Sri Lankan Leopard Archives

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Leopards in Sri Lanka: Good Prospects-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis WWCT in Daily Mirror, 22 August 2023 … with this title “The Leopard – An Ideal Conservation Umbrella Lankan Leopards. A Symbol of Hope” The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) – IUCN Status: Vulnerable. Estimated range loss (2016): 63% We are the IUCN Red List assessors for the Sri Lankan leopard having been members of the IUCN’s Cat Specialist group since 2002 It may be a dubious feat to celebrate, but the Sri Lankan leopard has the lowest overall loss of historic range of all the sub-species, with ~37% of its previous range remaining. This is perhaps a testament to the conservation ethic that can be found here, underpinned by religions which foster the notion of shared space and the metaphysical overlap of humans and animals. Despite many naysayers insisting that little is known about the leopard in Sri Lanka, it was clear ...

Aug 30, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged Department of Wildlife Conservation, Sri Lankan Leopard

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

Corbett’s Gap – amidst montane cloud forests – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located along an abandoned jeep track along *Knuckles Conservation Forest, a designated UNESCO World Heritage, Corbett’s Gap is one of the highest mountainous passes in Sri Lanka named after British Army Colonel, naturalist, surveyor and adventurer, Jim Corbett who mapped the location. It is a montane cloud forest and home to a range of endemic flora and fauna, including several endangered species such as the purple-faced langur (also known as the purple-faced leaf monkey – Trachypithecus vetulus) and the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). The terrain of the location rises to 3000 feet (approximately 915 meters), above sea level. The trail to Corbett’s Gap offers breathtaking views of *Knuckles Mountain Range, verdant tea fields, a tiny hamlet almost similar to a picture postcard nestled in the foothills of the mountains that include isolated village communities. The trail ...

Jun 15, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Corbett’s Gap, highest mountainous passes in Sri Lanka, Hunnasgiriya, Knuckles Conservation Forest, Sri Lankan Leopard, UNESCO world heritage

Sri Lankan Sloth Bear – By Nuwan Amarasuriya Source : Nuwan Amarasuriya Linkedin The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, as a member of the big five, a term used to describe the five flagship species of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear holds a special place alongside the Asian Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Blue Whale, and Sperm Whale. These species represent the country’s diverse and rich biodiversity. This bear subspecies is found only in Sri Lanka, making it a highly significant and endemic species to the country. The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is primarily a forest-dwelling species, preferring dense jungles and forested areas. It is an omnivorous creature, feeding on a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, honey, and occasionally small mammals. Interestingly, it has an elongated snout, which it uses to extract insects from tree bark and termite mounds. It’s important to note that the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear ...

Jun 3, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Asian Elephant, Blue Whale, Sloth Bear, Sperm Whale, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Leopard, The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear

National Zoo and Aquarium named first Sri Lankan leopards to be bred in Australia-by Georgie Burgess The National Zoo and Aquarium have named Sri Lankan cubs Asanka and Chatura. Picture: National Zoo and Aquarium Source:Canberratimes The National Zoo and Aquarium have named their newest members, unveiling the first Sri Lankan leopard cubs to be bred in Australia. The zoo will officially welcome Asanka, meaning brave, and Chatura, meaning clever, to their family on Friday morning despite the brothers being born on Christmas eve. The pair have been spotted sneaking around their enclosure, but have spent most of the past seven months in the den with mum Yakalla. “We didn’t want to announce it earlier because they weren’t always out and visible,” National Zoo and Aquarium and Jamala Wildlife Lodge’s Senior Wildlife Keeper, Katie Ness said. ...

Aug 1, 2021 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Sri Lankan Leopard, The National Zoo

Endangered no more… ‘Vulnerable leopards’ treading with caution!-by Andrew Kittle & Anjali watson A female leoaprd with her two cubs in Central Highlands Source:Dailymirror The Sri Lankan leopard remains listed as locally Endangered under the IUCN country Red List It is a priority species commanded full protection under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (1938) We need to ensure better on ground protection for what is one of the last island leopard populations that continues to survive The Sri Lankan leopard subspecies (Panthera pardus kotiya) is down listed on the International IUCN Red List of Species In light of the recent leopard deaths (11) this year, including that of a black leopard and other snaring incidents which grabbed much media attention and created a public outcry, this status change of the Sri Lankan leopard may come as a surprise to many. However, there is much more that needs probing when assessing an overall ...

Nov 29, 2020 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Nancy Muckenhirn, Sri Lankan Leopard

Saving the leopard for future generations-by Tissa Jayaweera The animal is valuable to hunters for its teeth, nails etc (Pix AFP) Source:Dailymirror If leopards are found in your region or estate or in the event a leopard cub is found do not touch it Severe punishments must be meted out to those caught with snares Sri Lanka Leopard or Panthera Pardus Kotiya is the largest species of cat in Sri Lanka. It is unique to the island and categorized as ‘endangered’ by International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This leopard apparently is not Respected by the Department of Wild Life Conservation, the Department of Forests or trap laying villagers or the law enforcement authorities. The animal is valuable to hunters for its teeth, nails etc. The leopard was widespread across the island 20-30 years ago.Now restricted to patches of forests in the mid and hill country the number of ...

Aug 12, 2020 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Plantation Company, Sri Lankan Leopard, Tissa Jayaweera Comments 0