Leopards of Wilpattu

(mother – KBFC 1 (dead)

2nd February 2020 4.46pm a Leopard between “Eda Kohomba Gaha pitiya” and Palukola Wala. N 08.36157, E 080.09512

It was young male leopard and he was seated behind some foliage. Much to my relief the leopard moved out within a few minutes and lay down on a small mound of earth permitting the visitors to get some clear images. After a few minutes, with the increase in the number of vehicles, the young male walked in to the forest. Later upon examining its spot pattern I was pleased to note that this is the male cub of the Kalagedi Bokkuwa Female 1 (KBFC 1), the female that was found close to Thammanna Wala in a very feeble condition on the 19th of December 2019 and was removed by the park officials on the same day to administer treatment. It was later learnt that she had died within a few days of being removed from the park. I had listed this male cub as Thammanna Wala Leopard 1 under Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section on my site. At the time of her death this male cub was only one year and 2 months. Usually leopard cubs would stay with their mothers until they are close to two years. I was concerned over the survival of this cub and was keen to find out whether he would be able to hunt and survive. I had requested the guides and jeep drivers to keep me informed of any sightings of this cub and had only two records from them supported by images for confirmation. Thus this sighting was very special and I was thrilled to note that despite the untimely death of his mother this young leopard has managed to survive. As this is my first sighting of this leopard I named it Thammanna Wala Male 1 (THWMC 1). Its current age is one year and 4 months. (with guide Hashan Madushanka)