Sri Lanka: The new hotspot for leopard photography
This trip was my first time setting foot in Sri Lanka, and I knew which of its animals I most wanted to see and photograph … the leopard. Not only an unquestionably beautiful cat, it’s also one of great power, tenacity, adaptability and agility, and has an astonishing capacity to remain hidden. This is perhaps part of the reason why leopards are such a sought-after species and a dream animal to photograph when they do reveal themselves.
Sri Lanka is leopard island. In the absence of larger predators, this distinct and large subspecies has taken on the role of apex predator and despite its secretive habits; this is one of the very best places in the world to see them.
On my trip to Sri Lanka this year, I visited two national parks, Wilpattu in the north-west and seldom-visited Kumana National Park in a quiet corner of the south-east. Both exhibit abundance of wildlife, and over a handful of days in each park, I saw a remarkable 16 different leopards, highlighting the incredible potential of this destination.
While we feature Wilpattu National Park on some of our other tours to Sri Lanka, Kumana National Park is a little-known, hidden jewel among Sri Lanka’s parks, and the setting for our new Leopard & Sloth Bear Photo Safari.
Upon arriving at Kumana on our first morning drive, we were greeted by flatlands teaming with life; herds of buffalo lazed about enjoying the cooling mud, wild boar gathered for a refreshing drink, and a family of striped-necked mongoose ambled by. Among a variety of colourful birds, spotted deer grazed peacefully, their tails flicking to keep flies at bay. It was quite a scene.
It wasn’t long before we saw our first glimpse of that distinctive rosette pattern of a female leopard. While we’d see leopards on almost every game drive in Kumana, true to their secretive nature, not all sightings would present photographic opportunities. However, on a dedicated photo tour, this mostly tourist-free park lends itself perfectly to producing some thrilling and rewarding leopard sightings.
This is what we went on to enjoy photographing numerous leopards over several game drives, with highlights including young cubs passing right in front of our jeep, and a large male draped over a tamarind tree grooming himself in beautiful light.
Kumana is also a great location for another even more elusive mammal - the shaggy coated, termite-eating sloth bear is a creature we also aim to see and photograph on this trip. As a destination, Kumana is the perfect base for a photography tour, with open landscapes, dappled forests and numerous waterholes.
In addition to a high density of leopards and sloth bears, it also supports a large number of Asian elephant, and everything from endemic toque macaque to spot-billed pelican.
From our base at a relaxing beachside hotel, we can unwind in between safaris and even photograph the ghost crabs running along the beach. Kumana is a captivating destination characterised by a blend of mixed forests, grasslands and tranquil waterways.
Join me in capturing its charismatic wildlife on camera, the perfect way to enjoy and marvel at the complexity of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.
Source: Wildlife Worldwide
|
|
|
|
