Dry weather affects water levels at National parks

Disna MUDALIGE

Water levels in tanks and ponds at national parks have receded due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, Wildlife Conservation Department (WCD)Director Operations H D Ratnayake told the Daily News yesterday.

He said a problematic situation leading to a water scarcity for wild animals would emerge if there is an extended spell of dry weather. Ratnayake observed that small creatures would be affected more since they cannot walk long distances, unlike large animals, in search of water. He noted that attention would be paid to supply water to ponds for wild animals in national parks if the dry weather continued.

"Wild animals also face a food shortage with the depleting greenish condition in forests. Several incidents of elephants destroying cultivations have been reported over the past few weeks as these creatures are roaming about looking for food, " he said.

He said these areas usually face the dry season in August and September and the WCD is closely monitoring the situation.