Prashanth Jayasekara's Contributions

Observation:

As we were about to exit the park, we came across a few vehicles near the Girikula off-road 2nd Junction. After a few minutes, KLF05-Leela walked in through the forest patch. She was unbothered by the vehicles and appeared to be scent-marking as she moved slightly towards the road. She stopped near the rock and slowly made her way up. From her physical condition, particularly the prominent teats, it seems likely that she is nursing cubs or has recently done so. This would explain her purposeful scent-marking despite the presence of vehicles as females will continue some territorial maintenance even while raising cubs.

Observation:

She was found closer to the Kirigal Ebe pitiya. Observed resting ~25m from the road. Detected when it raised its head in response to vehicle noise. A few record shots taken. After several minutes, she stood up and moved into the jungle. Area was checked multiple times afterward with no further sightings.

Observation:

Just before returning to the bungalow, we came across Uti resting on a grass patch near Kirigalbe Rock. Shortly after our arrival, he stood up and walked along the road. We left soon after, due to timing and fading light, but managed to make a positive ID. Later, we learned from other jeeps that he had been at the same location since about 5 p.m. Furthermore, the DWC vehicle that came to drop off the bungalow keeper around 7 p.m. also encountered him walking up the road towards the main road. He appeared well-fed, with a noticeably full belly.

Observation:

As we were passing through the Kudavila area, we came across some jeeps observing a leopard resting inside the bushes. There had been multiple leopard sightings in the days leading up to this, as well as on the same morning—such as a leopard crossing the road and moving into the bushes—but no positive identifications were made. Once we repositioned our vehicle, we were able to get a clear view and confirm the ID: it was KLM42. Apart from occasionally checking its surroundings and raising its head, the leopard remained mostly inactive. We spent about 15 minutes there before leaving.

Observation:

On our morning drive, we came across a younger subadult male leopard sitting on a termite mount by a tree on the road side. later on we identified it as KLM41. the leopard was unbothered by vehicles, but was curious and observing what was going on. After about 10 mins from when we initially spotted him, he stood up. attempted to climb a tree, failed, and then calmly crossed the road.

Observation:

She was found on the rock. Was not shy. This is her 2nd record and she is far away from earlier sighted location (Aluthgama Wewa).

Observation:

We got news of a mating on the rocks before Bagura. Made multiple trips to the location throughout the day. Saw KLM13 on most occasions. Also came across the pair (KLF6 and KLM13 mating) towards the latter part of the evening. They had been mating for about 2 days. Observed mating with KLF6

Observation:

We got news of a mating on the rocks before Bagura. Made multiple trips to the location throughout the day. Saw KLM13 on most occasions. Also came across the pair (KLF6 and KLM13 mating) towards the latter part of the evening. They had been mating for about 2 days. Observed mating with KLM13

Observation:

We came across KLM33 and KLF24 together near the first junction. Unusual to see KLF24 in this vicinity. Both leopards were not skittish and trying to avoid the vehicle. Eventually they settled behind some shrubs hidden from view. Given the time, we had to leave the location. Observed together with KLF24

Observation:

We came across KLM33 and KLF24 together near the first junction. Unusual to see KLF24 in this vicinity. Both leopards were not skittish and trying to avoid the vehicle. Eventually they settled behind some shrubs hidden from view. Given the time, we had to leave the location. Observed together with KLM33