Bundala

Bundala National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka, designated in 1993. It spans an area of 6216 hectares and is located in the Southern Province. Bundala is renowned as an important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Consequently, it was declared a Ramsar wetland in 1990 and a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2005. The park encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including lagoons, inter-tidal mudflats, salt pans, scrublands, and beaches, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. Key species include various waterbirds, elephants, crocodiles, and turtles. The park's name is thought to derive from the Sinhala word "Bundala," meaning "cluster of houses," reflecting the historical presence of human settlements in the area prior to its designation as a protected area. The principal lagoons within the park are Bundala Lagoon, Embilikala Lagoon, and Malala Lagoon. Threats to the park include habitat degradation due to invasive species and illegal human activities.