Abstract:
Drying out of water bodies by human activities, climate changes or any other
natural phenomena can cause significant damage to the surrounding
ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the destruction of faunal diversity
caused by such incidents. The research was based at “Wadiga Wewa” in
Horowpothana. Basically, quantitative approach was initiated through field
observations and specimen collection within around three weeks of time
period starting from 8/4/2024.Specimens were collected using observational
surveys as well direct counting and a total of 72 specimens were collected.
From which 51% - Pterygoplichthys pardalis,15% - Euphlyctis hexadactylus,
8% - Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, 6% - Oreochromis sp., 5% - Garra
ceylonensis, 3% - Labeo rohita, 4% - Channa striata, 4% - Anguilla bicolor,
2% - Hoplobatrachus crassus and 2% - Channa marulius were recorded as
well 08 living Clarias brachysoma, 12 living Heteropneustes fossilis, 01 living
Geochelone elegans and 06 living Melanochelys trijuga thermalis individuals
were observed. Additionally, over 100 unidentified bone and body fragments
were discovered within the dried lakebed. The study determines which species
are most impacted. Some species indicated significant and rapid loss of their
sightings around the lake area along with the time, which were semi-aquatic
amphibians like Polypedates maculatus and avian species like Halcyon
smyrnensis. Since the beginning, the number of P.maculatus sightings has
dropped from 14 to 3 . Loss of habitats, lack of food, growth of invasive
species and increase in predators are the reasons for the collapse of faunal
diversity. Water management and habitat restoration are vital for the
prevention of vulnerable fauna.
