Leopards — Sri Lanka's Big Cat

The Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is the island's largest predator — and at the top of the food chain here, as there are no tigers or lions. Sri Lanka has the highest leopard density in the world: In Block 1 of Yala National Park, about 25 individuals live in a relatively small area.

Unlike in Africa, where leopards are nocturnal and hard to find, Sri Lanka's leopards are accustomed to jeeps and active during the day — the chances of spotting them in Yala are over 50% per safari. Wilpattu offers lower chances (20–30%), but more intimate encounters without mass tourism.