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Muthurajawela Marsh
Negombo Lagoon and the Kelani River. Stretching inland to Ragama and Peliyagoda in the Gampaha District, this vast marsh, together with the Negombo Lagoon, forms a harmonious coastal wetland ecosystem that spans a total of 6,232 hectares. This marsh-lagoon complex is believed to have originated over 5,000 years ago, making it a remarkable and ancient habitat.
A 2002 study by IUCN Sri Lanka revealed that Muthurajawela is home to an impressive array of life. The marsh boasts 192 species of flora, while its vertebrate fauna includes 40 species of fish, 14 species of amphibians, 31 species of reptiles, 102 species of birds, and 22 species of mammals. Among these, 17 species are endemic, and 26 are nationally threatened, highlighting the ecological importance and fragility of this area.
The marsh's main water source is the Dandugan Oya, which drains a catchment area of 727 km² and discharges into the lagoon-marsh interface. A navigational canal, constructed during the Dutch colonial period, runs through the marsh, adding a historical touch to the landscape. Muthurajawela experiences an annual rainfall of 2,000-2,500 mm, with an average temperature of 27°C, making it a rich and vibrant ecosystem.
Historically, Muthurajawela was extensively cultivated for paddy, with records dating back more than 500 years, showcasing the region's deep-rooted connection to agriculture.
For a closer look at the flora and fauna of this fascinating marsh, click here.
Fish - Muthurajawela Lagoon
Muthurajawela is home to a diverse array of approximately 40 fish species, representing 23 families. This includes about 45% of Sri Lanka's native inland fish species, with five of these species being endemic to the region. Among the fish, five species are classified as nationally threatened, while four are exotic to the area.
The marsh is teeming with common species like the Tilapia (Sarotherodon mossambicus), Pearl Spot (Etroplus suratensis), and the Dwarf Panchax (Aplocheilus parvus), all of which thrive in its waters.
However, some fish species at Muthurajawela are facing significant threats. These include the Filamented Barb (Puntius sinhalaya), Flying Barb (Esomus thermoicos), Day's Killifish (Aplocheilus dayi), Smooth-breasted Snakehead (Channa orientalis), and the Walking Catfish (Clarias brachysoma), all of which are considered nationally threatened and require urgent conservation attention.
Amphibians - Muthurajawela
Muthurajawela is home to 14 species of amphibians, including 4 endemics, representing 4 distinct families. These amphibians, which include toads, narrow-mouthed frogs, aquatic frogs, and tree frogs, add to the rich biodiversity of the marsh. Among the most common species found here are the Common Toad (Bufo melanostictus) and the Six-toed Green Frog (Euphlyctis hexadactyla).
However, some amphibian species at Muthurajawela are nationally threatened. These include the Athokorale's Dwarf Toad (Bufo atukoralei), the Corrugated Water Frog (Limnonectes corrugatus), the Sri Lanka Wood Frog (Rana gracilis), and the Hour-glass Tree Frog (Polypedates cruciger), all of which are at risk and in need of conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
Reptiles - Muthurajawela
Muthurajawela is home to 31 species of reptiles, including 6 endemics, spread across 18 families. These reptiles consist of 15 species of tetrapods and 16 species of serpents. Among them, 9 species are nationally threatened. Some of the most common reptiles in the area include the Water Monitor (Varanus salvator), Common Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor), and two species of geckos, Hemidactylus frenatus and Gehyra mutilata.
One of the more intriguing reptile species found in Muthurajawela is the Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), which is typically found only in Sri Lanka's lowland dry and intermediate zones. Additionally, the sanctuary is home to a breeding population of the Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the largest reptile in the marsh, which resides in the northern region.
Among the nationally threatened reptiles at Muthurajawela are the Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata), Parker's Black Turtle (Melanochelys trijuga), Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), Indian Python (Python molurus), and Wart Snake (Achrochordus granulatus).
Also found here are species such as the Sri Lanka Kangaroo Lizard (Otocryptis wiegmanni), Common Pond Snake (Xenochrophis asperrimus), and Dumeril’s Kukri Snake (Oligodon sublineatus), all of which are nationally threatened. Endangered species in the area include the Spotted House Gecko (Hemidactylus brookii), Common Lanka Skink (Lankascincus fallax), and the Common Skink (Mabuya carinata).
The rich variety of reptiles at Muthurajawela highlights the ecological significance of this wetland and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species.
Birds - Muthurajawela
Birds are the dominant vertebrate group at Muthurajawela, with a remarkable 102 species (including 1 endemic) across 42 families. Of these, 19 are winter migrants, and 3 species are nationally threatened.
Nearly half of the bird species found here are associated with wetland ecosystems, including herons, egrets, cormorants, teals, waders, kingfishers, and terns, all of which feed on aquatic organisms. The northern and central parts of the Muthurajawela Sanctuary serve as crucial breeding grounds for native birds. Additionally, this area, along with the nearby Negombo Lagoon, provides an essential feeding and resting habitat for winter migrants.
Among the endangered birds at Muthurajawela is the Small Barbet (Megalaima rubricapilla), while the nationally threatened species include the Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba), Greater Painted-Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis), and Ruddy-breasted Crake (Porzana fusca).
Muthurajawela’s birdlife is a testament to the sanctuary’s ecological richness and its vital role in supporting both resident and migratory species.
The Mammals - Muthurajawela
Muthurajawela is home to 22 mammal species, including 1 endemic species. Among the most notable is the Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus), an extremely rare primate found in the marsh. This species is globally threatened and holds significant conservation value. Additionally, the marsh serves as a crucial refuge for the carnivorous Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), which thrives in the wetland's diverse ecosystem.
Another endangered mammal species at Muthurajawela is the Toque Macaque (Macaca sinica), which also faces threats to its population. The presence of these rare and endangered mammals highlights the importance of Muthurajawela as a sanctuary for preserving Sri Lanka’s unique wildlife.
Butterflies - Muthurajawela
Muthurajawela is home to 48 butterfly species, none of which are endemic, but 6 of them are nationally threatened. Among the most common species are the Blue Glassy Tiger (Ideopsis similis), Glassy Tiger (Parantica aglea), and the Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon), which are frequently spotted in the marsh.
The nationally threatened butterfly species found at Muthurajawela include the Large Oak Blue (Arhopala amantes), Dark Grass Blue (Zizeeria karsandra), Tiny Grass Blue (Zizula hylax), Striped Albatross (Appias libythea), Large Branded Swift (Pelopidas thrax), and the Dark Palm Dart (Telicota ancilla). These species, though rare, contribute to the diverse and delicate ecosystem of Muthurajawela, emphasizing the marsh’s significance as a critical habitat for both common and threatened butterflies.
Dragonflies and damselflies - Muthurajawela
Muthurajawela is home to 22 species of odonates, including one endemic species and two that are nationally threatened. Among the most abundant species are the dragonfly Rhyothemis variegata and the damselfly Agriocnemis pygmaea, which are frequently observed in the marsh.
The nationally threatened dragonfly species found at Muthurajawela is Neurothemis intermedia, while Elattoneura spp. is both nationally threatened and endemic to the region. These species highlight the marsh's ecological importance and the need for continued conservation efforts to protect these delicate insect populations.
Negombo Lagoon
The northern part of Muthurajawela is home to the Negombo Lagoon, one of the most productive estuaries in Sri Lanka. Stretching 12 km in length from south to north, the lagoon reaches a width of 3.75 km at its broadest point. With a mean depth of 1.2 meters, the lagoon has a maximum recorded water depth of 2.6 meters. Interestingly, 10% of the lagoon's area has water depths of less than 0.5 meters. Covering an approximate area of 32 km², the lagoon opens to the sea at its northern end, while to the south, it is connected to the Muthurajawela marsh, which spans roughly 31 km². Together, the lagoon and marsh form a vast, interconnected coastal wetland system that is influenced by tidal movements.
The lagoon features a canal segment with thirteen islands, the largest of which is Munnakarai. Four of these islands are inhabited, while the remaining are densely covered in mangroves. The islands include Munnakarai, Siriwardena Pedesa, Wedi Kanda, Maha Moliya, Kakaduwa, Katukarai, Wilisiyanduwa, Kadolgas Nella, Kuda Moliya, Kakaduwa (2), Pittipana Duwa (1), Pittipana Duwa (2), and Kuttiduwa. Surrounding the lagoon are fringe mangroves and mangrove-associated plants. The shallow areas of the lagoon are covered with sea grasses and mud, while the bottom of the lagoon mouth is sandy, contributing to the area's diverse and thriving ecosystem.
Crabs - Negombo Lagoon
In the mangrove areas and mud flats of Negombo Lagoon, grapsid and ocypodid crabs are notably abundant. The most dominant grapsid crab species in the lagoon are C. indiarum and C. darwinensis. The first records of Metopograpsus thukuhar and Sesarma guttatum in Sri Lanka were made in the mangroves of the lagoon (Priyadarshani et al., 2008).
Xanthid crabs, particularly Baruna socialis and Pseidognathus dearira, have been observed in association with oysters within the lagoon (Pinto and Wignarajah, 1980). The mud lobster, Thalassina anomala, is found living within the mangrove stands. Other crab species inhabiting the estuarine environment include hermit crabs of the genus Eupagurus and Paqurus, as well as fiddler crabs (Uca sp.). These crabs contribute significantly to the diverse and dynamic ecosystem of the Negombo Lagoon.
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