Sri Lanka provide home for many types (Geneses) of reptiles including
Endemic species. Most of them are endangered by human activities. Today
there are some volunteer groups provide effort for conservation, yet
some of the reptiles are in edge of extinction.
Crocodiles
Sri Lanka is a home
for two types of crocodiles.
1. Mugger (Marsh) Crocodile - Crocodilus
palustrus
Mugger crocodile
grows up to 3-4 m. It thrives in fresh water rivers and tanks in many
areas of the country.
2. Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodile -
Crocodilus porosus
Mainly found in
brackish water and can grows up to 7m. A much larger monitor type lizard
with grayish brown, black and yellow markings. They are much widespread
and sometimes scavenging.
Turtles
Many of turtles are
in endangered list because they get preyed at the shore when they arrive
on sand for laying eggs. there are volunteer research groups to protect
the turtles along the beaches especially at South west coast.
Snakes
