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Yala West (Ruhuna)
National Park is well recognised as one of the best parks in
the world to observe and photograph leopards. The park covers
an area of over 100,000 hectares and is divided into five
blocks. Block one is the most visited area since it contains
the highest density of leopards. However other areas of Yala
such as Yala East had been closed to visitors for some years
and it will take time to research leopard numbers in these
areas. Yala West consists of scrub jungle, brackish lagoons
and stunning rock monoliths scattered throughout the park, its
eastern edge is bounded by the South East coast.
An excellent 'Natural World' wildlife
documentary was filmed here featuring the 'Leopards of Yala',
by Gordon Buchanan. Two local leopard experts, Jehan Kumara
and Ravi Samarasinha assisted with the research and filming. |
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Ravi continues his study of the park and its residents. One of
the main findings of the film was that Yala has well over
thirty leopards, probably the highest density anywhere in the
world. It is also thought that Sri Lankan leopards are a
distinct sub-species from their Indian neighbours, and the
largest leopards in Asia.
It is possible to take full day jeep
safaris or to split your day into morning and afternoon
drives. Your best chance to see a leopard is generally early
in the morning and then again at dusk. You can stay until just
after dark inside the park, thus maximising your chances of a
leopard encounter. The male leopards in Yala are very
confident and are often seen walking the tracks during the
day. Young males in particular seem to have no fear of the
jeep, which can lead to some excellent photographic
opportunities. There are similarities between Yala and the
best National Parks in India for photographing tigers, in both
cases the big cats have become habitualised to the jeeps thus
enabling us to enjoy a privileged view of these magnificent
animals.
There is also a substantial elephant
population along with spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo,
sloth bear, jackal, mongoose, pangolins and crocodiles. The
bird life comprises over 120 species, and ranges from lesser
flamingos to Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk Eagles, and
Black Bitterns. Outside of the park are several other
fascinating birding locations, including the ancient hermitage
of Sithulpahuwa, Debarawewa wetland and Palatupana saltpans.
The coastline forms a major nesting ground for marine turtles.
Jeeps here have 'soft-tops' to provide a degree of camouflage
to humans, as well as cover from the regular showers. The
drier season falls between May and August and the park closes
for a short time during September and October.
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