Shanaka Kalubowila's Contributions

Observation:

He was resting at the edge of the open plain, watching the buffalo herds in the villu. After a few minutes, he began moving toward the herd, using the last standing tree before the open plain as cover. We had to leave him and return to the camp as the time was running out.

Observation:

He was sleeping on a sand bank next to a stream. Was completely unbothered. We were told that he was spotted in the morning fighting with KLM34-Jaya.

Observation:

He was resting at the edge of the open plain. Was looking over the buffalo herds in the Villu.

Observation:

We found him resting on the road. He wasn’t shy and appeared to be in excellent condition. About 20 minutes later, a water buffalo began walking toward him along the road. OB waited patiently until the buffalo came within about 10 meters, then calmly slipped back into the forest.

Observation:

We came across OB while returning to Kirigal Ebe. He was resting on the road, and after about five minutes, he calmly walked back into the forest. This was roughly 500 meters from the location where we had seen him earlier that morning.

Observation:

She was drinking water from a stream that was going through the road when we spotted her. After drinking water she walked along the road for a few meters and crossed into the deep forest.

Observation:

We found him in the wide open Yakala Plain (land side towards Kongallena). He was watching over a herd of deer and wasn't bothered by our presences. He looked to be around 3-4 years and did not have any visible scars. We believe that he could be a transient individual at this point. This is typically an area that Ritta roams and it will be interesting to watch how KLM45 will negotiate the intentions.

Observation:

He was spotted at the entrance to Godagedipokuna Road, completely at ease as he watched over the open plain. A herd of elephants was grazing nearby, surprisingly close to him, yet he showed no sign of panic. Even as the herd moved another 15–20 meters closer, he remained calm, quietly observing them. We had to leave him and continue our trip back to the bungalow as the time was running out.

Observation:

He was found just by the road lying on the sand. There was a culvert next to him and after a few minutes, he walked inside the culvert. We waited for a few minutes and as we were getting late to return back, we had to drive over the culvert and he jumped out of it and walked into the forest.

Observation:

She was walking into the road when we came across her. She looked to be quite focus on something on the other side of the road and she did not have a single look at us. Quickly crossed road and started stalking deeply into the forest.