Safari
&
Wild Life
Sri Lankan Leopard
The Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is a majestic and elusive big cat endemic to Sri Lanka, and a key symbol of the island’s rich wildlife. This stunning leopard is distinguished by its striking golden-yellow coat adorned with bold black rosettes and spots, which provide excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. The Sri Lankan Leopard primarily inhabits the dense forests, grasslands, and scrublands of national parks such as Yala, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe, where it preys on a variety of animals, including deer, wild boar, and monkeys. As a solitary and nocturnal predator, it is often difficult to spot, adding to its allure and mystique. The Sri Lankan Leopard faces significant threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching, leading to its classification as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting this iconic species and preserving its natural habitat for future generations to appreciate.
Photographed by Thilina Karunanayaka
Sri Lankan Sloth Bear
The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus) is a fascinating and distinctive bear subspecies found exclusively in Sri Lanka. Recognizable by its shaggy black fur and a unique, pale-colored crescent-shaped mark on its chest, the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is an impressive figure in the island’s wildlife. This bear primarily inhabits the dense forests and scrublands of Sri Lanka’s national parks, such as Yala and Wilpattu, where it feeds on a diet that includes fruits, insects, and honey. Its long, curved claws are adapted for digging and foraging for food, making it well-suited to its environment. The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is a solitary and elusive animal, often active during the early morning and late afternoon. Despite its intriguing appearance and role in its ecosystem, the species faces threats from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict, leading to its classification as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are essential to safeguard this unique bear and ensure its survival in the wild.
Photographed by Thilina Karunanayaka
Indian Golden Jackal
The Indian Golden Jackal (Canis aureus indicus) is a highly adaptable and resourceful canid species found across Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent. Recognizable by its golden-yellow coat, slender build, and bushy tail, this jackal is often seen in diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, scrublands, and even near human settlements. The Indian Golden Jackal plays a significant ecological role as a scavenger and predator, helping to control rodent populations and clean up carrion. Known for its versatility, it is active both during the day and night and can survive on a wide range of food sources, from small mammals and birds to fruits and human refuse. Despite its resilience, the species faces threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and hunting. Conservation and awareness efforts are vital to maintaining healthy populations of this intelligent and agile carnivore across its range.
Photographed by Thilina Karunanayaka
Spotted Deer
The Spotted Deer (Axis axis), also known as the Indian Chital, is a graceful and striking herbivore native to the forests and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka. Recognizable by its beautiful reddish-brown coat adorned with white spots, this medium-sized deer is a social animal often found in herds. Spotted Deer are well-adapted to a variety of habitats, from dense forests to open savannas, where they primarily graze on grasses, leaves, and fruits. Their agile and swift movements allow them to evade predators, including tigers and leopards. Spotted Deer are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include a range of bleats and whistles. Although they are currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, habitat loss and poaching pose ongoing threats to their populations. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure that these elegant creatures continue to thrive in the wild, roaming the forests and grasslands of Sri Lanka and beyond.
Photographed by Thilina Karunanayaka
Asian Elephant
The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is one of the most revered and iconic land mammals in Asia, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and cultural heritage. This majestic elephant is known for its large size, rounded back, and distinctive ears that are smaller than those of its African relatives. It can be found across forests, grasslands, and scrublands of national parks such as Yala, Udawalawe, and Minneriya in Sri Lanka, where it plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and shaping vegetation. As a highly social and intelligent species, Asian Elephants live in matriarchal herds and are known for their strong family bonds and complex communication. However, they are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and poaching. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the survival of this remarkable species and its continued presence in the region’s wild landscapes.
Photographed by Thilina Karunanayaka
LOCATION
Thilina Lakmal ,
Nadukarawatta ,
Sandalankawa , Sri Lanka
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