Guardians of the Wild: Protecting the Endangered Sri Lankan Leopard – Malsha – eLanka
The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is the only large predator native to Sri Lanka, a subspecies endemic to the island with unique ecological importance. Classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the wild population is estimated at less than 800 mature individuals, and likely declining
Leopards play a keystone role in regulating prey populations and maintaining habitat health across varied landscapes—from dry scrublands and forests to tea estates and home gardens in the central highlands
Major Threats Facing the Species
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Habitat fragmentation: Expansion of agriculture, especially tea plantations, has severed forest continuity across Highlands and other regions.
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Human–leopard conflict and poaching: Leopards are frequently victims of retaliatory killing by buffalo herders or caught in illegal wire snares—averaging about eight deaths yearly
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Unsustainable tourism: Unregulated safari activities have led to habitat stress and disrupted natural behavior in peak areas like Yala and Horton Plains
Champions of Leopard Conservation
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Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT), led by conservationist Anjali Watson, has driven decades of leopard research, habitat mapping, and efforts to foster coexistence through initiatives like camera-trap surveys, wildlife corridors, and community education programs
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Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Sri Lanka’s oldest NGO conservation body, played a key role in establishing national parks (e.g., Yala, Wilpattu) and spearheading campaigns like Sri Lanka Leopard Day (August 1) to raise awareness nationally
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LOLC Holdings PLC in partnership with WNPS has launched a five-year, multi-regional conservation effort with six research centres (e.g. Belihuloya, Nallathaniya), focusing on monitoring populations, improving forest connectivity, and reducing conflict through science-driven strategies
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Hayleys Plantations along with WWCT has created the Elbedda Ridge Corridor, facilitating movement across seven tea estates, and documented over 40 individual leopards—boosting local engagement and ecosystem resilience
Key Projects & Results
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Forest Guardian Programs launched on Earth Day 2024 created 15 youth conservation hubs and outreach programs impacting up to 20,000 students in plantation communities. Projects include forest nurseries and corridor maintenance spanning 17 miles
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In Kumana National Park (Eastern Sri Lanka), recent camera-trap surveys over 16 months identified more than 34 individual leopards, establishing the park as a leopard stronghold. Local citizen-science initiatives like “Kumana Leopards” track sightings and behaviors to guide conservation planning
Why It Matters
Protecting the Sri Lankan leopard supports the entire ecosystem. As an apex predator, its presence influences herbivore populations, vegetation structure, and habitat health. Successful conservation also nurtures ecotourism, brings global attention, and fosters local stewardship
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Looking Ahead
To secure a future for this iconic species:
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Expand forest corridors and restore natural habitat linkages.
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Strengthen science-based monitoring across regions and involve local communities in data collection and management.
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Promote wildlife-friendly land practices among estate workers, farmers, and herders.
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Ensure tourism is guided by ethical, minimal-impact guidelines that prioritize wildlife wellbeing over visibility.
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Encourage youth empowerment programs like Forest Guardians to build long-term local capacity.
Conclusion
The Sri Lankan leopard embodies the wild soul of the island—a species both resilient and fragile. The coordinated efforts of NGOs, government agencies, conservationists, local communities, and youth have created a hopeful path forward. Yet, ensuring the survival of this majestic predator demands continuous vigilance, awareness, and genuine care from every corner of society.
