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AMPHIBIANS &
REPTILES

Introduction

The number of Amphibians in the dry zone areas at the park are relatively low when compared to the Wetland Habitats, with a total of around 17 species found at Wilpattu. These present approximately 15% of the island’s total amphibian diversity. Three of the endemic species found are the Atukorale’s Dwarf Toad, Common Hour-Glass Tree Frog and the Sri Lanka Wood Frog.

mugger-crocodile-in-wilpattu

In contrast to the Amphibians, many reptile species can be found in the dry zone habitats. There are 57 species of reptiles at the park including turtles, crocodiles and lizards. Chameleo zeylanicus is a threatened and rare species found in scrub/shrub habitats near the villus. Sri Lanka’s largest reptiles, Crocodylus palustris and Python molurus are also recorded from the park

Reptiles at Wilpattu

The Wilpattu National Park hosts a variety of rich biodiversity.

Explore to find out more about the top 5 species of Reptiles at the park.

Reptiles at Wilpattu

The Wilpattu National Park hosts a variety of rich biodiversity.

Explore to find out more about the top 5 species of Reptiles at the park.

Sharkhead Snakeskink (Nessia hickanala)

Sharkhead Snakeskink

(Nessia hickanala)

This rare species of skink is only found at the North-west coastline including Wilpattu National Park and is endemic to Sri Lanka. This species is limbless and has dark brown scales. They are primarily fossorial and burrow in the dry soil.

© Mendis Wickramasinghe

Blotched Rhinophis or Marichchukate Rhinophis

(Rhinophis dorsimaculatus)

The Blotched Rhinophis is seen only in and around the Wilpattu National Park coastal belt. It is a burrowing and non-venomous snake with a large keratinous shield at the end of its tail. It’s family name, Uropeltidae, is derived the Greek words ura ("tail") and pelte ("shield").

Chameleon-in-wnp

Sri Lankan Chameleon

(Chamaeleo zeylanicus)

The Sri Lankan Chameleon is a very rare species to Sri Lanka, but Wilpattu National Park provides the ideal preferred habitat for these species to flourish in, hence is quite commonly seen in the scrub jungles. These amazing lizards can rotate and focus simultaneously allowing for 360-degree vision. They are slow moving but can extend their long tongues at lightning speed, almost faster than the human eye to catch small invertebrates.

Haly's Treeskink (Dasia halianus)

Haly's Treeskink

(Dasia halianus)

One of the most strikingly beautiful arboreal skinks endemic to Sri Lanka. Despite the fact this species is very rare on the island, it can be commonly seen at the Wilpattu National Park and is the only arboreal skink on the island.

Sandilya Theuerkauf / CC BY-SA

Sri Lankan Sand Boa

(Gongylophis conica)

The sand boa is found mainly in the arid, semi-arid, and dry zones. Slow moving by nature and small in size, the Sand boa is commonly found at the park, but is very rare in other parts of the island. The boa constrictors are non-venomous but kill through asphyxiation.

Facts

The Parker’s Black Turtle can be identified by its unique smiling face and striking black shell.
The Chameleon can rotate its eyes simultaneously for a full 360-degree view around its body.
The Mugger Crocodile has the broadest snout of any crocodile in Sri Lanka and is easily mistaken to be an alligator.
The Wilpattu National Park hosts about 15% of the total amphibious diversity of Sri Lanka.
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mugger croc large
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