Panthera pardus kotiya Archives

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The Sri Lankan Leopard: A National Treasure Under Threat – Malsha – eLanka The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is an endemic subspecies found exclusively in Sri Lanka. First described in 1956 by zoologist Paules Edward Pieris Deraniyagala, this majestic big cat is the apex predator on the island, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey populations. Physical Characteristics Sri Lankan leopards are among the largest leopard subspecies globally, a trait attributed to the absence of competing large predators like lions or tigers on the island. Males can weigh up to 60 kg, while females average around 35 kg. Their coat is a tawny or rusty yellow adorned with dark spots and close-set rosettes, providing effective camouflage in various habitats. Habitat and Distribution Adaptable to diverse environments, Sri Lankan leopards inhabit a range of habitats across the island, from arid zones receiving less than 1000 ...

Jun 2, 2025 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged leopards in Sri Lanka, Panthera pardus kotiya, Sri Lankan wildlife, The Sri Lankan Leopard

Kumana National Park Emerges as a Vital Stronghold for Sri Lankan Leopards – By Malsha – eLanka Kumana, Sri Lanka — Long celebrated for its rich birdlife and vast wetlands, Kumana National Park on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast is now gaining attention as a vital sanctuary for the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has revealed a remarkably high density of leopards in the park, positioning Kumana among the world’s top leopard habitats. Using camera traps and the Random Encounter Model (REM)—a scientific method for estimating wildlife density—the researchers recorded over 90 leopard encounters during a 16-month period. They identified 34 individual leopards in the eastern region of the park, estimating a density of 41 leopards per 100 square kilometers (38.6 square miles). Lead researcher Dulan Jayasekara noted that this is the ...

May 8, 2025 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged Kumana National Park, Leopard sightings in Sri Lanka, Leopard tourism Sri Lanka, Panthera pardus kotiya, Sri Lankan leopards, wildlife tourism

Graceful Elegance: Unveiling the Enigmatic World of the Sri Lankan Leopard – By Nadeeka – eLanka In the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes, a creature of unparalleled grace and mystery roams—the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). Cloaked in an aura of enigma, this elusive feline has captivated the imagination of wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. As we journey into the depths of its world, we uncover the intricacies of its habitat, behavior, and the concerted efforts being made to protect its existence. Majestic Habitat and Range The Sri Lankan Leopard reigns over a realm of diverse ecosystems, each a canvas painted with nature’s brush. From the dense canopies of rainforests that echo with the calls of exotic birds, to the arid grasslands where sunlight weaves a tapestry of gold—these are the domains where the leopard stakes its claim. The central highlands, a patchwork of montane forests and mist-kissed ...

Aug 15, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Nadeeka Kumari Tagged Coexistence with leopards, Conservation initiatives, Endangered species, Enigmatic feline, Human-wildlife conflict, kotiya, Leopard behavior, Leopard conservation, Leopard habitat range, Panthera pardus kotiya, Sri Lanka biodiversity, Sri Lanka ecosystems, Sri Lankan biodiversity conservation, Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan rainforests, Sri Lankan wildlife, Sustainable coexistence, Wildlife advocacy, Wildlife behavior, Wildlife communication, Wildlife conservation efforts, Wildlife habitat, Wildlife preservation, Wildlife protection, Wildlife research, Wildlife tracking technology