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 ...
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Twenty one leopards died in snares from 2020-by Buddhika Imbulana Source:Dailynews Twenty-one Sri Lankan leopards have died due to the snares so far this year since 2020, the Wildlife Ministry said. Of them, nine have died in 2020, eight in 2021 and four have died so far this year in upcountry areas. According to Ministry records, Wildlife Officers have been able to rescue another 11 leopards which were found trapped in snares within the same period. ...
Tourism, economy and Sri Lankan leopards-By Chathuranga Dharmarathne Source:SundayObserver Ecotourism, usually a form of nature-based tourism, is often known to be one of the fastest developing segments of the tourism market globally. In the last couple of decades, the authorities have begun to view ecotourism as a kind of economic key for supporting nature conservation although in general, this type of tourism is focused on nature. To be considered ecotourism, it must be environmentally conscious. Environment Being careful of the environment, should help to conserve nature and thereby contribute to the sustainability of tourism susceptible to wildlife. ...
