The
Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is a leopard
subspecies native to Sri Lanka. Classified as Endangered by IUCN, the population is
believed to be declining due to numerous threats including poaching for trade
and human-leopard conflicts. No subpopulation is larger than 250 individuals.
The
leopard is colloquially known as Kotiya
(කොටියා) in Sinhala
The Sri Lankan leopard has a tawny or rusty yellow coat with dark spots and
close-set rosettes, They are solitary hunters, with the exception of females
with young. They prefer hunting at night, but are also active during dawn and dusk,
and daytime hours. The Sri Lankan leopard hunts like other leopards, silently
stalking its prey until it is within striking distance where it unleashes a
burst of speed to quickly pursue and pounce on its victim. The prey is usually
dispatched with a single bite to the throat. (Wikipedia)
These photos were taken at Wilpattu National Park.
