The misfortune of fame

Kumana National Park

Fun Facts

The fame of the White-rumped Shama stretches back through the ages. At one time, Its melodious voice used to fill the forests with birdsong, but this vocal talent was its very doom. As word of its famed warbling spread, it led to the capture and caging of these delicate little birds, simply because people wanted to keep them in their homes as pets. Unfortunately, captivity was no place for the Shama’s mating rituals which required lots of room for a complex mating dance and displays with fanned out feathers. This has led to the decline of the Shama population and even though the practice of caging them is not prevalent anymore, they are now much less plentiful.

Did you know?

The fame of the Shama was so widespread that Ludwig Koch of Germany made a recording of Shama birdsong all the way back in 1889! This is considered to be one of the first recordings of birdsong and was made on an Edison Wax Cylinder.

Whereabouts

Although populations in other tropical countries seem to be recovering slowly, in Sri Lanka the Shama is mostly restricted to protected areas like National Parks. Which is why the Mahoora and Big Game Safaris campsites are great places to see these birds, as they are situated right on the edge of the parks.

 

WILDERNESS UPDATES

 

Much more than just a great place to stay

"Thanks to our guide Avinka we had five great safaris staying four nights just after reopening this February. The staff made us feel so very welcome during the entire stay.

The safaries are just wonderful, and having a great guide in your vehicle makes a big difference. Avinka can spot animals you would never see and we were even lucky enough to sight leopards on the trees, close to our vehicle, and also running through the field. The wildlife is so exciting that you will have a great experience even if you don‘t see any leopards. We also had a great driver, which is essential if you drive through difficult territory. You are being taken care of the entire time, so even for those who do safaris for the first time, you will always feel safe.

The camp itself is very comfortable, you get everything you can think of, and on top of the great food being served with so much attention and friendliness. You also get wonderful vegetarian and vegan options. They put on bonfires at night, which makes it unforgettable.
When booking and making plans, you get great support from the headquarters, even if it gets difficult since you have to change your plans.
The best thing what can happen to you at the end of a vacation is when you are a bit sad to leave the place, having experienced something to remember forever, and the team does everything for this to happen. Thank you so much"

Axel S wrote, Traveled with family
January 2021

Review us on Trip Advisor:  
Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Yala - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Udawalawe - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu

 

Fixed Departure Tours

fd1 banner

fd2 banner