Virtual Tour

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Virtual Tour - Section 02

State of the Art Auditorium

In this section, the visitors/ Students will go through an educational video session on mangroves and about the museum, depending on their age or need, as the first activity of the tour.

The auditorium is designed to accommodate 250 people and features a large, high-resolution video projection screen that displays crisp, clear images. It is also fully airconditioned, and to deliver crystal-clear audio, the auditorium is equipped with advanced sound systems, including high-end speakers, amplifiers, and mixing consoles.

Virtual Tour - Section 03 A

Mangroves Speciman Section

There are 22 species of mangroves that have been recorded in Sri Lanka. Some of the most common mangrove species found in Sri Lanka includes:

Rhizophora mucronata (Red mangrove)
Avicennia marina (Grey mangrove)
Bruguiera cylindrica (Lumnitzera racemosa)
Ceriops tagal (Yellow mangrove)
Excoecaria agalloch

Virtual Tour - Section 03 B

Bivalves and Gastropods

There are several species that can be found near mangroves in Sri Lanka. These include:

Mud Creeper (Telescopium telescopium)
Periwinkle (Littorina spp)
Asian date mussel (Musculista senhousia)
Oysters (Crassostrea)

Virtual Tour - Section 03 C

Mangroves Distribution Map

According to the Global Mangrove Watch, the total area of mangrove cover in Sri Lanka in the year 2020 was approximately 14,600 hectares, which is equivalent to 0.62% of the total land area of the country. However, it is important to note that this figure is based on satellite imagery analysis, and it may not reflect the exact current mangrove cover in Sri Lanka.

The mangrove cover in Sri Lanka has decreased significantly in the past due to various reasons such as coastal development, deforestation, and aquaculture activities. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to conserve and restore mangrove ecosystems in Sri Lanka, which is important for preserving the biodiversity and protecting coastal areas from erosion and sea-level rise.

Virtual Tour - Section 04 A

Lagoon Fish Species

Sri Lanka has a rich diversity of fish species in its lagoons, which include both freshwater and marine species. Some of the commonly found lagoon fish species in Sri Lanka are:

1. Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)
2. Snappers (Lutjanus spp.)
3. Groupers (Epinephelus spp.)
4. Milkfish (Chanos chanos)
5. Mullet (Mugil spp.)
6. Threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum)
7. Catfish (Arius spp.)
8. Mudskipper (Periophthalmus spp.)
9. Glassfish (Ambassis spp.)

These are just a few of the many lagoon fish species found in Sri Lanka, and there are many other species that are also caught and consumed by locals and tourists alike.

Virtual Tour - Section 04 B

Fauna of Mangrove Ecosystem

Mangrove ecosystems are characterized by a unique assemblage of plants and animals that are adapted to the challenging conditions of the intertidal zone, where the land meets the sea. Here are some examples of the fauna found in mangrove ecosystems:

Birds
Crustaceans
Reptiles
Mammals
Invertebrates

Overall, the fauna of mangrove ecosystems is highly diverse and specialized, reflecting the unique ecological conditions of these habitats.

Virtual Tour - Section 05 A

Carbon Sequestration in Mangrove Ecosystem

Mangrove ecosystems are highly efficient at sequestering carbon, making them an important natural solution to climate change. Here’s how carbon sequestration works in mangrove ecosystems:

Virtual Tour - Section 05 B

Coral Species and Life Cycles of Crabs & Shrimps

There are numerous species of coral, but they are broadly classified into two main categories – hard corals and soft corals. Hard corals have a hard exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate and form the backbone of coral reefs. Some of the common hard coral species include staghorn coral, brain coral, and elkhorn coral. Soft corals do not have a hard exoskeleton and are less structurally complex than hard corals. Some examples of soft coral species include sea fans, sea whips, and sea pens.

Virtual Tour - Section 06

Information of World Mangroves

Mangroves are a unique and important ecosystem found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Here is some general information about mangroves worldwide:

image source: https://www.freepik.com/

Our library aims to provide a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in learning more about these vital ecosystems. From field guides to academic texts, the books in this collection cover a wide range of topics, including the biology and ecology of mangroves, the cultural and economic significance of these forests, and the threats they face and the conservation efforts underway to protect them.

Whether you are a scientist, a student, or simply an interested reader, the books in this library will provide a deeper understanding of the unique and important role that mangroves play in our world.

Connect With the Nature

Another highlight of the tour is the opportunity to view natural mangroves along the way.

The museum has three dedicated viewing spots and one sitting area for mangroves lovers