CAVE BIODIVERSITY IN SRI LANKA - dilmahconservation.org · The cave was made of Jaffna limestone in which de-posits of shells and coral species were seen. It has a passage with a

CAVE BIODIVERSITY IN SRI LANKA SUPPORTED BY: DILMAH CONSERVATION (DC)

COORDINATED BY: BIODIVERSITY SRI LANKA (BSL)IMPLEMENTED BY: LANKA INSTITUTE OF CAVE SCIENCE (LICAS)

2 | CAVE BIODIVERSITY IN SRI LANKA


INTRODUCTION

Caves in Sri Lanka are said to date back to 5,000 million years ago. These caves have complex features, with a range of morphologies, min-erals and sediments, and harbour 25 different trophic entities with more than 200 different species altogether. However, most of the caves in Sri Lanka have remained under-researched for their biodiversity though there are substantial efforts on the part of the Government of Sri Lanka to unearth their archaeological and historical values.

Sri Lankan dark caves support important biodiversity, which has been largely neglected by the conservation community to date. The dark caves are threatened by improper landscape management and disturbance due to unregulated cave tourism. As almost no dark caves in Sri Lanka have been surveyed and none are legally protected for their biodiversity yet, there is an urgent need to identify and protect key sites for cave biodiversity nationally.

The Lanka Institute of Cave Science (LICAS) joined hands with Dilmah Conservation (DC) and Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL) in August 2017, in order to address this matter. Through this project, it is planned to conduct rapid surveys of 20 caves in Sri Lanka for their biodiversity. The caves which will be surveyed include Ravana Ella tunnel, Sthreepura tunnel in Welimada, Vavullena in Kosgala, Vavulapane in Pallebed-da, Karannagoda cave complex in Ella, Maalena in Rathnapura, Roopagallena in Rathganga, Alulena in Kithulgala and the Nitre cave of Meemure.

The project will determine species richness in each cave, explore food chains and food webs of each cave, identify and characterize key sites for conservation in terms of their biological, economic and cultural values and determine threats to these sites by establishing their associated human-cave interactions.

During the reporting period, the project surveyed seven caves, namely, the Sthreepura tunnel, the Mandapai cave, the Vavulpuram cave, the Pelpola cave, the Kosgala dark cave, the Ravana Ella dark cave and the Roopagallena dark cave for their biodiversity. Photographs were taken, of each species found, for further identification and investigation. The project will conduct a detailed analysis of the species found during the last quarter of the project.


THE STHREEPURA TUNNEL IN LOONUWATTA, WELIMADA

The LICAS members entered the historically important Sthreepura tunnel in Loonuwatta, Welimada on 2nd September 2017 to study its biodiversity. This tunnel is said to be formed naturally some thousands of years ago, although the exact period is unknown. It is a network of tunnels with a total of about 500 meters of known passages. The deepest passage is about 50 m below the Earth’s surface.

The tunnel is pitch black, humid and warm, and frequent movement of bats breaks the silence inside the tunnel. It is slippery and smells of guano. During three days of long explorations, 12 different species were photographed. Cockroaches are the ruling species of this dark tunnel. They are present in the thousands. Cave crickets are comparatively less in abundance but can be seen frequently, living in cou-ples. Case-bearing moths are very tiny and they are inactive during daytime, although the tunnel is dark during the daytime too. Carabid beetles and a large population of ticks were observed for the first time in this tunnel. Further, two species of frogs were also found closer to the cave entrance.

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THE MANDAPAI CAVE IN THE JAFFNA PENINSULA

The Mandapai cave in the Jaffna peninsula was investigated on 16th September 2017. The cave was made of Jaffna limestone in which de-posits of shells and coral species were seen. It has a passage with a very low ceiling which could be crossed only by crawling and ducking. The cave passage was so warm and smelled of bat guano but it was dry. The cave floor is made mostly of decomposing animals matter mostly from insects. A large colony of tiny bats is what is found most abundantly. Other animal species most frequently seen, were the case-bearing moths and their larvae. A species of spider which is to be identified was also another common species to be seen.

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THE VAVULPURAM CAVE IN KEERIMALAI, JAFFNA PENINSULA

The Vavulpuram cave in the Jaffna peninsula was investigated on 17th September 2017. The cave, also known as the Keerimalai cave is located near the Keerimalai Hindu temple. It was filled partially with rubbish and soil, but tiny passages are seen, through which small bats appear and disappear. As the passages are tiny, seeing inside was impossible. This cave is also made of Jaffna limestone, and deposits of shells and coral species can be seen within. The most common species was a spider, followed by adults and larvae of case-bearing moths.

Certain species found in the above caves are yet to be properly identified using available literature and keys. So far, the following taxa have been identified:1. Several species of spiders2. Cockroach - Peripleneta americana 3. Three species of Millipedes4. Larvae and adults of case-bearing moth 5. Thread-legged Assassin Bug - Bagauda sp.6. Bufo sp.

Spider species yet to be identified A set of larvae of case-bearing moth A Three-legged Assassin Bug – Bagauda sp.


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THE PELPOLA CAVE IN RATNAPURA

Pelpola Dark Cave known as Wavulguhawa by the villagers are located in Rathnapura district. It is one of the smallets dark caves we have seen so far. The expedition toPelpola cave was done on 12th February 2018. The team consists of five members from the LICAS and two final year students from University of Rajarata. About 12 species of fauna were found and photographed. Some species were not able to identify yet. Following are the list of taxa found in Pelpola Dark cave.

1. One species of Michrochiroptern bats2. A millipede species Trachyiulus aelleni (Family Cambalopsidae)3. Tube like mud-houses constructe by Sceliphron species4. One species of frog Hylarana gracilis5. One species Scutigera species Scutigera coleoptrata (Order Chilopoda)6. Ray spider Andasta semiargentea (Family Theridiosomatidae) (figure is not given)7. Spider Gamasomorpha subclathrata (Family Oonopidae) (figure is not given)8. Daddy long leg spider - Sihala ceylonicus (Family Pholcidae)9. Theridiosoma genevensium (Family Theridiosomatidae) (figure is not given)10. Trapdoor spider (Family Ctenizidae)11. Cave crickets Diestrammena gravely ceylonica (Family Stenopelmatidae)12. A Hymenoptera ant13. A spine of a Porcupine14. A species of Acari (not identified yet)

A few species found at the Pelpola caveWhip Scopian Spider

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THE KOSGALA DARK CAVE

The Kosgala dark cave is one of the largest dark caves found in Sri Lanka. It is so vast and is considered a break-down type of cave. The exploring team included the members of LICAS and two students from the the University of Rajarata. The cave fauna included millipedes, cockroaches, several species of spiders, whipscorpions, Edible-nested Swifts, bats, moths and Assassin bugs. The taxonomic details of the species found, are given below:1. Cave beetle - Ptomaphaginus mirabilis2. Fungus gnat - Macrocera nobilis (Family Mycetophilidae)3. Cave crickets - Diestrammena gravelyi ceylonica (Family Stenopelmatidae)4. Trapdoor spider – Species unknown yet (Family Ctenizidae)5. Assasin bug - Bagauda strinatii (Family Reduviidae)6. Millipede - Trachyiulus willeyi (Family Cambalopsidae)7. Daddy long leg - Biantes aelleni - Biantidae Opiliones8. Tail-less whip scorpions - Phrynichus spp. (Family Phrynichidae)9. Edible-nested swiftlet - Collocalia fuciphaga (Family Apodidae)10. Ray spider - Theridiosoma picteti (Family Theridiosomatidae)11. Spider - Sihala ceylonicus (Family Pholcidae)12. Spider - Nesticella aelleni (Family Nesticidae)13. Spider - Mimetus strinatii (Family Mimetidae)

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THE RAVANA ELLA DARK CAVE 1 AND 2 , KARANDAGOLLA

The Ravana Ella Dark Cave is the largest to be seen in Sri Lanka so far. It contains an aquifer at the bottom of the cave. The Ravana Ella Dark Cave is directly related to the legendary King Ravana who lived in Sri Lanka about 10,000 years ago. The cave fauna includes milli-pedes, cockroaches, several species of spiders, whip scorpions, Swifts, bats and Assasin bugs.

A few species found at the Ravan Ella dark cave, KarandagollaSpider

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THE ROOPAGALLENA CAVE 1 AND 2

Roopagallena located at Rathganga is the most decorated cave we have discovered so far in Sri Lanka. The expedition to Roopagallena dark cave was done on 19th February 2018. The team consisted seven members from LICAS, two from National Geographic, two from Dilmah Conservation and four students from the University of Rajarata.

The locals call this dark cave Roopagallena, meaning ‘Cave of Images’. The images are Speleotherm formations which include cave cur-tains, columns, stalagmites, stalactites, flow stones, etc.

Twelve different faunal entities were photographed during the expedition, which include four species of spiders and one each from Hirudinea, Scutigera, Edible-nested Swifts, Hymenopteran ant, glow worm, cave cricket, adult louse fly and a freshwater Caridean shrimp. The taxonomy of identified species are given below:1. Ray spider - Andasta semiargentea (Family Theridiosomatidae)2. Pyrat spider - Mimetus indicus (Family Mimetidae) 3. Pyrat spider - Mimetus strinatii (Family Mimetidae) 4. Trapdoor spider - Species unknown yet (Family Ctenizidae) 5. Leech - Hirudo Sp. (Family Hirudinea) 6. Scutigera coleoptrata (Family Scutigeridae)7. Edible-nesedtSswift - Collocalia fuciphaga (Family Apodidae) Hymenopterna ant8. Larvae and adults of Fungus gnat - Macrocera nobilis (Family Mycetophilidae) 9. Cave crickets - Diestrammena gravelyi ceylonica (Family Stenopelmatidae)10. Caridean shrimp


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ALAVALA TUNNEL

Alavala Tunnel Cave is located just downhill from Alavala Pothgul Lena, in Attanagalla. Tunnel caves are one of the most abundant types of gneiss caves that are not rock shelters. They are elongate cavities with a distinctive elliptical cross section. This cross sectional shape is clearly visible in images taken from the cave looking out. Depending on the structural setting, the long axis of the ellipse may be hori-zontal, vertical or sloping. Alavala Tunnel Cave is completely in bedrock, but guiding joints that are apparent in the cliff face near their entrance are often not visible inside the cave. In appearance tunnel caves resemble phreatic tubes in karst caves.

Alavala Tunnel Cave is 12.6 m long with an elliptical profile (long axis 1 m) guided by a westerly dipping joint. After about 5 m the cave steps up to the east. The cave floor is composed of bedrock with a hard, black manganiferous coating. Small elliptical pockets are devel-oped in the western wall of the cave. The only sediments in the cave are two small piles of sub-rounded bedrock fragments, one close to the termination of the lower passage and the other at the far (northern) end of the cave. Alavala tunnel is a home for following animals.

1. Tube like mud-houses constructed by Sceliphron species (Family Sphecidae) 2. Ray spider Andasta semiargentea (Family Theridiosomatidae) 3. Spider Gamasomorpha subclathrata (Family Oonopidae) 4. Daddy long leg spider - Sihala ceylonicus (Family Pholcidae) 5. Theridiosoma genevensium (Family Theridiosomatidae) 6. Cave crickets Diestrammena gravely ceylonica (Family Stenopelmatidae) 7. Two species of shrub frogs Pseudophilautus Spp (Family Rhacophoridae) 8. Indian crested porcupine Hystrix indica (Family Hystricidae)9. Moths belongs to Arctidae family 10. Moths belongs to Geometridae family 11. Assasin bugs Bagauda aelleni (Family Reduviidae)12. Tailless whip scorpions Prynichus spp (Phrynichidae) 13. A bird species Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica (Family Hirundinidae)


Daddy long leg spider – Sihala ceylonicus (Family Pholcidae) Moths

belongs to Arctidae family Assasin bugs Bagauda aelleni (Family Redu-viidae)

Tailless whip scorpions Prynichus spp (Phrynichidae)

shrub frogs Pseudophilautus Spp (Family Rhacophoridae) shrub frogs Pseudophilautus Spp (Family Rhacophoridae)


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ENDIRI LENA

According to legendary Ravana tales, people believe that once the Endiri Lena may have been a small settlement. The Endiri Lena cave system could be found in Pelendakanda, Opanayaka. The Local name “Endiri Lena” implies Dark Cave. The main rock types found within the cave are Quartz along with calcium carbonate content. Foliation in the formation of rocks can be clearly identified as it was exfoliated when it weathered and collapsed. The cave has fallen rock layers weathered from the top and deposited at the bottom. The actual bottom may lie about 20 feet beneath the existing ground. The formation of the cave can be identified as a massive cavity with narrow paths. The cave tends to form horizontally within Pelendakanda at a slight gradient. The cave system clearly illustrates the formation and the geolog-ical structure of the region. It will provide more information of the geology as well as the morphology. The knowledge buried beneath the ground is equally important both geographically and historically. Therefore, protection and preservation of this knowledge should be given priority and further studies on this cave system should be conducted. In the slope of the mountain a narrow horizontal opening about 10 meters in width and 2 meters in height leads to the dark underground environment. Typical loose brown soft soil could be found from the beginning of the dark cave. The first chamber is about 30m wide and 40 m long and about 15 meters high. We found a flow stone about 3 m wide at the base in the first chamber. The fauna included spiders, bats, glow worms, moths, cockroaches, ticks etc.

1. Cave crickets Diestrammena gravely ceylonica (Family Stenopelmatidae)2. Daddy long leg spider - Sihala ceylonicus (Family Pholcidae)3. Spider Theridiosoma genevensium (Family Theridiosomatidae) 4. Indian crested porcupine Hystrix indica (Family Hystricidae)5. A millipede species - Trachyiulusaelleni (Family Cambalopsidae)6. A dipteran fly Myophthiria zeylanica 7. Fungus Gnat Macrocera nobilis (Family Mycetophilidae)8. An adult of Case bearing moth 9. A larvae of Case Bearing moth10. An Acari


Daddy long leg Sihala ceylonicus (Family Pholcidae)

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MilipedeTheridiosoma genevensium (Family Theridiosomatidae) Fungus Gnat Macrocera nobilis (Family Mycetophilidae)


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BATADOMBA LENA

Batadomba Lena has a large chamber with a triangular shaped plan and cross section. The general shape of these chambers can be seen in views looking in and out. Batadomba Lena is developed along the axis of an antiform in the foliation of the gneiss. It is unclear if these caves are remnants of larger cavities, which have been truncated by cliff retreat or if they result from tunnels being modified by spalling, which has become more intense closer to the surface. The presence of solution like features such as pockets and half tubes in the ceilings of Batadomba Lena suggests that processes other than breakdown and spalling have a role in the development of arch caves in the gneiss. Modification of arch caves during their transformation into temples has probably blocked access to their inner sections. In April 2018 Bata-domba lena cave was visited by members of LICAS and 2 students from Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.1. Cave crickets Diestrammena gravely ceylonica (Family Stenopelmatidae) 2. Unidentified insect 3. Larval stages of case moths 4. Tube like mud-houses constructed by Sceliphron species 5. Assasin bugs Bagauda aelleni (Family Reduviidae) 6. An egg of Peripleneta americana - cockroach 7. Daddy long leg spider - (Family Pholcidae)8. Three species of spiders

Long leg spider Long leg spider Tube like mud-houses constructed by Sceliph-ron species


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MARADANKADAWALA ROCK SHELTER Maradankadawala rock shelter is comparatively medium scale shelter with a rectangular shaped plan and triangular shape cross section. The general shape of this shelter is developed with one large angled rock which engaged with boulders. The shelter is 4.2 m long and 3.5m width with a rectangular profile. The cave floor is composed with one large flat rock and boulders. The only sediments in the cave are in the middle area of shelter. In July 2018 Maradankadawala shelter was visited by members of LICAS and it is also home for following animals.

1. Larval stages of case moths 2. Cave crickets Diestrammena gravely ceylonica (Family Stenopelmatidae) 3. Mud-houses constructed by Sceliphron species 4. Daddy long leg spider - Sihala ceylonicus (Family Pholcidae)5. Spider Theridiosoma genevensium (Family Theridiosomatidae)

Larval stages of case moths Cave crickets Diestrammena gravely cey-lonica (Family Stenopelmatidae)

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BELILENA CAVE

Belilena Cave is a well known large cave in Sri Lanka, located 8 km (5.0 mi) from the town of Kitulgala. Evidence of prehistoric human pres-ence as early as 32,000 years ago was recorded at the site. The skeletal remains of ten individuals were discovered by Paul E. P. Deraniya-gala, who attributed them to Balangoda Man (Homo sapiens balangodensis). Balangoda Man is assumed to have lived as early as 32,000 years ago and occupied high altitude territories of up to 2,000 ft (609.6 m) above sea level. From 1978 to 1983 the site was scientifically excavated and researched by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Rich assemblages of cultural, faunal and human remains were discovered. The results of radiometric dating confirmed deposits of cultural material from 30,000 to 9,000 years before present. The skele-tal fossils of several humans were found in 16,000 year old sediments. These were intensively analysed by an international team of anthro-pologists and proved to be of great value for the understanding of the physical anthropology of Balangoda man. Belilena cave occupies a very special place in the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. It has been declared an Archaeological Reserve of the Archaeological Department under the Antiquities Ordinance. Belilena cave has a low ceiling. We observed the following faunal taxa.

1. Five species Spiders2. One species of bats3. Crane fly 4. One species of moth

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BELILENA TUNNEL

Belilena Tunnel is located adjoining to Belilena Cave. Both caves are formed under or within the same Cliff made of gneiss. The Belilena Tunnel is a morphologically a tunnel cave, approximately XX m wide at its entrance and extending for some XX m inside. Its entrance has an elliptical profile with a long axis sloping to the North. A waterfall occurs in the cliff which develops a moist microclimate at the entrance to the Belilena Tunnel. This cave has a dry environment inside. The colony of Edible nest Swiftlets Edible (Collocalia fuciphaga) has signifi-cantly reduced to few individuals. Bats were not seen during our expedition. But following faunal taxa were observed and photographed.Following faunal taxa were recorded.

1. Long-legged Cellar Spider (family Pholcidae)2. Spiders of Theridiosoma genevensium (family Theridiosomatidae)3. Four species of moths4. Edible nest-swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga)5. Cockroach Peripleneta Americana6. Drain flies (family Psychodidae)

Nest builders

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NITRE CAVE

Nitre Cave (Lunugala Lena) is morphologically a tunnel cave, approximately 9 m wide at its entrance and extending for some 60 m south-wards. Its entrance has an elliptical profile with a long axis sloping to the west. At Nitre Cave saccharoidal metamorphosed dolomite is interfoliated with granitic gneiss, with the lower part of the cave developed in gneiss and the upper part of the cave developed in granu-lite. Bedrock exposed on the western side of the cave entrance is significantly altered, apparently from its contact with the now removed niter bearing sediment.

Nitre Cave (Vedi Lunu Galge, Lunugala Lena, Nitro Cave, Meemora Cave, Doombera Cave, Doombera Granite Cave) is probably the best-documented cave in Sri Lanka that is not a recognised archaeological site. Gebauer (2010) devoted eight pages of his Cave Registry to the cave and lists twenty two recorded variations of its name from the literature, summarised in parentheses above. It is also one of the few caves, which is not an archaeological site that was mapped prior to this project.

Davey (1821) described the occurrence of niter at a number of caves including Nitre Cave (Lungala Lena) and presented chemical analyses of the niter deposits. Despite general agreement at the time that the niter was derived from bat guano, Davey (1821) argued that it was not derived from the guano, but from an inorganic reaction between the rock and the atmosphere.A cliff forms the eastern side of the cave entrance. Ferns and other vegetation growing on this cliff have a bleached appearance apparently due to the high ionic strength of the seepage water to which they are exposed.

The Nitre cave is a comparatively a dry cave, we have not observed wet areas in the cave. The cave floor has a deposit of fine dust. This driest cave we have seen during our expeditions also had a different biological set up. There are insectivorous micro chiropteran bats, five species spiders, moths, mites, beetles and bugs. An insect similar to a beetle was seen abundantly comparative to other animals which have to be taxonomically identified. Certain areas of the cave floor were covered with cocoons of larval/pupal moths.Following faunal taxa were recorded.

1. Long-legged Cellar Spider (family Pholcidae)2. A Goblin spiders (family Oonopidae)3. Four other species of spiders4. One species of bus5. One species of mites (Acari)6. Two types of cocoons belonging to Case bearing moths 7. Insectivorous micro chiropteran bats


Acari Excuvia Green Beetle

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RAVANA TUNNEL , ELLA

Ravana Ella Tunnel is located on a cliff close to Ella, 4490 ft above sea level. This cave is part of a tunnel or network of caves said to be connected to the Ravana Ella Waterfall which is more popular with tourists. In the Hindu legend of the Ramayana, it is said that the Demon King of Sri Lanka Ravana lived here for some years. He abducted Princess Sita, wife of the Indian Lord Rama and kept her trapped here before confining her to the garden of Ashoka Vatika, also close to Ella. It is quite a small cave, measuring about 50ft wide, 150ft long and 60ft high. Ravana Ella Tunnel is one of the most abundant types of gneiss caves that are not rock shelters. It is an elongate cavity with a distinctive elliptical cross section. This cross sectional shape is clearly visible in images taken from the cave looking out. In appearance Ravana Ella Tunnel resemble phreatic tubes in karst caves.This cave has a large colony of Edible nest-swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga) of family Apodidae. Visitors are able to reach the roosting site which has a low ceiling, hence disturbs the nesting activities of the birds. Compare to all the caves we have studied Ravana Ella Tunnel is the most popular among local and foreign tourists, hence is more vulnerable to anthropogenic influences. FFollowing faunal taxa were recorded.

1. Long-legged Cellar Spider (family Pholcidae)2. Spiders of Theridiosoma genevensium (family Theridiosomatidae)3. Three other species of Spiders4. A species of Millipede 5. Seven species of moths6. Assassin bug Bagauda Spp7. Cave Cricket Diestrammena species (Family Stenopelmatidae)8. Yellow microbial formats 9. Frog Pseudophilautus macropus 10. Edible nest-swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga)

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MA-LENA

Ma-Lena which is located at the western foothills of the peak wilderness mountain range and close to Kaluganaga is an underground cave complex. The cave is situated in Guruluwana of Rathnapura District. Physiographically the cave area belongs to wet zone of the country. Though it has several entrances two are the main which have wide mouths to the North and South. North entrance opens to a higher elevated chamber complex while the other entrance opens to a lower elevated chamber complex. Both chamber complexes are con-nected by vertical tunnels and small chambers at various places. In addition, several small chambers are connected to a main chamber in each complex. The cave complex is hydrologically active. Geologically, the cave is made up of impure marble of highland complex. Floated country rocks in the marble are highly weathered and some mineralized zones can be observed. The grain size of the marble varies from place to place. The formation of cave chambers is directly correlated with a fluvial weathering process. The chamber walls and ceilings are being nicely polished by the flowing water. The fluvial weathering is further evidenced by weathering features of the bed rock marble which extends up to the land surface. In addition, some elluvial deposits are brecciated. Speleothems are characterized by the presence of rim pools, cave curtains, stalagmites, stalactites, cave pearls, siliceous deposits, cave pillars, helictites and flowstones. The cave is home for mainly chiropteran bats which are definitely in thousands of numbers. Their guano deposits make a thick carpet on the floor of the chambers. In addition, insects, mollusks and shrimp species were also found in the cave stream. This cave is the largest limestone cave recorded by our team in Sri Lanka. Following faunal taxa were recorded inMaalena Cave;1. Centipede species2. A species of millipede 3. Earthworm4. Annelid worms5. A frog species Hylarana temporalis6. A frog species Adenomus kelaartii7. A frog species Pseudophilautus macropus 8. An adult Drain fly (family Psychodidae)9. Land snail Paludomus species10. Three species of snails11. Spider Theridiosoma genevensium (family Theridiosomatidae)12. Long-legged Cellar Spider (family Pholcidae)13. Two species of moths14. One species of bats15. A species of Acari16. A species of Caridean shrimps 17. Several species of fungal mats18. Brachyuran crab19. An adult Cockroach Peripleneta Americana 20. Cave Cricket Diestrammena species 1 (Family Stenopelmatidae)


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STHREEPURA CAVE KURUVITA

Sthreepura Cave is located in the Rathnapura District. It is a large cavity, which resemble breakdown chambers in karst caves. The entrance to Sthreepura Cave is located in the cliff base some 75 m east of Batathota or Divaguhawa Cave. Most of the cave is developed in gneiss, including all of the fallen blocks and most of the wall and ceiling. Dolomite is exposed in the lower wall and floor of the cave at the north-west corner of Guano Chamber. Sthreepura Cave extends approximately 80 m to the north from its entrance and runs perpendicular to the cliff line. Sthreepura Cave consists of a series of breakdown chambers formed by failure along pairs of conjugate joints most striking NNW–SSE, but in the Guano Chamber breakdown is guided by NE–SW striking joints. This has resulted in the development of “A type” ceilings. Breakdown in the cave can be divided into three distinct zones. In the first zone, consisting of the welcome Chamber and the Connect-ing Passage, joints striking NNW SSE guide breakdown. In the second zone, consisting of the Guano Chamber, NE SW striking joints guide breakdown. In the third zone, the Passage of Bats, as in the first zone, NNW SSE striking joints guide breakdown. The remnant of a small half-tube is preserved along the axis of breakdown in the ceiling of the Passage of Bats.

The main components of the cave are the welcome Chamber, Connecting Passage, Guano Chamber, the Passage of Bats, a connecting rift and three small tubes.

A very strange deposit was observed on the wall of Eastward Passage in Sthreepura Cave. This deposit consists of a vertical strip of black material over which very light yellow crystal forms a thin crust down the centre of the strip. The black material is spongy and flesh-like to touch.

When inspected in August 2010 a lake extended south from the Guano Chamber and a small tube at the northern end of the cave was blocked by water. During our present expedition the lake was dry; hence we could enter to that chamber too.According to the legend, the mother of Sarabu lived in this cave. Sarabu is sister of Sumana Saman. According to Veddahs legend, their ancestors had been living in that cave, therefore they used to come here do rituals and dance Kiri koraha. The cave is home for faunal taxa:1. Bats2. Edible nest-swiftlet Collocalia fuciphaga (Family Apodidae)3. Cave Cricket Diestrammena species 1 (Family Stenopelmatidae)4. Frog species Adenomus kelaartii5. Spider species Theridiosoma genevensium (family Theridiosomatidae)6. Trapdoor spider (family Nemesidae)


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VAVULPANE TUFA CAVE

The cave is located at the eastern slope of the Rakvana mountain range about 278 m above sea level. This is a roosts for millions of bats, hence called Wavulpne, literally means the home of bats. Although known as a limestone cave it is actually made of another form of limestone known as Tufa. Deposits of calcareous tufa of varying scale are found associated with springs and seeps rising from the gneiss. The largest deposit seen so far forms a large mound blocking Halwinne Dola, a tributary of the Andoly River. Vavulpane Calcareous Cave is developed in this mound. The mound is still active and is fed from a spring rising along a joint in granitic gneiss not carbonate rock. The cave has a highest temperature of the cave we observed, and the most challenging mainly due to stream runs through the cave and the slippery bat guano. This cave has the highest number of bats and cockroaches in the country. The cave is accommodating several species of taxa like;1. Bats2. Cockroach Peripleneta Americana Acari3. Tailless Whip Scorpion 4. Land monitors Varanus salvator 5. Craneflies6. Hymenopteran bud houses

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FAUNAL DIVERSITY


FAUNAL DIVERSITYSPIDERS

Long-legged Cellar Spider (family Pholcidae)

A Goblin spiders (family Oonopidae) Hasarius adansoni (family Salticidae) A Jumping Spider (family Salticidae)

A Goblin spiders (family Oonopidae)Theridiosoma genevensium (family Theridiosomatidae)


Harvestman spider (family Opilionidae)

Spider spp.

Trapdoor spider (family Nemesidae) Tailless Whip Scorpion








FAUNAL DIVERSITYFROGS

Pseudophilautus macropus Adenomus kelaartii Hylarana gracilis


FAUNAL DIVERSITYFROGS

Hylarana temporalis

Zakerana limnocharis

Nannophrys sp Duttaphrynus sp


FAUNAL DIVERSITYFISH/SHRIMP AND RAT

FAUNAL DIVERSITYDIPTERA

Paracanthocobitis urophthalma Banded mountain Loach Caridean shrimp

Drain flies (family Psychodidae) trapped in a spider web A dipteran fly Fungus Gnat Macrocera nobilis (Family Mycetophilidae)




An adult Drain fly (family Psychodidae)

A species of Brachyuran Crab from Nitre Cave Meemure A species of Brachyuran Crab from Roopa Gallena Cave


FAUNAL DIVERSITYFISH/SHRIMP AND RAT

An adult Cockroach Peripleneta Americana

A gathering of Cockroach Peripleneta Americana

Juvenile Cockroach Peripleneta Americana An Albino Cockroach Peripleneta Americana shedding its molt


FAUNAL DIVERSITYCAVE CRICKETS

Cave Cricket Diestrammena species 1 (Family Stenopelmatidae)

Cave Cricket Diestrammena species 4 (Family Stenopelmatidae)

Cave Cricket Diestrammena species 2 (Family Stenopelmatidae) Cave Cricket Diestrammena species 3 (Family Stenopelmatidae)


FAUNAL DIVERSITYBIRDS

FAUNAL DIVERSITYBEETLES

Beetle species 1

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica (Family Hirundinidae)

Beetle species 2

Edible nest-swiftlet Collocalia fuciphaga (Family Apodidae)

Beetle species 3




Beetle species 4

A fruit bat from Maalena cave An insectivorous bat from Kosgala Cave A bat species from Mandapai Cave




A bat species from Pelpola Cave

A bat species from Pelpola Cave

A bat Species from Sthreepura Kuruvita

A bat Species from Sthreepura Kuruvita

Part of the colony of the bat roost in Wavulpane Tufa Cave

Part of the colony of the bat roost in Wavulpane Tufa Cave


FAUNAL DIVERSITYASSASIN BUG

FAUNAL DIVERSITYACARI

Bagauda Spp 1

A species of Acari

Bagauda Spp 2

A species of Acari Few species of Acari


CAVE BIODIVERSITY SRI LANKA

CAVE FAUNACave fauna has stimulated the imagination of several generations of biologists since the discovery of the first cave salamander Proteus anguinus in 1768 by Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti.

Charles Darwin in 1859 said that cave animals often show peculiar convergent ‘regressive’ traits, such as absence of eyes and lack of body pigment, as ‘wrecks of ancient life’. In 1969 Thomas L. Poulson and William B. White described cave ecosystems as natural ecological and evolutionary laboratories because of the relative simplicity of their communities and the temporal and spatial isolation of their biota. Cave fauna are two types as aquatic (stygobionts) and terrestrial (troglobionts). By 2002 more than 7000 aquatic cave species were known, where as estimates of the number of terrestrial cave taxa pointed to a minimum of 21000 worldwide. These figures are likely to be an underestimation since caves and other subterranean environments are poorly studied, and these habitats in many regions of the world still remain to be explored like in Sri Lanka. Boris Sket who made expedition to Sri Lankan caves proposed four categories of cave animals.

1. TROGLOBIONTSAnimals adapted to cave life; these organisms usually spend all of their life cycle in caves, and cannot survive for a long period of time outside of a cave like dark adapted albino salamanders.

2. EUTROGLOPHILESAnimals who have permanent subterranean populations like dark adapted millipedes, spiders, cave crickets, moths and beetles.

3. SUBTROGLOPHILES Animals inclined to continuously inhabit a subterranean habitat” that remain associated with the epigeous environment for some biological function like bats.

4. TROGLOXENES Animals normally live outside caves, but can occasionally be found in subterranean habitats, where they do not reproduce and are often considered as strays like porcupines, rats, monitors and bears.

Some of the cave-dwelling species of the world are found in IUCN red list and U.S. Endangered Species list. Several cave dwelling species are protected in the European Union under the Habitat Directive.


SRI LANKAN CAVES

A great range of cave types, karst and karst-like fea¬tures occur in Sri Lanka in a range of host rocks. “Lena” is a Singhalese word for “cave” and is used here instead of cave where it is part of a well-established place name.

The earliest written records on caves are evidenced by cave inscriptions date back to the 3rd century BC and also found in historical books such as Deepawamsa (4th Century AD), Mahawamsa (5th Century AD) and in the Vamsatthapakasini which is an elaboration of the Mahawamsa.

The world famous traveler known as Ibn Battuta, Muhammad Ibn-Abdallah Awamiri has stayed in seven caves while tracking to Sripada or Adams peak during his pilgrimage during 1325-1354 AD.

A Portuguese explorer known as Verthema has explored and documented Sri Lankan caves in 1503. Renaudot Eusebius in 1718 and Duncan Jonathan during 1799-1807 documented Sri Lankan caves Kerr Robert in 1811 made several expeditions and documented. There were many British explorers like Davy John, Pridham Charles, Baker Samuel White, Tennent James Emerson, and Sarasin brothers known as Fritz and Paul also documented about Sri Lankan caves.

The 20th century was a flourishing period for Sri Lankan caves. Colonial explorers like W. Henry Cave, C.G. Seligmann, H. Parker, Bassett Ralph Henry, M. Mogren, Geoffrey Peet, Jiri Kukla, Marcello Paolo Brignoli, A. Villiers, Waclaw Szymczakowski, Heinrich Kusch, D. Leicht Hans, Michel Siffre, Aellen Villy, Boris Sket, Pierr Strinati, Mitter Pavol, Sasvári Tibor, Brooks Simon James, M.Wilson Jane, Kurt Reichenbach and Rainer Kiedrowski made significant contributions to the cave related literature.

The 20th century in the other hand was an important turning point because native and regional explorers began to record about Sri Lankan caves that includes A.K. Coomaraswamy, Paulus Edward Pieries Deraniyagala, M.R. Ratnajinendra, P Gerald Cooray, C.G. Uragoda., Siran Upendra Deraniyagala, Priyantha Karunaratne and Gamini Adikari.The 21st century cave explorations were started by S Kishanie Fernando, Brooks Simon James, Daniel H Gebauer, Waltham Anthony, Irani Gustap and Pinto Jerry.


BIOSPELEOLOGY IN SRI LANKA

FIRST BIOSPELEOLOGY EXPEDITIONBiospeleology is the study of cave fauna and their ecology. The First Biospeleology Expedition in Sri Lanka was done in 1962 by a Swedish Zoologist P. Brink of the Lund University. They studied the hypogean cave fauna.

SECOND BIOSPELEOLOGY EXPEDITIONThe Second Biospeleology Expedition was done in 1970 by P. Strinat and V. Allen from Geneva, Switzerland. They visited 5 caves namely Rawanaella tunnel in Ella, Sthreepura in Kuruwita, Lunuge near Nalanda and two other caves known as Sthreepura. They have recorded Isopoda, Diplopoda, Spiders, Opilionida, Amblypygida, Pseudoscorpions, Mites, Collembola, Diplura, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Bats in the five caves.

THIRD BIOSPELEOLOGY EXPEDITIONThe Third Biospeleology Expedition was done in 1981. It was headed by B. Sket from Ljublanja University in Slovenia. They visited Sthreepura cave in Hanguranketha and some caves in Jaffna Peninsula. They reported a new Protojaniridae (Isopoda, Asellota), a new millipide Trachyiulus willeyi of the family Cambalopsidae.

FOURTH BIOSPELEOLOGY EXPEDITIONThe fourth bio speleology expedition was done with the support from Chamber of Commerce/ Biodiversity Sri Lanka and Dilmah Conservation by Lanka institute of cave science (LICAS) during 2017 - 2018. During the fourth expedition a team of experts from fields of Archaeology, Architecture, Biology and Geology visited twenty caves in Sri Lanka and photographically documented biodiversity and mineral deposits.

BIODIVERSITY IN SRI LANKAN CAVENearly 100 taxonomic groups of fauna were recorded from the 18 caves. The most diverse group was the decomposers like fungi and bacteria, nearly 30 different microbial mats with filaments and spores were photographed. The second most diverse group was spiders that included 29 species belonging to several families like Biantidae, Mimetidae, Nesticidae, Oonopidae, Pholcidae, Prynichidae, Theridiosomatidae and Uloboridae. Spiders are the most diverse group of animals found in Sri Lankan caves. Of the 44,540 species known from the world within the order Araneae (true spiders), about 1000 species show typical cave adapted features, and many more can be found at cave entrances. Spiders of the twilight zone are among the first predators living within caves, intercepting organisms coming from the surface. These top predators of underground environments can reach high abundance. All spiders are carnivorous. Cave spiders prey on almost anything as big as they are, including slugs, worms, flying insects, and even small vertebrates. The third diverse group of animals was lepidopteran moths. Fourteen species of moths belonging families like Geometridae and Arctidae


were found in the caves. The fourth diverse group was Amphibians which included 7 species like Adenomus kelaartii, Dutta phrynus, Hylarana gracilis, Hylarana temporalis, Nannophrys sp., Pseudophilautus macropus and Zakerana limnocharis.

About seven types of Hymenoptera mud houses were recorded in the caves. Myriopoda was represented by 6 species including centipedes, millipedes and scutegera that belong to families like Cambalopsidae, Japygidae and Scutigeridae. Five species of coleopteran beetles were recorded from the caves, which have to be taxonomically identified. More than five species of bats were recorded. Four species of gastropods were recorded including Paludomus. Diptera was represented by four species that belongs to families like Hippoboscidae and Mycetophilidae. Acari were represented by four species. Three species of geckos were found at the entrance to caves. Two species of crabs, Cave Crickets, Assassin Bugs and birds were also recorded. The Assassin Bugs belong to family Reduviidae. Cave Crickets belong to family Stenopelmatidae. Two bird species identified as Collocalia fuciphaga and Hirundo hyperythra.

Rats and Porcupine were represented by one species each. Porcupine is Hystrix porcupine. One and only fish species found was Paracanthocobitis uropthalma. Reptilia were represented by Varanus salvator. Shrimps, leeches, flatworms, earthworms and cockroaches also were found in the caves each representing one species.

Traces of animals like feathers, bird drops, nests, bat guano, exuviate, larval cases, pupal cases and eggs were also photographed. Flora were absent inside the dark stretches of the cave, but was found at the entrance to some caves. Algae, bryophytes and ferns were photographed.

FOOD WEBS AND FOOD CHAINS IN SRI LANKAN CAVESIn Sri Lankan caves a complex food web provides a pathway to energy transfer, which begins mainly from bat guano. About 25 trophic entities have recorded from the terrestrial environment of the dark caves in Sri Lanka. Taxonomical presentation of these trophic entities will include more than 100 different species. The cave fauna are mainly two kinds; micro fauna includes bacteria and fungi. Others include amphibians, annelids, arachnids, beetles, centipede, cockroaches, crickets, Diptera flies, mammals, millipedes, moths, nematodes, orthoptera, reptiles, snails and spiders. Only two trophic guilds are present; detritivores and carnivores. Major input of energy was allochthonus and provided by bat guano and little amounts by small mammals like rats and porcupines.

CAVE MAPPINGMapping of caves also undertook during the fourth expedition. Existed maps were elaborated by adding more details. Totally 17 maps were further developed. Each map portrays the ground plan and several sections. The largest cave in Sri Lankan was not mapped. The mapping instrument was not sufficient for such a huge cave.


CAVE PHOTOGRAPHYA photographic documentation of the landscape features within the caves also was done by specially designed photo shooting events. Several light sources were used to illuminate the cave interior for photo shooting events. These photographs illustrate the interior of the caves.

AWARENESS To popularize the study of caves, undergraduates from Rajarata University and Jaffna University were invited to take part for expeditions. Nearly 20 students from Rajarata University participated in the exploration of Ravana Cave in Ella. Thrree more students took part in the expedition to Pelpola cave, Roopa Gallena cave and Kosgala cave. Three students from Jaffna University participated in exploration of Beli lena cave in Kithulgala.The students are from various disciplines like Biology, Environmental Scieces, Zoology, Chemistry and Microbiology. DISCUSSIONCave ecosystems are extremely sensitive ecosystems; and it is well known that the settled fauna of caves that have opened to tourism suffer serious damage. Conservation and protection of caves may be important especially to sustain the life of all the cave dwelling animals. The cave dwelling bats are the conduits of energy in to the dark caves and they are important pollinators and insect predators. Over the past few years, there has been a growing awareness and concern with biodiversity worldwide. Books and monographs with a focus on biodiversity have appeared and a rapidly increasing amount of information is available about patterns of biodiversity for many groups of organisms. The same can be said for the fauna of caves and other subterranean habitats.Cave protection is clearly not just about the void of the cave itself, but about the complex, dynamic and interactive nature of the caves.

SUGGESTIONSGeneral view about caves is that they are dark, slippery and guano-smelling voids in the Earth. True value of the cave has to be established within the minds of people.

According to our judgment Sri Lankan caves directly support the agriculture production. Caves are home for the Microchiropteran bats. Michrochiropteran bats are known to pollinate flowers, eat tons and tons of nocturnal insect adults like moths, mosquitoes and beetles etc. Most of those nocturnal insects are considered as pests of crops. The larval stages of those nocturnal insects eat food crops planted by farmers. Hence pest population goes down.

Damaging cave habitats may negatively influence the population of bats, increasing the pest populations. As a result agricultural production may decrease while pesticide usage may increase.


Sri Lanka has 67.18 Billion USD worth GDP for the year 2013. The agricultural contribution was 12.8%. According to our judgement a substantial amount of the agricultural production is due to the contribution of microchiropteran bats by pollinating and controlling pests. According to our observations bat populations in Ravana Ella Tunnel and Beli Lena tunnel have declined badly. Roopa Gal Lena has been vandalized by breaking speleotherms. The biggest cave in Ella (Ravana Cave) is under threat from the visitors; the water in the underground lake has become a bathing place for visitors. The roosting site of the Edible-nests Swiflets is affected by visitors. Visitors can touch and hold the eggs and chicks, because they roost in a law ceiling. Trampling by the visitors is another serious threat to the landscape stability in caves.

Most popular caves like Ravana Cave, Ravana Ella Tunnel, Roopa Gal Lena, Kosgala Cave and Endiri Lena etc should be converted to show-caves, with proper infrastructure such as walking trails, stairways xxx, zzz, Nation-wide educational programs are necessary to protect caves and bats. The photographs we have collected will be a base resource for the campaign.

A comprehensive expedition report with about 500 unique photographs about fauna, cave landscape and minerals can be compiled in both English and Sinhala for motivating people to think about caves, in a caring way!The members of the LICAS express their gratitude for Chamber of commerce, Dilmah conservation and biodiversity Sri Lanka for their valuable contributions.


FIELD VISITS


Mandapai Cave Visit


Pelpola Cve Visit


Sthreepura Tunnel Welimada Visit


THE VAVULPURAM CAVE IN KEERIMALAI, JAFFNA PENINSULA


THE RAVANA ELLA DARK CAVE, KARANDAGOLLA


THE RAVANA ELLA DARK CAVE, KARANDAGOLLA


Kosgala Dark Cave Visit


THE ROOPAGALLENA CAVE 1 and 2 visit


Endiri Lena visit


Batadomba Lena visit


Belilena Tunnel visit


Nitre Cave visit


Sthreepura kuruvita visit


Vavulpane Pallebedda Ratnapura visit


Malena visit


Ravana ella tunnuel visit


Documents

CAVE BIODIVERSITY IN SRI LANKA - dilmahconservation.org · The cave was made of Jaffna limestone in which de-posits of shells and coral species were seen. It has a passage with a