8+ Years of Power, Territory, and Change

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 – stretching from Bagura across Andarakala to Nelupathpokuna, Godagedipokuna, and even south of Itikala. During this prime period, he was a regular sight, confidently patrolling his vast range.

As years passed, other strong males like LM22 – Andha, KLM34 – Jaya, KLM36 – Nero, and KLM13 – Uti began overlapping his range. With growing competition and age setting in, Maha’s presence became less frequent.

From May 2024 and Feb 2025, sightings were down to zero. Then, in March 2025, he made a surprising return to Bagura, making a bold buffalo calf kill in the open Bagura plains and he was sighted for multiple days around Bagura. Then a few weeks later, he was unexpectedly spotted outside the park in Helawa for a few days which is minimum 8km + away from his usual range, then again, after about 5 days from Helawa sighting he was recorded near Palukotawala back inside the park, close to his old grounds of Bagura.

It’s truly fascinating to witness how these magnificent leopards adapt with age, shifting ranges in search of safer, sustainable grounds.

We hope Maha is still out there – navigating the wild with the quiet wisdom of an old warrior. His legacy is already etched in the story of Kumana.

More Info: https://www.kumanaleopards.com/leopard-profiles/KLM16

2017 April picture by Adam Flamer-Caldera (special thanks to Shohan Wijesinghe)

2020 March picture by Manindra Dharmadasa

2020 September picture by Shantha Wimaladharma

2021 October picture by Shanaka Kalubowila

2022 November picture by Sasindu Lakshan Hewage

2024 March picture by Prashanth Jayasekera

2025 March picture by Shanaka Kalubowila