Introduction
Sri Lanka is a tropical island having total land extent of 65610 km2. Ecosystems of this country contain a high degree of species diversity among different groups of flora and fauna, including a high proportion of endemic species. Among the indigenous inland vertebrate fauna and flowering plants documented to date, nearly 40% and 30% respectively are endemic to the Island (Bambaradeniya, 2004). Much of this diversity and endemism is found in the south-west wet zone, which occupies about one-third of the country’s’ land extent. As an example, under the group of Angiospermae, from 3771 plant species 929 are endemic to Sri Lanka.
Land utilization in wet zone is reported that large fraction has been utilized for Tea and Rubber cultivation. Within these plantations, presence of forest patches is a prominent character. However, Knowledge on biological diversity and its richness, and functional role of these forest patches is rare or lacking. It has not even been taken into account in the IUCN red listing.
Though all these forests are secondary in nature due to anthropogenic disturbances, these sites may eventually develop in to mature forest vegetations with high species diversity, if conserved from further degradation. These forests provide natural habitats for many faunal species subsequently easing the damages cause by wild animals to agricultural fields. Since there is limited number of natural habitats available in these areas, faunal diversity of those places can be extremely high. Therefore, conducting scientific assessments and inventorising the baseline information of these forests is a current requirement for to develop future conservation strategies and to provide value addition for those who concern in conservation.
Lalan Rubber Pvt. Limited is one of the leading plantation companies in Sri Lanka. It owns about 7000 ha of total rubber lands. In addition to the profit oriented production goals, the Company has taken measures to conserve forest patches in their Estates and rubber fields from degradation. These managerial decisions may lead them to become one of the environmentally friendly nature loving companies while contributing the country’s economy as foreign exchange earner.  

Objectives of the study

• To asses floral and faunal diversity and ecological significance of already demarcated permanent sampling plots of forests in Estates of Lalan Rubber Pvt. Ltd.
• To identify red listed (IUCN) floral and faunal species in these forests.

Methodology
Study Locations:
Permanent sampling plots (PSP) already established in Ernon, Densworth, and Nugahena divisions of Mahaoya Estate; Illuktenna, Reucastle, and Sap-upper divisions of Sapumalknada Estate; Udabage division of Eila Estate; Udapola division of Mawatana Estate; Moratenne division of Muwankande Estate; Dee-ella division of Nortinhill Estate; Pitiakande division of Pitiakande Estate and Keppitigala division of Marlbe Estate of Lalan Rubber Company (pvt) limited were the study locations. Diversity and production related assessments of all these PSP’s were carried out during the period from 15th February 2010 to March 4th 2010.
Measurement of floral diversity:

• Measurements were taken from thirteen (13) permanent sampling plots (each with 20 m x 20 m land area) representing all estates.
• GPS coordinates were recorded at the middle of the PSP.
• All plant species present inside the PSP was recorded.
• Woody perennials having above 6cm girth (at breast height) were used to measure stem girth and total plant height values. Measuring tape was used for girth measurements and Clinometer was used for tree height measurements.
• Total of 5 sub plots (each with 4 x 4 m land area) were established at four corners (4) and in the middle (1) of the each PSP (as shown underneath) and all plant species number and density inside these sub-plots were counted and identified. 

• For the identification of Plant species support was taken from the herbarium of National Botanical Garden, Peradeniya.
• All flora classification was done using the guidelines of IUCN, Red list 2007.

(Note: Field officers of the company were educated about importance of biodiversity conservation during this study.)

Measurement of faunal diversity
Data was collected using transects methodology and random field observation. Visual encounter survey method was used in preparing this checklist and thirteen (13) line transects (100m×2m) and thirteen plot sampling (20m´20m) were used representing one line transect and one plot sampling per each PSP. Surveys were conducted both in daytime (6.30 am-9.00am) and night (7.00-10.00 pm) and torches were used at night. The avifaunal data were collected by using a standard binocular, and also by calls / songs. Mammal fauna were documented through direct observations and indirect methods (e.g.: foot prints, duns). Amphibian and Reptile (Herpetofauna) data were collected by using road kills, killed specimens by villages and by searching under logs, stones and boulders, and several nocturnal field visits were also made in walking through the study area. Some small butterflies were captured using a butterfly net and closely observed using a clear glass bottle and fishes were also captured using by net and closely observed using a small glass tank. The different species of vertebrates and invertebrates were identified and classified by using published field guides (for Amphibians – Dutta & Manamendra-Arachchi (1996), Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda (2005), Manamendra-Arachchi & Pethiyagoda (2006); Reptiles – Das & de Silva (2005), Deraniyagala (1953; 1955), de Silva (1990), De Silva (1980), Whitaker & Captain (2004); Birds – Harrison (1999), Rasmussen & Anderton (2005); Mammals – Phillips (1980); Butterflies – D’Abrera (1998), Woodhouse (1952), Kunte (2006); Flora – Ashton (1997) Gunatilleke and Gunatilleke (1990); and Threatened category given according to IUCNSL & MENR (2007).
All the data collected were tabulated and analyses were carried out using standard analytical procedures identified for ecological studies.

Results and Discussions
Red listed plant species present in forest patches in Estates belonging to Lalan Rubber Plantation (pvt) Ltd.
All the plant species, where adequate data is available, classified in to 7 groups based in the Red-List of IUCN, 2007 (www.redlist.org), as follows;
Extinct (EX)
Extinct in the wild (EW)
Critically endangered (CR)
Endangered (EN)
Vulnerable (VU)
Near threatened (NT)
Least concern (LC)                  

Endangered (EN) species recorded in these PSPs
Mawewal (Calamus thwaitesii) was the only species found under this category. This plant species was available in Nugahena (Appendix - 03) and Reucastle (Appendix - 05) divisions only. It is famous as a weaving material for mates, hats, baskets etc. 
Vulnerable (VU) species recorded in these PSPs  
Wal Rambutan (Ptychopyxis thwaitesii) and Kebella (Aporusa lindleyana) were found under this category. Wal Rambutan found from Nugahena (Appendix - 03) division only and Kebella was recorded in Reucastle (Appendix - 05) division. Wal Rambutan is used for timber and as a fire wood as well. Kebella is identified as a valuable medicinal plant.
Near threatened (NT) species recorded in this study
Pathkela (Bridelia moonii) was the only plant species found under this category. Special feature related to this plant is, that it is endemic to Sri Lanka. It was found in Nugahena (Appendix – 03) and Ernon (Appendix – 01) divisions. Pathkela is well known for timber and medicinal purposes.
Globally threatened plant species found in Lalan group, though they are not assessed in Sri Lanka
There are number of plant species in Sri Lanka, where no detail evaluation has been carried out yet, but some of them are globally classified as threatened plant species.
Recorded endangered species
Gal weralu (Elaeocarpus coriaceus) was found from Reucastle division (Appendix – 05) which comes under this category.
Recorded vulnerable species
Kakuna (Canarium zeylanicum), Gal karanda (Humboldtia laurifolia), Walipiyanna (Anisophyllea cinnamomoides) and Wal del (Artocarpus nobilis) were found as vulnerable species. Kakuna is commonly used as a timber and to extract resins. Gal karanda and Walipiyanna has medicinal values. However, fruits in Wal Del are a famous food among villagers. 

The common characteristic features about these PSPs as follows.

• Most of these forest patches are in steep lands in hilly areas (abandoned or uncultivable lands) 
• All of these forest patches are small in size, and PSPs are established near to boundaries of rubber plantations.
• These patches are associated with natural water ways.
• Rockiness of the soil is prominent.
• Sites were disturbed with different degree due to human activities before PSPs were established

Table 1: No of threatened floral species listed in the Red-List of IUCN, 2007 for the three districts that the PSPs are located.

Faunal diversity in PSPs 
The study enabled to record 93 species of vertebrate fauna and 39 species of butterflies and 02 land snail species from these PSPs (Table - 3). From the total number of faunal species recorded, there 21 endemic, 02 endangered, 03 critically endangered and 03 vulnerable species were found. The vertebrates comprised of 04 species of amphibians, 12 species of reptiles, 13 species of mammals, 56 species of birds and 08 species of fishes. Birds were the most abundant and amphibian was the least abundant faunal group found in these forest areas (Table – 3). Invertebrates comprised of 41 species, of which 05 endemic, 02 endangered, 05 rare species and one critically endangered species were recorded.
The most significant record made during this exercise was the identification of Ypthima singala an endemic and Pathysa antiphates ceylonicus an endangered butterfly species. Furthermore, Pathysa antiphates ceylonicus (EN), Papilio crino, Papilio helenus mooreamus and Parthenos sylvia cyaneusc (Rare), Tarucus nara, Columba livia and Vendelueria nolthenii (CR), Rana aurantiaca, Trachypithecus vetulu and Ratufa macroura (VU), species were recorded.

Table - 2: Faunal Diversity of different taxon recorded form study areas

(ENDE – Endemic; EN-Endangered; CR – Critically Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; RA – Rare)
The amphibians consisted of 04 species (1 endemics) belonging to 02 families (Appendix - 5), including toads and aquatic frogs. When considering the primary mode of living, all amphibian species recorded were either terrestrial or aquatic. Among them, 01 species are very common (Bufo melanostictus). Most of these species could be observed in night. The amphibian fauna may also be grouped by their habitats, such as arboreal, burrowing, terrestrial and aquatic. Two nocturnal species from temporary (seasonal) streams and one vulnerable species (Rana aurantiaca) were found inside the Lalan estate group forests. None nationally threatened species were found. Amphibians play a vital role in the functioning of an ecosystem. Their diet of insects and small animals contributes to control of pests in human habitats, including crops and homes.
The reptiles consisted of 12 species (03 endemics) belonging to 05 families (Appendix - 4). Venomous snakes are widely killed in these areas due to the fear and ignorance, as a precautionary measure against snakebites. Several road kills were also recorded during the study period. The mixture of different vegetation types and aquatic habitats in Lalan estate group forests may have provided an ideal habitat for a variety of Reptiles.
A total of 13 species (02 endemic) of mammals, belonging to 11 families, were recorded in the plots (Appendix – 3). One species is critically endangered (Vendelueria nolthenii) and two species are vulnerable (Trachypithecus vetulus, Ratufa macroura). Mammals were found with different food habits. The rats are often considered as pests because they feed or damage the food and cultivations. Very few (2-4) Trachypithecus vetulus herds were observed along the riverine and forest network of the Lalan estate group forest areas. The primate Loris lydekkerianus is a significant record within this area.
Birds appeared to be the dominant group of vertebrates at Lalan estate forest, consisting of 56 species (6 endemics) belonging to 35 families (Appendix - 1). This area has made it a paradise for birds, including many forest bird species. Among the total species, none of the species are nationally threatened and 06 species were endemic (Gallus lafayetii, Megalima flavifrons, Loriculus beryllinus, Psittacula calthropae Pellorneum fuscocapillum, Tockus gingalensis). This area an important breeding habitat of native birds, and it is also a preferred feeding and resting habitat of several species. Among them Pycnonotus cafer, Megalaima zeylanica, Gallus lafayetii, Corvus splendens Streptopelia chinensis ceylonensis, Pycnonotus cafer cafer, were very common birds. Two migration birds were  recorded during the study period. (Muscicapa muttui, Lanius cristatus cristatus.)
Rich array of butterflies were recorded in Lalan estate group forests, including 56 species belonging to 35 families (Appendix - 2). Butterflies comprise a group of charismatic insects in Sri Lanka, which forms a major component of the island’s biodiversity. Four endemic butterfly species were recorded in this area. Among them, Ypthima singala, Parthenos Sylvia, Tarucus nara, Papilio helenus mooreamus, Papilio crino, were rare species in Lalan group estate. High diversity of butterflies was recorded in Scrublands while lowest diversity was recorded in an inside the forest. The scrubland was rich with variety of flowers and feeding plants, which is suitable for butterflies. The families with the largest number of species was Nymphalidae (07 species), followed by Lycaenidae (08 species), Pieridae (05 species), Papilionidae (09species), Acraeidae (01 species) Danaidae (05 species), and Satyridae (03 species). The distribution of the butterflies in various habitat types needs further investigation, and this study is just a beginning and paves the way for further studies.
A total of 08 species (05 endemics- Garra ceylonensis, Esomus thermoicos, Belontia signata Channa orientalis, Schistura notostigma,) of freshwater fishes, belonging to 04 families, were recorded in the plots (Appendix – 6). Streams are major component of that area for freshwater fish habitats and biodiversity in the area.
The area understudy belongs to secondary forest. During the study period endemic, endangered, critically endangered, vulnerable and rare species were recorded (Table-03). When considering the birds richness of plot no: 02 (Denswerth Estate) showed the highest richness (appendix-9). Highest number of mammal species was observed in plot number: 06 (Sapumal kanda division/ Sap upper). There were 04 mammal species which are Funambulus palmarum, Hystrix indica, Paradoxurus  hermaphoditus, Muntiacus muntjak.
Grey slender loris was observed plot number: 10 (Muwankande Estate/ Moratenna Division) and 03 (Nugahena Estate), since the study area was a rubber estate it is a rare observation. Also highest number of reptiles was observed in plot number 03 (Otocryptis wiegmanni, Eutropis macularia macularia, Geckoella triedra, Hypnale hypnale).
Highest number of butterflies were observed in plot number 08 (Udabage), 10 (Muwankande Estate/Moratenna Division), 12 (Pitiakande Group) and 13. Fishes were observed only in plot number 07 (Sapumal Kanda / Udabage Division),08 (Udabage) and 11. (Notinhill Estate /Dee Ella division) Out of thirteen plots studied only in above plots streams were observed. This may be the reason for these plots to have higher species richness.
Two land snail species were recorded in plot no: 03 (Nugahena Estate) and 10 (Muwankande Estate/Moratenna Division). And one was endemic to Sri Lanka (Rathnadvipia irradians).
Breeding and feeding habitats also observed in this study area and feeding habitats were richness.

Endangered (EN) species recorded in this study
There were only 2 butterfly species recorded in this category. Ypthima singala (Jewel four-ring): Endemic to Sri Lanka. It was available in Udabage division. Pathysa antiphates ceylonicus (Fivebar swordtail) – Endemic to Sri Lanka. Found from Keppitigala division. 

Critically endangered (CR) species recorded in this study
One species was found from each category of birds, butterflies and mammals.
Birds - Columba livia (Rock – pigeon) – Recorded in Densworth division.
Butterflies - Tarucus nara (Striped pierrot) – Recorded in Moratenne division.
Mammals - Vendelueria nolthenii (Sri Lanka long-tailed tree mouse) – Fauna from Udapola, Moratenne and Dee-ella divisions.

Vulnerable (VU) species recorded in this study
One species was found from Amphibians and two from Mammals.
Mammals - Ratufa macroura  (Giant squirrel) – Recorded from Moratenne, Pitiakande and Keppitigala divisions.
Trachypithecus vetulus (Purple-faced leaf monkey) – Recorded from Denseworth and Nugahena divisions.
Amphibians - Rana aurantiaca (Golden frog) – recorded in Udabage and Udapola divisions.

Endemic (ENDE) Faunal species recorded in the study
Six bird species, four butterfly species, two mammal species, three reptile species, one amphibian species, five fish species and one land snail species were recorded as endemic species (Table 3).   
Table 3. Endemic fauna observed during this study

Table 4.  Observed Red listed floral species and there locations

Table 5.  Observed Red listed faunal species and there locations

 Endangered (EN) species recorded in this study
        There were only 2 butterfly species recorded in this category. Ypthima singala (Jewel four-ring): Endemic to Sri Lanka. It was available in Udabage division. Pathysa antiphates ceylonicus (Fivebar swordtail) – Endemic to Sri Lanka. Found from Keppitigala division. 

Critically endangered (CR) species recorded in this study
One species was found from each category of birds, butterflies and mammals.
Birds - Columba livia (Rock – pigeon) – Recorded in Densworth division.
Butterflies - Tarucus nara (Striped pierrot) – Recorded in Moratenne division.
Mammals - Vendelueria nolthenii (Sri Lanka long-tailed tree mouse) – Fauna from Udapola, Moratenne and Dee-ella divisions.

Vulnerable (VU) species recorded in this study
One species was found from Amphibians and two from Mammals.
Mammals - Ratufa macroura  (Giant squirrel) – Recorded from Moratenne, Pitiakande and Keppitigala divisions.
Trachypithecus vetulus (Purple-faced leaf monkey) – Recorded from Denseworth and Nugahena divisions.
Amphibians - Rana aurantiaca (Golden frog) – recorded in Udabage and Udapola divisions.

Endemic (ENDE) Faunal species recorded in the study
        Six bird species, four butterfly species, two mammal species, three reptile species, one amphibian species, five fish species and one land snail species were recorded as endemic species (Table 3).   
Table 3. Endemic fauna observed during this study