Protected areas of Sri Lanka

92 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) have been identified through a process coordinated by the Wildlife Heritage Trust and University of Peradeniya.

Nearly all of these KBAs lie in the wet zone in south western part of the country.

For instance the Serendib scops owl was described and nine other bird species added to the list of endemics only in 2004.

Human activities are restricted in SNRs and they are protected as a pure natural system.

Researchers are allowed under the supervision of the Department of Wildlife Conservation staff and with the prior approval of the director.

[6] Source:[6] National parks are areas allowed for the public to see and study wildlife.

Similar to Strict nature reserves scientific researches are encouraged under the supervision of Department of Wildlife Conservation staff.

These areas differ from strict nature reserves by allowing traditional human activities to continue.

In the sanctuaries protection of habitat and allowing of human activities occur simultaneously.