The Sri Lankan leopard panthera pardus kotiya is one of the most amazing animals living in our homeland. It belongs to the big cat family, just like lions, tigers and cheetahs, but it’s much smaller and lives in the forests and mountains of Sri Lanka.
What does a Sri Lankan leopard look like?
Sri Lankan leopards have beautiful spotted fur. Their golden coat is covered with black spots that help them blend in with the trees and grass. They are strong and have sharp claws, perfect for climbing trees. Their long tail helps them balance when they leap from one tree to another.
Where do they live?
These leopards live in forests, grasslands and sometimes even in the mountains of Sri Lanka. They are great at hiding in the thick jungle, and they love to climb trees to keep an eye on their surroundings. You can find them in places like Deniyaya, Weheragala, Kumana, Yala, Willpattu and in the mountain ranges around Horton Plains and Nuwara Eliya.
What do they eat?
Sri Lankan leopards are carnivores, which mean they eat meat. They hunt animals like deer, wild boar and sometimes even monkeys. They are excellent hunters and can sneak up on their prey very quietly. When they catch something, they can carry it up into the trees to keep it safe from other animals.
Are they endangered?
Yes, unfortunately, the Sri Lankan leopard is an endangered species. This means there aren’t many of them left in the wilds, and they need our help to protect them. The biggest threat to these beautiful cats is the destruction of their habitat. When forests are cut down or their food gets scarce, it’s harder for the leopards to survive.
Fun facts about Sri Lankan leopards
Leopards are very quiet and can sneak up on their prey. They move so quietly that they can almost be invisible.
They are fantastic climbers and can carry their food high up into trees, away from other hungry animals.
They belong to the big cat family, just like lions and tigers, but they are much smaller.
Why should we protect them?
We should protect the Sri Lankan leopard because it is an important part of our ecosystem. As a predator, it helps keep the balance by controlling the number of other animals. If the leopards disappear, it could cause problems for the whole jungle.
So, let’s all work together to protect the forests of Sri Lanka and keep the Sri Lankan leopard safe for future generations.
News Flash
Have you been to the Zoo lately? Because a bunch of new animals from all over the world are expected to come to our island soon. You will get to see two Himalayan brown bears, three slender tailed meerkats, two spotted hyenas, a pair of giraffes and three Chapman Zebras. So if you love animals now is the time to plan a trip to the Dehiwala Zoo and the Ridiyagama Safari Park in Hambantota with your parents and friends.
