Ceratophora tennentii right next to the main road in the lower ranges.
We leave the central highlands for the lowland plains of the Wilpattu region. Wilpattu means lands and lakes. Before heading down we make a short stop in Knuckels Range in search of some other highland's reptile forms. The road to Knuckels Range is steep and with deep drops. Unfortunately the entire way up is through huge tea plantations with very little original vegetation left. Even all the way on the top, the primary vegetation is limited and we walked up a small path to a communication mast. Nothing was actually found, besides a lost buffalo, along this path although we were accompanied by a local guide.
A water buffalo bull on top of the mountain.
It was actually the ranger in the office of the Knuckels National Heritage and Wilderness Area that took us in some secondary forest patch to show us a "Sri Lanka Chameleon". Exited we followed him into the bushes where he found a pair of leaf nosed lizards or Ceratophora tennentii.
A male Ceratophora tennentii.
While probably not being able to survive in the tea plantations, it was remarkable to find this lizard in secondary forest. On our way down we even found an additional animal next to the main road which shows that this species has a wider range than initially thought.
Sigirya or Lion's Rock
We spent the night in Sigirya or Lions Rock, a historical rock fortress. The next morning we left for Wilpattu National Park.
More soon!
Sent from Sri Lanka
Sent from Sri Lanka
