The Hiyare reservoir is a natural
reservoir in the district of Galle, Sri Lanka. This
reservoir is a major source of drinking water to the
city of Galle. The catchment zone of the reservoir
consists of about 600 acres of a rather well preserved
lowland rain forest and its conservation is therefore
of significance. Further, Mahadola, which is a major
stream that enriches the river, originates here.
The
floristic composition of the forest consists of important
canopy tree species of which 9 endemic species - Hora
(Dipterocarpus zeylanicus), Bu - hora ,( Dipterocarpus
hispidus), Dorana (Dipterocarpus glandulosus), Pini
- baru (Hopea jucunda), Kekuna (Canarium zeylanicum),
Godapara (Dillenia retusa), Thiniya ( Doona congestiflora
), Uru - honda (Kurrimia ceylanica), Beraliya - dun
(Shorea dyeri) - were identified. Among the other
life forms 5 endemic bird species, 6 endemic freshwater
fish species and 2 endemic amphibian species have
been recorded.
The
area is a strict forest reserve with a high diversity
and endemism of species in the catchment zone.
