[Audio] Welcome everyone, this presentation focuses on our science project regarding the bird and reptile species of Horagolla National Park in Sri Lanka. Our aim is to gain a better understanding of their behavior and habitat through study and observation, ultimately helping to preserve the park's natural balance. Let's now embark on a journey into the captivating world of these extraordinary creatures..
preencoded.png preencoded.png preencoded.png INTRODUCTION & PROJECT OVERVIEW About Horagolla National Park: Horagolla National Park is located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, near Nittambuwa. It is one of the few low-country evergreen forests in the region and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Location Horagolla National Park, Western Province, Sri Lanka (near Nittambuwa). Purpose Study and identify birds and reptiles, observing their behavior and habitat. Date Field Trip conducted on 26th September 2025..
BIRDS. Horagolla National Park is home to a rich variety of bird species, both resident and migratory.The dense forest canopy, water bodies, and fruit-bearing trees create a perfect habitat for birds such as the Asian Koel, Black-headed Bulbul, and various Barbets. These birds play an important role in the park’s ecosystem helping with seed dispersal, pollination, and maintaining the natural balance..
BIRDS. Horagolla National Park is home to a rich variety of bird species, both resident and migratory.The dense forest canopy, water bodies, and fruit-bearing trees create a perfect habitat for birds such as the Asian Koel, Black-headed Bulbul, and various Barbets. These birds play an important role in the park’s ecosystem helping with seed dispersal, pollination, and maintaining the natural balance. A total of 68 bird species have been recorded from the park.
[Audio] Slide number 5 of the Horagolla National Park Science Project presentation will discuss the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, a majestic bird found in the park. This bird has a distinct grey and black plumage and a large curved beak. Its diet consists of fruits, figs, insects, and small animals, making it an omnivorous bird. The Hornbill is native to Sri Lanka and can be found in various habitats, with the most common being the Horagolla National Park. It is classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, meaning its population is stable. However, it is still important to protect their habitats for their continued existence. The Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill plays a vital role in the ecosystem of the park, and its diverse diet and ability to adapt to different habitats make it a fascinating subject for study. As we work towards preserving the natural beauty of our country, let us remember the importance of these magnificent creatures in maintaining the delicate balance of our environment. Thank you for your attention on this slide..
[Audio] Slide number 6 focuses on the Sri Lankan Black-headed Bulbul, a stunning bird that can be found in Horagolla National Park. This bird plays a crucial role in the park's ecosystem, as it has a diverse diet that includes fruits, insects, and nectar. Its ability to forage in a variety of habitats, such as water sources, woodland areas, and montane forests, makes it an important contributor to the ecosystem. One of its key roles is seed dispersal, as it unknowingly spreads the seeds of different plant species. Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Black-headed Bulbul as of "least concern" in terms of conservation, it is important to continue protecting its habitats and promoting conservation efforts to ensure its survival. Moving on to slide number 7, we will be learning about another unique resident of Horagolla National Park..
[Audio] Slide number 7 out of 16 showcases two colorful birds, Layard’s Parakeets and Barbets, who reside in Horagolla National Park. These lively birds contribute to the park's diversity with their distinct diets and habitats. The Layard’s Parakeets have a varied diet of fruits and insects, making them key pollinators for the park's plant life. They can be found in forests, savannas, woodlands, and gardens, and are considered of "least concern" in terms of conservation status. In contrast, Barbets have a more diverse diet, including grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, buds, flowers, and nectar. They can be seen in forests, woodlands, scrublands, coastal areas, and agricultural lands. However, their conservation status is listed as "near threatened," highlighting the importance of protecting their natural habitats. These two fascinating bird species are just a glimpse of the park's diverse wildlife. As we continue to explore, we will encounter even more captivating creatures and learn about the importance of preserving their natural habitats. The rest of the presentation will delve deeper into the science behind Horagolla National Park. Thank you for your attention on slide number 7..
REPTILES. BIRDS. Horagolla National Park is located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, near Nittambuwa. It is one of the few low-country evergreen forests in the region and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna..
REPTILES. Horagolla National Park is also home to a diverse range of reptile species that thrive in its warm, humid environment. The dense forest floor, fallen logs, and sunny open areas create ideal habitats for reptiles such as the Star Tortoise, Indian Python, Cobra, and various tree and garden lizards. These reptiles play an important role in the park’s ecosystem by controlling insect and rodent populations and maintaining the natural balance of the food chain..
[Audio] This is slide 10 of our presentation on the Horagolla National Park Science Project. We will be discussing the cobra snake. This species is known for its distinctive hood and deadly venom, making it both fascinating and feared. However, there is more to this snake than just its appearance. When it comes to diet, the cobra snake is a true carnivore, feeding on rodents, birds, their eggs, amphibians, and other snakes. The cobra snake can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, agricultural lands, water bodies, and even human settlements. It is also one of the "Big four" venomous snakes in the country, emphasizing the need to understand and coexist with these creatures in their natural environment. So, let's appreciate and respect the cobra snake and its unique qualities as we continue to learn about the Horagolla National Park. We thank you for your attention on this slide..
[Audio] Slide number 11 focuses on the Indian Python, an important species found in Horagolla National Park. These creatures primarily feed on rodents, mammals, and other reptiles, helping to maintain the balance of the park's ecosystem. They can be found in various habitats such as forests, grasslands, marshes and wetlands, showcasing their adaptability and resilience. Despite their significance, their conservation status is currently listed as least concern. However, it is crucial to monitor their population and protect them to preserve the park's biodiversity. Let us continue to appreciate and respect all the creatures in Horagolla National Park as we explore its wonders. Don't forget to stay tuned for more interesting information in the upcoming slides..
[Audio] Slide number 12 out of 16: The Horagolla National Park is home to the fascinating Star Tortoise, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the park's ecosystem. These slow and steady creatures have a primarily vegetarian diet, feeding on grasses, fruits, weeds, and flowers in various areas of the park. Unfortunately, they are listed as vulnerable due to threats to their habitats from human interference and climate change. Conservation efforts in the park are essential to protect the diverse habitats of the Star Tortoise and preserve them for future generations. Let's continue to the next slide and learn more about the Horagolla National Park..
[Audio] This slide contains a table with valuable information about the species observed in the Horagolla National Park during our research. These creatures serve an important role in the park's ecosystem. Starting with the Asian Koel, we have observed them calling from high trees in the dense canopy, with 1-2 individuals seen in the area. The Black-headed Bulbul was spotted feeding on fruits in the mid-canopy or edge of the park, with 1-2 individuals seen during our observation. Moving on to the Common Myna, we noticed them feeding near the ground in open areas, with 1-2 individuals observed. These observations provide crucial information for understanding the behavior and habitat of these species. Additionally, our team also observed other fascinating creatures in the park, such as the Garden Lizard commonly basking on rocks, the Tortoise feeding on grass and leaves in the shady, moist forest floor, and the rare sighting of a Tree Snake resting on branches in the dense canopy. By analyzing these data and observations, we have gained a better understanding of the park's biodiversity, which will aid in the conservation and management of the Horagolla National Park. Thank you for your attention and interest in our project. Please continue to the remaining slides for more exciting discoveries. Thank you..
[Audio] Slide number 14 of our presentation will focus on the conclusions and interesting findings of the Horagolla National Park Science Project. Our research has shown that Horagolla is a biodiversity hotspot, with a significant number of bird and reptile species. This highlights the importance of preserving the park as a home for a diverse range of species. Our project also examined the health indicators of the park, and we found that the presence and behavior of wildlife are essential in assessing the environmental health of the area. This emphasizes the need for careful management and conservation efforts to maintain the park's ecological balance. Moreover, our study has deepened our understanding of the relationship between animals and their habitats. By observing their behaviors and movements, we have identified the critical link between specific animal species and their specific habitats, further highlighting the importance of preserving these areas for the well-being of the wildlife. In addition, our project has allowed us to acquire and improve various skills such as research, data analysis, and teamwork. These skills will not only benefit our future endeavors but also contribute to the conservation and management of other biodiversity hotspots. In conclusion, our project has provided valuable insights into the Horagolla National Park, emphasizing the significance of its biodiversity and the need for its protection. We hope our findings will inspire more efforts towards the preservation of this unique and precious natural environment..
[Audio] In conclusion, our presentation on the Horagolla National Park Science Project has utilized a variety of references to provide accurate and reliable information. These include Wikipedia, National Geographic, the Hastings Aquarium, eBird, and JungleDragon. These sources have helped us gain a comprehensive understanding of the park and its ecosystem, and also allowed us to present reliable data. Our gratitude goes to these resources for their crucial role in furthering our knowledge on this important conservation site. This concludes our presentation and we hope you have gained a deeper appreciation for the Horagolla National Park. Thank you for joining us..
[Audio] We have reached the final slide of our presentation on the Horagolla National Park Science Project, ladies and gentlemen. Our group of students from 11-D has dedicated our time and effort into this project. As we come to a close, we would like to express our gratitude to each and every one of you for your undivided attention throughout this journey. It has been an honor for us to share our findings and discoveries with you and we hope that you have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for this magnificent park. Through our extensive research and experiments, we have unveiled the diverse flora and fauna that call Horagolla National Park their home. Furthermore, we have examined the critical threats to the ecosystem and proposed feasible solutions to preserve its natural beauty. As we conclude, we are reminded of the importance of protecting our environment and preserving it for future generations. The responsibility lies in our hands and it is crucial that we take action to ensure the sustainability of our planet. We would like to express our gratitude to our teachers and mentors for their guidance and support throughout this project. Most importantly, we would like to thank our audience for being a part of this presentation, as your presence has made this a memorable experience for us. In closing, we would like to reiterate our sincere appreciation for joining us on this scientific journey and being a part of our mission to protect and preserve Horagolla National Park. This presentation was created by the students of 11-D, with the hope to inspire positive change and make a lasting impact in our world. Thank you..