Stories from Kumana National Park
Explore field findings, notable observations, and ongoing conservation efforts.

KLF23 Kesha was first recorded in 2021 and has since been a consistent presence around the Kumana Wewa. Over the years, she has been observed in the company of several other leopards, including KLM21, KLM27, KLM31, KLF10, and KLM39. In late 2024, Kesha was seen with a tiny cub. Unfortunately, just a few weeks later, [ ]
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This collage captures the gradual change of KLM16, known to many as Maha – one of the largest and most dominant male leopards we ve had the privilege of observing in Kumana over the past years. In his early days, sightings of Maha were mostly around Bagura to Andarakala. Over time, his territory grew impressively – [ ]
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Wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous New Year, with many thrilling moments in Kumana ahead! Here s a look back at what we ve witnessed in 2024. A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed sighting information. Let s continue our collective efforts to learn, protect, and conserve leopards and their habitats in the years to come.
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This is a visual of male Leopard (adult) distribution along the road network of Kumana for the past 10 months. If you would like to find certain big boys, this can also be viewed as “Where are my best chances of seeing a particular male leopard given the limited road network?” On a more serious [ ]
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Multiple sets of new cubs have been recorded in the recent past around Bagura, Thummulla and Godagedipokuna. Altogether we are presently observing 9 new cubs within the park and will be an interesting watch over the coming months/years to find out how many would promote to adulthood and who would settle in around the original [ ]
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KLM17 used to frequent the south west of the park during 2018-2019 time, that is mostly around Eraminiyanwewa and Aluthgama Wewa. In 2021 Oct Rishi Gunasinghe had an interesting sighting of him crossing the Kubukkan river to Yala Block ii, closer to Galamuna and that was it, haven t seen him since then in Kumana. Further [ ]
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Fascinating story developing! In Sept 2023, KLF24-Agra was recorded with a cub between Aluthgama Wewa and Eraminiyan Wewa seen by Lochana Kodithuwakku. With monsoon, roads went from bad to worse, we lost track of them as only a handful of times we were able to travel to Aluthgama corner looking for them. Later, in [ ]
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Dear Friends, This post is mererly to keep us all informed and safe while traveling ! Villu Observation Tower, is a stop that is adored by most of the visitors of Kumana National Park. In recent times there have been a few incidents where a leopard has been on the 1st deck of the tower [ ]
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Wishing everyone a happy and successful new year filled with exciting times in Kumana! Here’s is a glimpse of what we’ve observed in 2023. Many thanks to everyone for contributing with sighting information. Let’s keep all the good work going to learn, protect and preserve leopards and their habitats.
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As the water levels are low in both Kumana and Yala block ii at present, its time predator/pray all move closer to Kubukkan river in search of water. Lochana Kodithuwakku managed to spot this majesty from block ii, resting on the river bed, opposite Eda Kumbuka ii campsite. He was watching over other animals plunging [ ]
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