Planning on a big cat safari in Sri Lanka? Here's what you need to be mindful of...
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| The wilds of the Sri Lankan jungles, belong to the wildlife |
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| Untrained safari drivers in Sri Lanka are known to overcrowd an animals territory |
The Sri Lanka Leopard
(Panthera Pardus Kotiya) is the largest carnivore in the island and the top
most predator with no competition from other predators such as tigers or lions.
(Although reference to Lions in Sri Lanka's history, the flag, stories of legend
& folklore point to their likely existence thousands of years ago). As a
result, the Sri Lankan Leopard is much bolder than in other habitats
across Asia or Africa. Spending more time on open roads and jeep tracks, on the
ground, stalking without much cover and in daylight.
Think before you book your safari holiday in Sri Lanka....
- Book your safari through respected agents that offer
professional Guides & jeep drivers - not only will you enjoy learning
about the wildlife in Sri Lanka but your Guide will ensure the territory
of an animal is respected.
- Ask for experienced Trackers. Be aware that Trackers allocated to your jeep from
the Wildlife Department may not be the most trained and knowledgeable Guides - you may
need to remind them of Park Rules - especially of not
speeding towards an animal sighting.
- Don't get too close! Be aware that Jeep drivers who tout for work are
not trained to respect wildlife and more often than not, will overcrowd an animal - please give
wildlife their space and zoom in for the best images.
- Ask for a 4WD safari vehicle. Although the traditional
Land Rover jeeps with seating to the sides may not look as comfortable as
the newer jeeps with raised seating - they are much safer to travel in and more often than not driven by experienced safari drivers who know the terrain well. The old fashioned Land Rover jeeps can also handle rougher terrain than the new jeeps so you get to explore the more unexplored habitats.
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| Sri Lankan Leopard has adapted well to different habitats |
The Sri Lankan cat has
adapted well to different habitats - from the riverine ecosystems in Wilpattu
National Park to the more scrub jungles and open plains of Yala and Kumana
National Parks. With many small lakes making up their 'home-range' the Sri
Lankan Leopard roams freely around the perimeters of each lake to feed on the
resident animals of deer, sambhur, wildboar, grey langurs and the occasional
buffalo calf. This 'roaming' from one lake to another also provides great
opportunities for safari-goers to get their one-great-big-cat photo!
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| Be a responsible wildlife tourist - zoom in from a distance to get that top shot.. |
Do
remember, that the wilds belong to the wildlife. We're merely visitors in their
territory.
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| Give Leopards their territory - Yala Sri Lanka |
