Nurturing the Forgotten in Waraka Udawalawe

A life dedicated to nature is never short of ideas to care for even its tiniest residents. Our naturalist at Waraka Udawalawe, Dinuka Wijesundara, is one such figure whose love for the wild goes beyond the expected. In a world that rushes forward, a naturalist walks a different path, one that listens to the whispers of the wind, watches the dance of dragonflies, and feels the rhythm of the earth. With a keen eye and a heart full of passion, he doesn’t just admire nature, he nurtures it. While many conservation efforts focus on the giants of the wild, such as elephants, leopards, and marine life, our naturalist has a soft spot for the little ones who often go unnoticed. From tiny amphibians to delicate dragonflies, he has made it his mission to create a safe home for all.

At Waraka Udawalawe, he has built small ponds and microhabitats to give amphibians and dragonflies a place to thrive. He’s set up cozy bat houses to support local bat populations and even placed sticks in canals to serve as perching spots for tired little birds. It’s heartwarming to think that while these creatures can’t ask for help, someone is still looking out for them.

The microhabitats he creates offer more than just water and shelter, they provide a lifeline. Frogs and toads find safe places to breed, while dragonflies turn these miniature wetlands into their playgrounds. His efforts don’t stop there! A simple stick in the water might not seem like much, but for a kingfisher scanning for its next meal or for a swallow resting while journeying through Udawalawe, it makes all the difference. These tiny perches give birds a place to pause, hunt, and regain their energy, making the waterways at Waraka Udawalawe not just another place but a home. Over time, these will have drawn in more birds, adding new colors and melodies to the landscape. And then, there are the bats! the silent creatures of the night. While often overlooked, they play a major role in keeping insect populations in check. With fewer old trees and hidden nooks for them to rest in, our naturalist has given them a helping hand by setting up bat houses in safe, sheltered spots. These little wooden homes might not seem grand, but for a bat in search of a place to roost, they are a sanctuary.

In this contemporary world, even the smallest kindness towards nature makes a difference. Thanks to our naturalists’ thoughtful efforts, the tiniest creatures now have a place to call home, reminding us that conservation doesn’t have to be big and mighty. It could be small and unseen, too!