IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Panthera pardus kotiya
The Sri Lankan Leopard is known as lord of the jungle and the only large mammal predator in the country.
The main threats are Habitat Loss and fragmentation along with Human Animal conflict. Leopards are often caught in snares set for bush meat or poisoned by farmers as retaliation for killing livestock. Disease introduced from domestic animals, road accidents and Global Warming also play a part in their decline
Did you know that Sri Lankan leopards are known for their impressive vocalisations? They can produce a variety of sounds, including growls, roars, and even a unique "sawing" call that sounds like a chainsaw! This distinctive sound is often used to communicate with other leopards and can be heard over long distances, especially during mating season A fun fact about the Sri Lankan leopard is that it has a unique adaptation to its environment: it often climbs trees to hunt and store its prey. This behaviour not only helps protect its food from scavengers but also gives it a vantage point to spot potential threats or prey. The ability to thrive in both forested and open habitats makes it a highly versatile predator.
Image via Wiki Commons
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