Kumana Leopards

This initiative aims to identify individual leopards and systematically document their behavioral patterns to support enhanced conservation efforts. During our observations of these elusive animals within the Kumana and Kudumbigala boundaries, we recognized the critical importance of individual identification and continuous behavioral monitoring for effective conservation management.

Given that the northeastern boundary borders agricultural lands and human settlements, we have noted significant overlap between human and leopard activities in this area. Frequent leopard sightings both within and outside the park boundaries prompted us to launch this project in 2019, focusing on leopard identification and behavioral documentation.

This work has provided park officials with valuable insights into population density and a deeper understanding of individual territorial ranges. Additionally, it has engaged park visitors as active contributors, allowing them to support the study by sharing their leopard sighting reports, thereby fostering community involvement in conservation.