Mugger crocodiles and other wildlife in Sri Lanka’s drought-stricken Yala National Park are increasingly reliant on daily deliveries of water as the country experiences its worst dry spell in nearly a decade. Starting next week, park authorities will intensify conservation efforts by closing off the park’s busiest watering holes to tourists. This temporary ban is aimed at giving animals, including spotted deer, wild water buffalo, Tufted Gray Langurs, and leopards, unimpeded access to scarce water resources amid mounting heat stress.

Sujeewa Nishantha, a wildlife ranger at Yala, emphasized the importance of prioritizing animal welfare during this critical period. He explained that removing visitors from key areas would help ensure easier access to water for struggling wildlife after months without rain. His responsibilities also include monitoring water trucks that supply ponds across the sanctuary, helping sustain the ecosystem during the prolonged dry conditions.

The forthcoming month-long closure comes at a sensitive time as it coincides with the lead-up to Sri Lanka’s peak tourism season, a vital source of foreign exchange for the island nation. Nonetheless, the authorities have implemented water management protocols across extensive regions in response to the ongoing drought, which officials attribute to a combination of the prevailing El Niño weather pattern and the exacerbating effects of climate change.

Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has indicated that the country is entering a sustained nine-month dry phase, with heavier rains expected between November and December, followed by another significant drought from February onward. The World Meteorological Organization recently cautioned that this could be part of the strongest El Niño cycle ever recorded globally, heightening the risk of extreme weather events.

The drought’s impact extends beyond wildlife, affecting tens of thousands of Sri Lankan residents who now depend on emergency drinking water supplies. Small-scale farmers face increasing difficulties in cultivating vegetables and raising livestock, adding economic strain to rural communities.

Yala National Park managers have expressed hope for a full reopening of the park to the usual influx of tourists but acknowledged that the timeline depends heavily on weather conditions. Until then, the sanctuary will remain partially closed to safeguard its vulnerable wildlife during this challenging environmental crisis.