The Mighty Hunter of Sri Lanka’s Jungles: The Elusive Leopard-by Kalani-eLanka Sri Lanka’s dense forests and vast national parks are home to a variety of fascinating wildlife, but among them, the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) reigns as the apex predator. This magnificent feline, endemic to the island, is a symbol of strength and stealth, earning its reputation as the mighty hunter of Sri Lanka’s jungles. A Unique Subspecies The Sri Lankan leopard is a distinct subspecies of the leopard family and is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Unlike their counterparts in Africa and India, Sri Lankan leopards have adapted to thrive in the island’s diverse landscapes, from the arid scrublands of Yala to the misty highlands of Horton Plains. A Master of Stealth and Strength Leopards are solitary hunters, relying on their keen senses and muscular build to ambush prey. They ...