Volume 30 - May 2022
Dear Colleague
As part of our efforts to provide an enriched experience to our loyal partners and guests, we are happy to present the humorous and information-packed Volume 29 of the Ceylon Wilderness Digest.
Happy reading!
Eco Team - Sri Lanka
Your Sri Lankan wilderness specialist
The survival guru’s son takes over lessons to the animals
“My dad, Rodney the Changeable Hawk Eagle, is away, but he left me with the lesson plan. Those of you who are not CHE’s are wondering why I look so different from my dad. That’s because juvenile CHE’s have pale bodies with light brown tail feathers. We don’t get the delicious dark chocolate coloured feathers till we’re much older. I do have this awesome white-tipped black crest though, which I think is very cool because not all CHE’s have them. Dad said he covered this in his ’Camouflage!’ lesson last year and he hopes that you all have been practising your camouflaged looks!”
Fun Facts
“Scream if you want to eat! No no, not now. When you’re out hunting. Dad told you to hunt everything you see to survive, right? Lizards, mammals, other birds etc. Well, when you get close to your prey screech like this ki-ki-ki-ki-ki-ki-ki-keee. It strikes fear in their hearts and stops them dead in their tracks! By the way, the most efficient way to hunt is to perch bolt upright on a branch, and dive on the unsuspecting prey as it passes under you. The screech works wonders in that situation. Screeching can also help you find a mate, or so I have been told by dad. I plan to put this skill to good use next year!”
Story of the Photo
This gorgeous shot of a juvenile Changeable Hawk Eagle, was photographed on the borders of the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Udawalawe by Dilum on a morning nature walk. These birds are often spotted in the trees close to the camp as there are many water sources closeby, which attract the hawks’ favourite prey.
The Asian Elephant twins have many questions for their mum
Jaadi: Mummy, why are all these people fascinated with us?
Mum: Ah that’s because you and Moodi are twins and that’s very special in the elephant world.
Moodi: How come?
Mum: Well, elephants have the longest gestation period of any living mammal and we almost always give birth to only one calf at a time. It’s hard enough carrying one baby elephant inside, two is a lot harder!
Jaadi: Oh no, did we hurt you a lot by being in your tummy?
Mum: No sweetie, it was a labour of love. Actually, it was a bit harder with your elder brother.
Moodi: Because he’s a smelly poo-poo and not cute and lovable like us?
Bando: Shut up, squirt! See these tusks? One day they're going to be huge and long and you’re going to be sorry you said that!
Mum: Now now, Bando, they’re just joking. You need to be calm and take care of your little siblings. Especially if you grow up to be a big Tusker!
Bando: What do you mean “if”?
Mum: Well not all elephants get long tusks. Some stop growing after a while. It doesn’t make you any less of an elephant. So don’t worry.
Bando: No. I will be a Tusker by hook or by crook. Jaadi and Moodi, from now on you need to pull on my tusks every day and help them grow.
Mum: (chuckling) Fine fine. Now let’s get back to eating. Lots of grass for you two little ones. Bando, you need more fruit in your life and you better start getting used to eating bark too, if you want to grow big and strong!
Story of the Photo
Udawalawe National Park is well known for its abundant elephant population and guests at the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Udawalawe have amazing sightings whilst on safari and near the camp. However, this sighting, captured by Dilum, was extra special as it was a picture of the twins, their older brother and their mother out foraging by the reservoir inside the park - making it quite the family picture!
A famous Sri Lankan Leopard goes missing
Welcome back, wildlife conspiracy fans! Today we are examining the story of Mr. J. He fights elephants! He can fly through the air! He is actually a demon in leopard form! Many legendary stories, but who really is or was this mysterious Mr. J? Here’s what we know: Mr. J was no doubt the King of Yala National Park. He earned his reputation by defeating rival male after rival male over the years. He hunted prey such as Barking Deer and Monkeys on a whim, swatted away charging Wild Boars with a single swipe of his mighty paw and fearlessly took down huge Sambar when he truly wanted to feast. But well into his 10th year, this ruler with an iron fist and undisputed romancer of the ladies… vanished!
Mysterious facts
Some have reported that he was seen badly wounded. But who in Yala is brave enough to take on the huge and mighty Mr. J? It’s been 2 weeks since that “sighting” and Mr. J has not been seen since. Did he actually lose a fight to another male over territory? Or did he win, but at a terrible cost? Or did he get bored of Yala and grow the size of all his black rosettes on his fur so that he turned black-as-night and is secretly the Black Leopard that has been spotted elsewhere in the country? The only thing we know, is that we may never know!
Story of the Photo
Whilst staying at the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Yala last year, Dilum was out on a morning safari when he spotted the mighty Mr. J and got this great shot of the fearsome leopard. Although the fight was never witnessed, the stories of his injuries have been corroborated by reliable sources. Some are expecting the worst, but many still hope that this majestic beast will recover soon and once again be spotted doing his slow prowl through the jungle.
I’m so sorry, did I scare you?
“Allow me to introduce myself, Quentin Trumpetino - Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, at your service! Actually I am somewhat of an introvert, so I too am quite surprised that I am talking to you. Usually I flit away when anyone approaches - man, woman, animal, other birds etc. Not a sociable creature… a ha ha ha (nervous laughter)! I suppose that’s why I love dense bushes and spend most of my time there. I don’t know what made me come out in the open and into a sunny area at that! Did I mention I hate the heat? No? Well I do. That’s why I only stick to the highlands. Nothing like the cool life above 1,200m!”
Fun Facts
“Oh, and yes, back to the queet! That ear splitting sound is the only way you will really know that I’m there. I mean, look at me. Brown back, pale grey underparts, grey eyebrows… perfect camouflage for the undergrowth. Even the orange tinge on my throat is not really visible to you, unless I’m completely out of the bushes. By the way, we all look the same. Guys and gals, I mean. Can’t tell us apart. Us warblers can, of course. Otherwise it would lead to some awkward situations, if you know what I mean… a ha ha ha!”
Story of the Photo
An expedition with Explorer by Mahoora into the quieter parts of the highlands is your best bet to catch a glimpse of this elusive bird. Dilum captured this photo at Horton Plains National Park, when the warbler left the comfort of the bushes for some reason and was happily serenading everyone.