Nikakadupola Sanctuary declared to protect endangered ‘Bandula Pethiya’ fish species

Thursday, 5 June 2025 04:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved declaring a new wildlife sanctuary to protect one of the rarest and critically endangered ‘Bandula Pethiya’ fish species that is included in the Red Data List.

Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday, Cabinet Spokesman and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said a 2.5 kilometre stretch of canal flowing from Ram Bidigala to Hapugoda in the Galapitamada area of the Warakapola Divisional Secretariat of the Kegalle district, will be designated as the Nikakadupola Sanctuary.

“The protected area will extend 15 metres on each side from the centre line of the stream, providing a buffer zone to preserve the aquatic habitat,” he added.

The move comes in response to urgent conservation needs surrounding the ‘Bandula Pethiya,’ a fish species first identified in 1991 and found nowhere else in the world. Recent studies estimate that fewer than 300 of these fish remain in the wild, confined to this narrow and vulnerable stretch of freshwater habitat.

According to recent estimates, it is believed that numerically only 300 or less than that are currently living. As there are paddy cultivations that use chemical fertilisers and agrochemicals adjacent to this canal, it has been observed that living in a canal where so many human activities are carried out is a severe threat to the future survival of this fish species that is included in the Red Data List.

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