SRI LANKAN LEOPARDS

Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) are a unique subspecies of leopard found exclusively in Sri Lanka. Known for their striking golden-yellow coat with distinctive black rosettes, these leopards are apex predators playing a critical role in maintaining ecological balance. They are solitary and territorial animals, often patrolling large home ranges. Sri Lankan leopards are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on a variety of prey such as deer, wild boar, monkeys, and small mammals. They exhibit remarkable adaptability, hunting both on the ground and in trees, and are known for their stealth and power.

These magnificent creatures face numerous threats, primarily habitat loss due to deforestation, human encroachment, and agricultural expansion. As their habitats shrink, leopards are forced into closer contact with human settlements, leading to human-wildlife conflicts. Poaching and roadkills are additional threats that jeopardize their survival.

The presence of leopards is vital for the health of the ecosystem. As apex predators, they help regulate prey populations, maintaining a balanced food web. Their presence indirectly supports vegetation growth by controlling herbivore populations, thereby preserving the structure and biodiversity of forest ecosystems. Protecting Sri Lankan leopards is essential for the preservation of the island’s rich biodiversity and for maintaining the natural equilibrium of its wild landscapes.

Leopards of Yala National Park Block I

Leopards of Yala National Park Block V

Leopards of Kumana National Park

Leopards of Wilpattu National Park

TUSKERS IN SRI LANKA

Sri Lankan elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) are a subspecies of the Asian elephant and a keystone species in Sri Lanka’s forests. These majestic creatures are known for their intelligence, complex social structure, and strong familial bonds. While most elephants have small or no tusks, Sri Lankan tuskers—male elephants with prominent ivory tusks—are exceedingly rare, with only about 7% of males possessing tusks. Tuskers are considered symbols of strength and cultural pride, often playing prominent roles in religious and cultural events.

Sri Lankan elephants are herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, bark, fruits, and crops. They are vital for seed dispersal and forest regeneration, contributing significantly to the health and biodiversity of their ecosystems. Elephants often migrate in search of food and water, playing an essential role in shaping the landscapes they traverse.

Unfortunately, elephants face growing threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, infrastructure development, and agricultural expansion. As human settlements encroach on elephant habitats, conflicts arise when elephants raid crops or damage property. The human-elephant conflict results in casualties on both sides, with elephants sometimes being killed in retaliation or by electrocution from unprotected electric fences. Roadkills are another significant threat to elephant populations.

Protecting Sri Lankan elephants is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. As mega-herbivores, they influence plant growth and help maintain forest health. By controlling vegetation, they create habitats for other species, promoting biodiversity. Conservation efforts to reduce human-elephant conflict, preserve migration routes, and ensure the protection of tuskers are essential for safeguarding this iconic species and the broader ecosystem they support.