Fish unique to Sri Lanka to be preserved
[02 May 2001]

Puntius bandula.,
A species unique to Sri Lanka but fast diminishing. Current population less than 200

Fresh water and marine fish endemic to Sri Lanka face the threat of extinction due to the extensive use of agro chemicals, deforestation and the release of industrial effluents into the waterways. These varieties  are also being regularly smuggled out of the country. 

The Wild Life Conservation Department has launched a joint programme with the Customs Authority and the private sector to preserve these rare species of fish unique to Sri Lanka. There are over 60 species of Fresh Water Fish of which at least 23 are endemic. In the coral reefs around Sri Lanka 400 rare varieties of marine fish have been identified. 

The Deputy Director of Department of Wildlife Conservation, H.D Ratnayake, said, "conservation should begin at school level and many projects have been implemented island wide to make the school children aware of their responsibility to safeguard the environment and the species of fish unique to their areas."

Another step taken by The State Conservationists is to artificially breed these rare species and release them to their natural habitats. 

Contact Information: Send mail to webmaster@priu.gov.lk with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: December 17, 2003.

  Puntius bandula in Sri Lanka

The GOSL is not responsible for the content of external internet sites