Extinction Of Quaternary Mammalian Habitats of Megafauna in Sabaragamuwa Basin, Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, a biogeographical relic of Gondwanaland, has emerged as a global hotspot of biodiversity and geodiversity, shaped by its prolonged geological isolation and dynamic climatic evolution. The island’s intricate topography, altitudinal gradients, and diverse microclimates have driven extensive speciation processes, fostering high levels of endemism. However, anthropogenic activities and natural perturbations—including habitat degradation, geological events, climatic shifts, over-exploitation, invasive species proliferation, pollution, and disease outbreaks—have precipitated significant biodiversity loss. Despite these challenges, fossilized remains from the Jurassic, Miocene, and Quaternary periods provide critical archives of past biotic assemblages. Of particular significance are the Quaternary fossil deposits (2.58 Ma to 11,700 ybp) within the Sabaragamuwa Basin, which offer profound insights into the region’s paleoecology. During the Quaternary, elevated precipitation in the basin supported marsh-adapted taxa, including diverse mammalian communities. However, the Pleistocene epoch was marked by extreme climatic oscillations and geological instability, culminating in the collapse of ecosystems in the Sabaragamuwa region and the extinction of numerous taxa. Current research by Eco Astronomy Inc. focuses on the systematic analysis of Quaternary fossils from alluvial deposits, particularly gem gravels in the Sabaragamuwa Basin. This study aims to document and preserve the paleontological records of the Rathnapura Fauna, shedding light on historical biodiversity and environmental conditions. This paper presents preliminary findings from selected fossil specimens, advancing our understanding of Quaternary paleoenvironments, extinction dynamics, and the evolutionary history of Sri Lanka’s biota. These insights underscore the importance of integrating paleontological data with contemporary conservation efforts to mitigate future biodiversity loss in this ecologically unique region.