Blocks One and Two of the Yala National Park have been temporarily closed from yesterday (14) due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, the Departments of Wildlife Conservation and Forest Conservation said. Accordingly, the closure will remain in effect for one month, until 15 October. 

The Park is home to 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, 47 species of reptiles and 21 species of fish. It generally attracts the highest number of tourists from August to March. However, the current tourist season has been severely affected by the El Niño conditions. Several water sources within the Park have dried up due to the prevailing high temperatures, creating a severe shortage of drinking water for the animals. The prolonged dry weather has caused vegetation and grasslands to dry up, resulting in a shortage of food for the wildlife. 

Wildlife Conservation officers are making strenuous efforts to provide water to animals affected by the drought. As part of these efforts, water obtained using solar-powered pumps from four locations along the Menik River is being transferred through underground pipelines to ponds within the Park. In addition, Wildlife Conservation officers transport around 200,000 litres of water daily by water bowsers to fill both artificial and natural ponds in the Park. Accordingly, the closure for tourists is to minimise disturbances to animals as they search for food and water amid the prevailing dry weather conditions.