Distribution of Floristic Richness and Its Conservation in Sri Lanka

The angiosperm flora of Sri Lanka, which has been comparatively well studied by many eminent botanists for over two centuries, has a rich endemic component and also exhibits strong affinities to that of peninsular India. Some of the 15 floristic regions recognized in the island have exceptionally rich, highly localized floras. But increased forest disturbances over the years have taken a heavy toll. A plea is made to conserve at least one sufficiently large forest reserve in each floristic region. A meaningful conservation program has been launched in the Sinharaja MAB Reserve; similar programs are urgently needed for other protected areas of the island.