the higher montane area is often robed in thick layers of cloud. in addition to its aesthetic value, the range is of great scientific interest. it is a climatic microcosm of the rest of sri lanka as the conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited in the massif. at higher elevations there is a series of isolated cloud forests, harbouring a variety of flora and fauna. although the range constitutes approximately 0.03% of the island's total area, it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country's biodiversity. the isolated knuckles range harbours several relict, endemic flora and fauna that are distinct from central massif. more than 34 percent of sri lanka's endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are only found in these forests.
