About the Mandu River
Mandu River is situated in Balapitiya, within the Galle district of the southern province of Sri Lanka. Mandu lagoon is beautiful lagoon that opens up to the Indian Ocean. It is located in the wet zone of Sri Lanka and has a high biodiversity.
The biodiversity of the Mandu River is of monumental signification when considering the wide range of aquatic life and other animals that inhabit this natural treasure. A total of 11 species of agnatic mollusks and 14 land dwelling mollusks are found in this system. 70 species of fish, 31 types of reptiles, and 50 kinds of butterflies are just some of the colorful array of wildlife that inhabits this bustling ecosystem. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that 111 species of birds have been identified in the mangrove that surrounds the river.
The area surrounding the river is mostly swampy marshlands covered in mangrove forests. The forest covers over 61 hectares, that is over 150 acres. 14 of the 24 species of mangroves are found in this area. It is interesting to note that mangroves play a huge part in preventing erosion. The large growth of mangrove trees have caused a chain of ecological gain. The soil protected by mangrove trees is very fertile.