Sri Lanka’s leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) exhibit unique behaviors compared to their African and Indian counterparts. Primarily nocturnal, they are also active at dawn, dusk, and occasionally during the day. Unlike other leopard populations, they seldom hoist their kills into trees—a behavior likely influenced by the island’s lack of competing predators and abundant prey.
Population Status and Conservation
According to Watson and Kittle (2019), Sri Lanka’s leopard
population remains stable at approximately 800 adults, a figure consistent for
over a decade. Initially listed as Endangered in 2008, the IUCN reclassified
the subspecies as Vulnerable in 2020, reflecting successful conservation
efforts.
The Mystery of Black Leopards
Melanistic (black) leopards are an exceptionally rare sight
in Sri Lanka. These leopards are not a distinct species but owe their dark
coats to a genetic mutation that causes excess pigmentation, though their
rosette patterns remain faintly visible under light.
Historical records note sporadic sightings since colonial
times. The most recent confirmation was a black leopard cub photographed in
Yala National Park in February 2023. Sadly, in May 2020, an adult black leopard
died after being injured by a wild boar snare on a Nallatanniya tea plantation,
despite rescue efforts.
Best Places to Spot
Leopards
As Sri Lanka’s apex predator, leopards are more reliably
observed here than in many other regions. Key locations include:
1. Yala National Park (Block 1)
Highest leopard
density globally (21.7 per 100 km² in 2017).
Strike rate: 33% (1
in 3 safaris), rising to 50% in dry seasons (May–August).
Located 280 km from
Colombo.
2. Wilpattu National Park
Second-best for sightings, with 16.2 leopards
per 100 km² (2015).
Optimal viewing:
May–September
185 km from
Colombo.
3. Horton Plains National Park
Lower density (13.3
per 100 km² in 2017) but increasingly visible near roads.
4. Kumana National Park
- Connects to Yala;
leopards present but less frequently seen.
Why Sri Lanka Stands Out
With no lions or hyenas, Sri Lankan leopards face minimal
competition, allowing them to thrive across diverse habitats—from dense forests
to arid plains. Their adaptability and the island’s robust protected areas make
it one of the world’s best destinations for leopard sightings.
For wildlife enthusiasts, a safari in Yala or Wilpattu
offers an unparalleled chance to witness these majestic predators in their
natural realm.
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