The Ghost of the Jungle
The Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is the apex predator of the island. With no lions or tigers to compete with, these leopards have evolved to be larger and more confident than their cousins elsewhere in the world.
Yala: The Leopard Capital
Yala National Park boasts one of the highest leopard densities in the world. The park's rocky outcrops and open scrub provide the perfect terrain for these spotted cats to hunt and rest.
Ethical Photography Tips
- Patience is Key: Don't chase the animal. Wait at waterholes or known territories.
- Respect the Space: Use a long lens (400mm+) to get close-ups without disturbing the subject.
- Silence: Noise stresses the animal. Keep voices low and engines off when stationary.
Capturing a leopard in the golden hour light is the ultimate prize, but the welfare of the animal must always come before the shot.
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