treasures "the Gileemale Forest Reserve".
Nestled at the foothills of the iconic Adam’s Peak and bordering the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, this lowland rainforest offers a remarkable glimpse into the island’s rich biodiversity. Though small in size, Gileemale is a thriving habitat filled with endemic life. Its dense canopy and flowing water streams weave through the forest, supporting a diverse bird population , including species like the Sri Lanka Crested Drongo, Lesser Yellownape, Sri Lanka Lesser Flameback, Dark-fronted Babblers, and the Spot-winged Thrush. 🦜The clean streams also provide refuge to unique freshwater fish such as comb tails, stone suckers, and danios, enriching the ecosystem. 🐟
The forest is also known for its remarkable diversity of amphibians and reptiles. Species such as the Leaf Dwelling Shrub Frog, Common Hourglass Tree Frog, Kandyan Shrub Frog, and the striking Sri Lankan Golden-backed Frog inhabit these moist forest layers. Rare and fascinating species like the Ranwella’s Horned Frog and the Hollow-snouted Shrub Frog also belong to this ecosystem, showcasing nature’s incredible adaptations. 🐸🦎
Among reptiles, the forest is home to the brightly colored Lyre-headed Lizard, the Sri Lanka Checkered Keelback, and the highly venomous Sri Lanka Hump-nosed Viper. Hidden within the forest, the elusive Red Slender Loris and the mysterious Sri Lanka Bay Owl further highlight the richness of this unique habitat. 🐍🐢
Gileemale may not be widely known, but it holds a surprising level of biodiversity within its forest cover and stream networks. It is a reminder that even small forest patches can support complex ecosystems and endemic species. Understanding and protecting such habitats is important, not only for wildlife but also for the ecological health of the region as a whole. 🌏✨
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