Yala National Park Archives

Home ⁄ Tag Archives: Yala National Park

Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya): The Elusive Apex Predator-by Kalani-eLanka The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is a magnificent and elusive big cat endemic to Sri Lanka. It is a subspecies of the leopard and is known for its adaptability, strength, and importance in the island’s ecosystem. The Sri Lankan leopard is relatively large compared to other leopard subspecies. Males can weigh between 56–77 kg, while females are slightly smaller. They have a golden-yellow coat with distinctive black rosettes, which provide excellent camouflage in the dense forests and grasslands. These leopards are found throughout Sri Lanka, from the dry zone forests of Yala National Park to the misty mountains of Horton Plains. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, dry forests, and even human-altered landscapes. As an apex predator, the Sri Lankan leopard plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. ...

Mar 7, 2025 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Kalani Prabodha Tagged Rainforest, Sri Lanka - Wildlife, Sri Lankan Leopard, Wildlife conservation, Yala National Park

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 ...

Feb 17, 2025 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Kalani Prabodha Tagged Horton Plains, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Sri Lankan Leopard, Wilpattu National Park, Yala National Park

Over 4,100 elephants have died since 2000 – Researcher-by B. G. Chathuranga Source:Dailynews Over the past 14 years, 4,194 elephants have died due to human activities and various other causes, according to wildlife and wild elephant researcher Sameera Weerathunga. In 2023 alone, around 470 elephants were officially recorded as having died, primarily due to human activities and minor illnesses. Weerathunga highlighted that most of these deaths occurred due to illegal electric fences, explosive traps called ‘Hakka Patas’ and gunshots. So far in 2024, over 200 elephants have already lost their lives, with these deaths directly attributed to human actions. He further noted that the lack of proper feeding practices within national parks forces elephants to roam near human settlements, which has become a common occurrence. Commenting on the fate of iconic elephants like “Sando” and “Arjuna” from the Yala National Park, Weerathunga said that no one knows what has happened ...

Dec 7, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Elephant Management, Wild Elephant, Yala National Park

Butterfly thieves handed $200,000 fine-by Kelly Ng Two Italian men were arrested at Yala National Park after rangers found them with hundreds of protected insects Source:BBC An Italian father and his son have been fined 60 million Sri Lankan rupees ($200,000; £150,000) for trying to smuggle hundreds of endemic insects – including 92 species of butterflies – out of a safari park. Rangers at Yala National Park arrested Luigi Ferrari, 68, and his 28-year-old son Mattia on 8 May this year after they were found with jars containing the insects. The men had lured the insects with animal attractants and planned on using wax sachets to chemically preserve them, investigations show. They were convicted in early September of illegal collection, possession and transportation of the insects, and handed the highest-ever fine for wildlife crime in the country. One of the park rangers, K Sujeewa Nishantha, told BBC Sinhala that on ...

Sep 18, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged K Sujeewa Nishantha, Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife parks, Yala National Park

A reservoir within two national parks-by MAHIL WIJESINGHE Source:Sundayobserver The conservation of the environment comprising its fauna and flora, becomes a vital necessity for its preservation of the ecology when a reservoir is constructed as a result of damming a river or Oya. Hence the concept of the creation of a national park came in the wake of damming the Kirindi Oya which resulted in the construction of the Lunugamvehera Reservoir in 1985/86 and the Weheragala reservoir damming the Menik Ganga in Yala Block V in 2009. The drive along the Kataragama-Buttala road is a wild one where nature’s inhabitants reign. The main road bisects the wilderness, thus Yala Block III is on the side of the park office and on the other side of the road Yala Block IV and V, where the entrance is with boards indicating, the Yala National Park, Lunugamvehera as well as Weheragala reservoirs. Walking ...

Sep 12, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Kirindi Oya, Lunugamvehera Reservoir, Yala National Park

When you visit Tissamaharama (Tissa) – By Harold Gunatillake Website:www.Doctorharold.com Yala is home to majestic creatures— playful elephants, elusive leopards, and a symphony of bird calls. Each sighting is a heart-pounding moment, a pure and profound connection with nature.” “Welcome back, adventurers! Today, we’re embarking on a thrilling journey to the wild heart of Sri Lanka—Yala National Park, a sanctuary where the jungle meets the ocean, and Tissamaharama, a town steeped in history and the gateway to Yala’s wilderness.” Our journey from Kandy to Ella, via the Victoria Dam Road through Badulla, was pleasant. We found solace in the comfortable embrace of the Oak Ray Gap Hotel, where we spent a restful night. Our adventure begins with a scenic drive to Tissamaharama, affectionately known as Tissa. While some may overlook this town, it’s the perfect staging ground for our safari, offering a glimpse into the local life and culture.” As ...

Jun 17, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Dr harold Gunatillake Tagged elephants, Ella, Harold Gunatillake, Kandy, Nature, Oak Ray Gap Hotel, Oak Ray Wild Elephant Hotel, Sri Lanka, sri lankan National Park, Tissamaharama, Wellawaya Road, Yala National Park

The Katharagama Foot Pilgrimage ( Pada Yathra ) – By Lakshitha Pasindu Jayamanna Source : Lakshitha Pasindu Jayamanna Linkedin The Katharagama Foot Pilgrimage in Sri Lanka is an annual spiritual journey of Hindus which starting from Selvasannithi Temple in Jaffna and ending at the sacred Murugan temple in Katharagama. Pilgrims walk 400 of kilometers over several weeks, traveling through diverse landscapes. This pilgrimage is not just a religious event but also an opportunity to experience natural beauty and cultural diversity in Sri Lanka. Along the way, pilgrims pass through beautiful natural attractions like Kumana National Park, Yala National Park, Kudumbigala Sanctuary and Katagamuwa Sanctuary. Kumana National Park is known for its birdlife, including migratory birds, while Yala National Park is famous for its leopards, elephants, and other wildlife. This is the only opportunity to walk through Yala and Kumana National Parks. Okandamalei Temple is the starting point of the pilgrimage to ...

Jun 12, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Katagamuwa Sanctuary, Katharagama, Kudumbigala Sanctuary, Kumana National Park, Okandamalei Temple, Pada Yathra, pilgrims, Sri Lanka, The Katharagama Foot Pilgrimage, Yala National Park

Experience the magic of Yala in comfort and style Source:Sundaytimes Located on the edge of Yala National Park, Hilton Yala Resort offers unparalleled access to the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes that define this park. The Hotel has just announced a limited time offer that gives Sri Lankans and residents the opportunity to experience the magic of Yala in comfort and style. Priced from Rs. 120,000 per night for two people, the offer provides an unforgettable escape into the heart of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned Yala National Park. There are safaris expertly guided by the resort’s Wildlife Rangers and a Junior Ranger Programme that offers young adventurers a world of fun and learning, where they can identify animal tracks and birds, discover fascinating facts about wildlife, and earn a special badge to commemorate their experience. ...

Jun 10, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Hilton Yala Resort, Yala National Park

Elephantine Fornication ….. Yala–Yala–Hoyiaaaaaaah!!! Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox! ...

Apr 28, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged Elephantine Fornication, Yala National Park

eLanka Newsletter – 20th March 2023 – 6th Edition Sri Lankans in Australia Click here or on the image below to read this week’s elanka Newsletter Photos from The Old Josephians’ Association of NSW – Feast, Mass and Social held on 16 March 2024 The Tollywood film stars in a Celebrity Cricket Carnival in Melbourne for the 1st time Champions in the T20 exhibition match. By CCC in Melbourne – sent by Johann Dias Jayasinha Microplastics have been discovered in the plaques that accumulate in the coronary arteries – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Rukrakaganno’s Ecological Reforestation Project in Singharaja Rainforest-by Michael Roberts Battle of the Saints” – Recap of Josephian-Peterite Encounters Looking after humble people in Estate Sector who were making our Economy strong – Sent by former Admiral Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne – eLanka Hans Van Culenburg: An All-Time Boxing hero – By Lawrence Machado Felicitas (Girla) Appathurai turns ...

Mar 21, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, eLanka Newsletters Tagged eLanka Newsletter, Lawrence Machado, Maruthai Ravindhiran, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka's Sacred City, Sulochana Ramiah, Sweet Tradition of Sri Lankan Aluwa, Yala National Park