All our camps in Yala, Udawalawe & Wilpattu are Safe and Secure certified by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. view certificates

The Majestic Sri Lankan Leopard

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp - Yala National Park 

Fun facts
Leopards are carnivorous and feed on a myriad of animals, ranging from sambur to hare, to langurs to rats. Locally known as the ‘Sri Lankan Leopard’ due to them being endemic to Sri Lanka, these leopards are known as Panthera pardus kotiya, with kotiya meaning ‘leopard/ tiger’ in local dialect. Scat analysis carried out on these leopards have found remains of crabs, frogs and other small vertebrates and invertebrates in their system. 

Lesser known facts
The leopard is a very adaptable animal, who is able to adapt and occupy various spaces and places. There is even a record of a family of leopards occupying a football stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa which was only discovered when the population of domestic cats and dogs took a rapid decline! 

Leopards are nocturnal animals, but can also be encountered within the day, especially in the early morning hours and late evenings. They usually forage by themselves, except during the mating season or when the mother and cubs encounter themselves. 

The Sri Lankan Leopard, is undoubtedly the star attraction for both local and international wildlife enthusiasts. Panthera pardus kotiya, is a subspecies of leopards who are native to Sri Lanka and is unfortunately classified as an endangered species by the International union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with the reason for this decline being the rise of trade hunting, fragmentation and the loss of habitat.

Whereabouts
The best known location to find the Sri Lankan leopard is in their natural habitat; which is of course the Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park. Whilst the leopards can usually be found in all varieties of habitats across the country, in the common day they are found re the forest conservation is predominant. 

Known to be nocturnal in their natural habitat, they can also be seen in the early morning hours or late evenings as mentioned prior, usually in the solitary, gliding through the bush areas. However, during the mating season, they are known to hunt in pairs and the mothers can be seen wandering with their cubs in tow. 

WILDERNESS UPDATES

 

Much more than just a great place to stay

"Thanks to our guide Avinka we had five great safaris staying four nights just after reopening this February. The staff made us feel so very welcome during the entire stay.

The safaries are just wonderful, and having a great guide in your vehicle makes a big difference. Avinka can spot animals you would never see and we were even lucky enough to sight leopards on the trees, close to our vehicle, and also running through the field. The wildlife is so exciting that you will have a great experience even if you don‘t see any leopards. We also had a great driver, which is essential if you drive through difficult territory. You are being taken care of the entire time, so even for those who do safaris for the first time, you will always feel safe.

The camp itself is very comfortable, you get everything you can think of, and on top of the great food being served with so much attention and friendliness. You also get wonderful vegetarian and vegan options. They put on bonfires at night, which makes it unforgettable.
When booking and making plans, you get great support from the headquarters, even if it gets difficult since you have to change your plans.
The best thing what can happen to you at the end of a vacation is when you are a bit sad to leave the place, having experienced something to remember forever, and the team does everything for this to happen. Thank you so much"

Axel S wrote, Traveled with family
January 2021

Review us on Trip Advisor:  
Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Yala - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Udawalawe - Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu

 

Fixed Departure Tours

fd1 banner

fd2 banner