NOTES ON FIELD TRIPS TO WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
- Wilpattu National Park 18th - 22nd December 2021
6.54am entered the park.
6.55am 37 Spotted Deer between the park entrance and the Tamarind Tree.
6.59am a Spotted Deer stag between Kone Gaha Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
7.00am 2 more Spotted Deer stags between Kone Gaha Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
7.06am a Barking Deer between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paaluwinlandawa junction.
7.16am a sounder of 5 Wild Boar between Divulgasmandiya and Palu Kola Wala.
7.17am one Wild Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
7.22am 2 Wild Buffalo between Palu Kola Wala and Sohon Pitiya.
7.30am 27 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.35am 2 Barking Deer at Thambioluwa.
8.03am a Wild Buffalo at Kumbuk Wila.
8.05am 8 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
8.11am 2 Osprey at Kokkare Villu. Both were perched on the dead trees on the edge of the villu. One was feeding on a fish.
8.14am 2 large Mugger Crocodiles basking in the morning sunlight at Madangas Wala.
8.57am a sounder of 7 Wild Boar and 6 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa.
9.08am 2 Golden Jackal between Kuruttupandi Villu and Kokkare Villu.
9.25am one Leopard at Kumbuk Wila upper road. N 08.41565, E 079.99873
The safari jeep drivers told me that a leopard had walked along the road and moved into the forest few minutes ago. It was a big male and was sleeping at the foot of a tree. He was partly visible through the foliage from one spot on the road. After some time, the leopard was alerted by a sound of an animal moving through the forest and lifted its head briefly but was not interested to pursue and went back to sleep again. Prior to keeping his head down, he looked in our direction permitting me to get a few images. It was Nelum Wila Male 5 (NWMC 5), the dominant male in this area. As there were other safari jeeps that arrived, I moved out to give way for them to see the leopard.
10.45am a Ruddy Mongoose between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
10.58am 2 large Mugger Crocodiles at Aalam Villu.
11.09am a large adult male Wild Boar darted across the road at Panikkar Villu upper road.
11.10am a sounder of 12 Wild Boar at Kombansanchaipooval.
11.23am 32 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
11.56am 9 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
2.48pm Casearia zeylanica known as Wal Waraka in Sinhala was in fruit at Kokkare Villu sand dune and at a few locations in the park. Some fruits had split open exposing the bright red seed giving the appearance of a flower. I have not observed any animals feeding on these fruits. I have seen these strikingly colourful fruits during the month of December at Nelum Wila, Kudapatessa amd Kokkare villu upper road.
2.58pm a Wild Buffalo at Borupan pitiya.
3.34pm a sounder of 5 Wild Boar and a Buffalo at Eriyakkulampooval.
3.45pm the ground orchid Habenaria plantaginea in bloom between Manikrala Uranya and Illandamotte.
3.48pm 3 Spotted Dear stags at Manikrala Uraniya.
3.59pm 5 Spotted Deer and a Flapshell Turtle at Kumutu Wila.
4.05pm a pair of Little Grebes were seen among the reeds at Kumutu Wila. They would dive and emerge in 30 – 40 seconds, preen themselves before diving back again. Occasionally one would swim into an open space in the reeds. This is the smallest of our swimming bird species. I have recorded breeding of these cute little birds from November to February. Their bright plumage indicated that these two are getting ready to breed.
One of the first lessons I learnt in identifying birds in the field is the process of establishing reasons for my conclusion on identity however common the species maybe. The longer you spend time observing the common species it becomes easier for you to detect differences in plumage, flight, shape, structure, and behaviour when compared to similar species. This is a practice I follow in identifying any fauna or flora to this day. While I was observing the Grebes a Large Egret and a Median Egret walked well within reach of my camera. The gape line of the Large Egret extends beyond the eye whereas in Median it stops just below the eye. The Little Egret has yellow feet and always a black beak without any yellow.
4.08pm a troop of Grey Langur between Kumutu Villu and Manik Wila.
4.15pm 5 more Spotted Deer between Kumutu Villu and Manik Wila.
4.36pm one Elephant on Kokkare Villu upper road.
5.03pm 2 Barking Deer at Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
5.13pm 2 Spotted Deer at Humbas Wala.
5.14pm a Shambhur between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
5.16pm a Barking Deer between Ibba Wala and Kuda Boralu Wala.
5.35pm 6 Spotted Deer at Divulgas Mandiya.
5.40pm a Buffalo at Thammanna Wala.
5.55pm left the park.
Mammals – Elephant 1, Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 7, Sambhur 1, Spotted Deer 146, Wild Boar 30, Barking Deer 6, Golden Jackal 2, Ruddy Mongoose 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 4, Flapshell Turtle 1, Black Turtle, Star Tortoise, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
19th December 2021
7.10pm entered the park.
7.12pm a Spotted Deer antler ran across the road at the Tamarind Tree.
7.18pm a Spotted Deer between Kone Gaha Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
7.43am a Barking Deer between Paaluwilnadawa Junction and Thammanna Wala.
7.45am a Barking Deer and a Buffalo at Thammanna Wala.
7.49am 3 Spotted Deer at the Thammanna Wala glade.
7.52am a Barking Deer at Divulgas Mandiya.
7.54am another Barking Deer between Palu Kola Wala and Gal Wanguwa.
8.08am 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.10am 2 Wild Buffalo and an adult male Wild Boar and 12 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.37am a Ruddy Mongoose on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
9.38am a sounder of 12 Wild Boar on Kurruttupandi upper road.
10.00am 10 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
10.21am one Elephant feeding on the lush wild paddy species and sage plants that had multiplied after the rains at Aalam Villu. The minerals in a fresh pile of dung left by the elephant had attracted a Blue Mormon butterfly. 5 Spotted Deer feeding at the forest edge.
11.03am 4 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
11.06am observed and photographed flowers of a species of plant growing in the water that I had not seen before in the park. Upon checking the field guides later, it was identified as a species referred to as the Pith Plant Aeschynomene aspera. The Sinhala name is Maha Diya Siyambala.
11.07am 3 Spotted Deer between Kombansanchaipooval and Tala Wila.
11.09am a Flapshell Turtle basking in the sun at Tala Wila.
11.14am 4 Spotted Deer between Tala Wila and Phill motte upper road turnoff.
11.33am a Spotted Deer stag on the road between Tala Wila and Phill motte upper road turnoff.
11.48am a sounder of 7 Wild Boar and 27 Elephants, possibly two-family groups, at Pallekandal pitiya.
12.01pm an adult male Wild Boar on the road and small, scattered herds of 3, 4 and 6 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
12.14pm a Black-winged Kite at Pallekandal pitiya.
12.18pm a large Mugger crocodile at Uththamadaru Bridge.
12.20pm I met a group of armed Wildlife officers who were on a raid close to the Uththamadaru Bridge. With the recent heavy rains, the stream here was flowing over the road, and I was keen to take a few images. They were quite curious as safari vehicles do not visit this area now due to the road being closed at Eluwankulama and me driving alone. We need to be thankful to these brave young men and the park management who work tirelessly to protect the park despite having to overcome many challenges. Ensuring that poaching and other illegal activities are kept at a minimum in a park as large as Wilpattu requires carefully thought-out strategies by the park warden and regular riads by the field officers. During such raids they often walk for days in the jungle exposing themselves to great risk to apprehend poachers and others who engage in illegal activities. Even though the Department of Wildlife Conservation is often criticized on the complex issue of human elephant conflict, it is important for all conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts to realize that if not for the hard work of officers such as these our parks would be soon devoid of fauna and flora that we love to observe and photograph. These field officers who are seldom seen by the visitors to the park also ensure the protection of the public who visit the park and stay overnight in the park bungalows.
12.38pm a sounder of 9 Wild Boar crossed the road between Pomparippu and Periya Uppu Villu.
12.46pm the beautiful Scarlet Mallow Pentapetes phoenicea referred to as Bandu-vada in Sinhala and the Blue Butterfly Pea Clitoria ternatea popularly known as Katarodu in Sinhala was in bloom at Pomparippu.
1.12pm another adult male Wild Boar ran across the road at Periya Uppu Villu.
1.20pm a herd of about 15 Spotted Deer walked across the road between Sinna Uppu Villu and Periya VIllu.
1.28pm a herd of 17 Elephants feeding at Periya Villu.
1.29pm 15 Spotted Deer and 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Periya Villu.
2.19pm a Flapshell Turtle at Palugahathure junction Periya Naga Villu “Crocodile Pool”.
2.23pm A Hoopoe perched by the side of the road between Maila Villu and Periya Naga Villu.
3.09pm 3 Lesser Adjutant at Pomparippu pitiya.
3.18pm a small herd of 4 Elephants on the road at Pallekandal. After a short standoff they crossed the road.
3.35pm a leopard at Phill Motte upper road junction. Upon coming in to view the cat moved into the forest. I turned off the engine immediately and waited for almost 15 minutes, but the leopard did not move back on to the road.
4.02pm 32 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
4.03pm 12 mote spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
4.30pm one leopard between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila. N 08.39967, E 079.97592The adult male leopard and was walking in the direction of Nelum Wila. I followed him for a short distance. He marked the trees on either side and after about 5 minutes moved into the forest. Having waited for a few minutes I drove up to the point where the cat walked off the road and saw him walking back in the direction of the road. I quickly drove ahead, turned the vehicle, keeping about 40 meters from a bend and waited, expecting the leopard to walk down the road. Few long minutes passed and there was no sign of the leopard. Then I heard the alarm call of an Indian Palm Squirrels and distress calls of White-browed Bulbuls beyond the bend. In a few seconds the leopard appeared on the road, and I managed to get some images as he walked in my direction. The leopard was quite bold and walked almost up to the vehicle and stop until I reversed to give it space to continue its walk. He walked up to the Nelum Wila sand patch and moved into the forest. It was Borupan Pitiya Male 1 (BPM 1). This leopard was first observed in November 2019 around Borupan Wila and by mid 2020 moved close to Nelum Wila. He has been in this area since then and appear to be expanding his territory in the direction of Panikkar Villu.
4.47pm 6 Spotted Deer at Madangas Wala.
4.50pm one leopard ran across the road between Kokkare Villu and Kumbuk Wila. There was no opportunity for any photography.
5.11pm 42 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
5.20pm 4 Spotted Deer between Galwanguwa and Divulpitiya.
5.53pm 54 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
5.57am left the park.Mammals – Elephant 56, Leopard 2, Indian Buffalo 3, Spotted Deer 230, Wild Boar 24, Barking Deer 4, Ruddy Mongoose 3, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 1, Flapshell Turtle 2, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.20th December 2021
6.58am entered the park.
7.19am one Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
7.30am 5 Spotted Deer and 4 Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
7.32am 17 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.37am 3 Black Turtles at Ibba Wala.
7.43am a Black Turtle at Humbas Wala.
7.56am 6 Spotted Deer antlers on Kokkare Villu upper road.
7.59am 7 Spotted Deer between Thammanna Gaha junction and Nelum Wila.
8.10am 5 Spotted deer at Panikkar Villu Junction.
8.18am 8 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
8.19am and adult male Wild Boar between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
8.23am 32 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
8.34am one Sambhur between Tala Wila and Pill Motte turn off.
8.51am a Black-winged Kite and a Ruddy Mongoose at Pallekandal Pitiya. The small raptor was perched on a Maliththan Tree and was preening its feathers permitting me to get a few good images before taking to wing.
8.57am another Black-winged Kite, one adult male Wild Boar and two Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
9.31am reached the Eluwankulama Wildlife office. All vehicular traffic from Eluwankulama to Mollikulam had ceased for almost one year due to the causeway across Kala Oya being broken. The recent rains had also resulted in a sudden increase in the water level. I was informed by Mr. Nishantha, who is the head at this office that a hanging bridge across the river is to be built shortly to permit visitors to the park to walk across to the DWC office. The safari jeeps would have to enter from the Hunuwilagama entrance and be parked at the DWC office premise across the river.
During the time where all types of vehicles were permitted on this road, there were hardly any sightings of animals such as Spotted Deer, Sambhur and Wild Boar even during early mornings and evenings. On many occasions I have driven along this road and come across only elephants on a few occasions who also would hurry across the road. Either side of the road was littered with plastic, bags, bottles, and garbage thrown out from buses and other vehicles. Many vehicles used to be driven at great speed causing so many “road kills” of small and large animals. Even the Elephants feeding in the villus were not relaxed as they are now. But having driven along this road up to Maila Villu and back I observed a very positive difference in terms of sightings of wildlife and behaviour of animals. The road is now devoid of any garbage, and I came across many species of wildlife even during mid-day, indicating that these areas have a high density of animals making the area extremely conducive for wildlife tourism. During much of the year the Elephant population of the park is found mainly on this western part of the park primarily due to the availability of suitable feeding grounds at locations such as Pallekandal, Pomparippu, Periya Villu and Maila Villu. These wide-open spaces with thousands of acers of grass attracts large herds of elephants. I have observed congregations of more than 75 Elephants at Pomparippu, including impressive tuskers. During this trip I counted 56 Elephants. The large herds of elephants seen at Pomparippu, Periya Villu and Maila villu will be great attractions to many foreign tourists. Further a study conducted on “Population density, structure, and conservation of the Sri Lankan Leopard in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka” from May to September 2018 revealed the presence of a good population of Leopards, Sloth Bear, and other fauna along this road, but their activity was restricted primarily to the night where no vehicles were permitted on the road. Trap cameras were fixed at many locations of the park including the road from Eluwankulama to Mollikulama by the principal filed investigator Mr. Dinal Samarasinghe. My contribution was to study all the leopard images and identify each leopard by comparing the spot and rosette patterns of each leopard to eradicate duplication. Also, it is common knowledge that poaching gangs operated on this road with impunity when it was opened for public transport. They are taken in vehicles and dropped off inside the park and the vehicle would proceed to either Mollikulama or turn and come back to Eluwankulam. Upon the poachers succeeding in making a kill they would contact the vehicles (mobile signal is available at most locations on this road) and would be picked up the next day with their poached meat. Considering, the availability of such a high value wildlife resource with a potential to attract large volumes of foreign exchange to the country through wildlife tourism and provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to communities living in the surrounding areas it makes no sense to destroy it all by having a public road through one of the most sensitive parts of Wilpattu. The DWC can also consider building a few park Bungalows along the western coastal boarder, which is a short distance off this road. Locations such as Kudiramalei point, Kollan Kanatte, Palugahathurei and Pukkulama are all suitable locations for such bungalows and would be in great demand due to the sea view. Mr. Nishantha also confirmed that the population of Sambhur and Spotted Deer in these areas have recovered after the closure of this road. Thus, the stretch of road between the Eluwankulama entrance and Mollikulama entrance should be vested exclusively with the DWC, and both these entrances should be developed exclusively for wildlife tourism enabling visitors from the south as well the north to access the park. It is vital to permit this road to remain as a “park road” managed by the DWC and not to allow the same for public transport.
10.10am a small herd of 5 Elephants at Pomparippu pitiya.
10.25am a sub adult Sambhur trotted across the road between Pill Motte turn off and Tala Wila.10.40am one leopard at Tala Wila. N 08.37932, E 079.94745
Having driven from Pomparippu I turned on to the main road and spotted the leopard seated next to the concreate direction board. It was a female and was quite relaxed. After a few minutes she got up and walked in the direction of Kombansanchaipooval. When she moved, I noticed that she had lost most of her tail and with it the characteristic elegant appearance which is unique to leopards. I waited until she moved passed the large pool of water beyond the culvert and moved on to the main road. She was seated by the side of the road and was observing through the foliage the Spotted Deer grazing on the open fields. After some time, she moved into the forest. I drove back on to the Tala Wila expecting the leopard to break cover but had no luck. The leopard was Kombansanchaipooval Female 1 (KSPF 1). I have records of this female from January 2016. She is around 10 years and four months now and is usually seen between Panikkar Villu and Tala Wila. My last sighting of this leopard was in March 2021 at Tala Wila where she looked to be in good health. But in October the same year I received some disturbing images of her taken on the Galge Vihara road behind the Tala Wila bungalow from Nilushan Wijesinghe and Hashantha Lokugamage where she had lost most of her tail and did not appear to be in good health. The long tail is a very important part of a leopard’s anatomy as it helps the cat to maintain balance when making sudden changes in direction during a hunt. While an injury to the tail end is less life threatening any injury close to the body can be fatal due to septicemia and infection. Usually, a leopard can sustain such an injury during a hunt or during a fight with another leopard. I have observed Leopards hunting young Wild Boar on a few occasions. When the young are in a sounder the strategy is to ambush its prey and move up a tree with the prey before the adults launch their vicious attack. Any miscalculation can be very costly for the leopard. While we cannot conclude as how she came to lose her tail it is likely that it was during a Wild Boar hunt. However, I was relieved to observe that she had recovered well and appear to be in better health than in October despite her disability.
11.18am a sounder of 6 Wild Boar on Panikkar Villu bungalow road.
11.37am a troop of grey Langur between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
11.55am a Ruddy Mongoose on Kuruttupandi upper road.
12.06pm a Bark Gecko Hemidactylus leschenaultiaon a Thimbiri Tree at Kumutu Villu. These Geckos have a remarkable ability to mimic the colour of the exterior surface they are on and avoid being predated.
12.10pm 2 Spotted Deer between Kumutu Villu and Kanjuran.
12.37pm 15 Spotted Deer at Manik Wila.
12.43pm 5 Spotted Deer at Downhall Pitiya.
12.46pm 2 Spotted Deer antlers between Downhall Pitiya and Mana Wila sand patch.
1.38pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Kumbuk Wila and Kokkare Villu.
1.43pm 11 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
2.15pm a sounder of 8 Wild Boar at Kudapatessa.
2.39pm a Buffalo at Mahapatessa.
3.59pm a Golden Jackal at Tala Wila.
4.20pm one Elephant at Kokkare Villu upper road.
4.30pm a Black-naped Hare at Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
5.00pm one Leopard at the Galwanguwa pond. N 08.36497, E 080.08414
It was a young male leopard and was lying down at the edge of the forest. After a few minutes with the arrival of a few safari jeeps the leopard moved back into the forest. Upon examination of the spot pattern, I was pleased to note that this is the Galwanguwa Male 1 (GWMC 1). This male is around 3 years and 10 months now.
5.12pm a fine specimen of a male Sloth Bear between Galwanguwa and Palu Kola Wala. The bear was foraging for food in an open glade and would sniff the ground, blow into holes on the ground and dig up the sandy soil at times. A curious Spotted Deer stood at the edge of the glade and watched the movements of the bear.
5.25pm a troop of Grey Langur at Divulgas Mandiya.
5.37pm a Buffalo at Percy Bendi Wewa.
5.40pm 8 Spotted Deer at Ranawara pitiya.
5.45pm one Star Tortoise close to Kone Gaha Ela.
5.47pm one Sambhur between Kone Gaha Ela and the park entrance.
6.00pm left the park.
Mammals – Elephant 8, Leopard 2, Sloth Bear 1, Indian Buffalo 7, Sambhur 3, Spotted Deer 123, Wild Boar 16, Golden Jackal 1, Ruddy Mongoose 2, Black-naped Hare 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Black Turtle 4, Star Tortoise 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard, Bark Gecko.
21st December 2021
7.00am entered the park.
42 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
7.10am one Buffalo at Percy Bendi Wewa.
7.31am 24 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.32am 15 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.38am an adult male Wild Boar and Indian Peacock perched on a tree stump offered a good photo opportunity.
7.44am 4 Buffalo and 3 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.51am 3 Sambhur at Ibba Wala.
8.01am a Ruddy Mongoose and a Monitor Lizard in what appear to be a threat display at Walas Wala. They were motionless but few inches from to each other. The mongoose had its fur puffed up to look bigger and the lizard had its throat area puffed to give a bigger appearance. They were at the edge of the road. After observing them for a bout 5 minutes I decided to move ahead and with the approach of the vehicle they moved in separate directions.
8.16am 7 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
8.17am 2 Spotted Deer at Thamanna Gaha junction.
8.39am a Mugger Crocodile and 2 Buffalos at Kudapatessa.
9.12am a Ruddy Mongoose between Illanda Motte and Manik Wila.
9.13am 6 Spotted deer at Downhall Pitiya sand patch.
9.14am the Spanish Cherry Tree (Moona Mal) Mimusops elengi
at Downhall Pitiya is full of unripe fruits.9.21am a sounder of 7 Wild Boar between Mana Wila and Manan Wila sand patch.
11.14am a Ruddy Mongoose and 2 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa. Many Grey Hornbills were attracted by the bright red fruits of the Indian Zebra Wood Connarus monocarpuscommonly referred to as Radaliya in Sinhala.
11.55am 4 Spotted Deer at Manikrala Uraniya.12.50pm one leopard close to Borupan junction. N 08.41721, E 080.02367
I drove up to Borupan junction and observed a jeep parked in the direction of Kumbuk Wila. The jeep driver signaled me to come over. A leopard cub had been on the road few minutes ago and had moved into the forest. Few safari jeeps were parked ahead of us as well expecting the leopard to move back on to the road. Within a few minutes of us remaining quite we spotted a leopard cub looking in our direction and I managed to get a few images. Having looked around the cub started to move in the direction of the road but unfortunately the jeeps ahead moved forward which caused the leopard to move back into hiding. Later upon examination of its spot pattern I realized that this is Walas Wala Female 5 (WWFC 5), one of the two cubs of Walas Wala Female 4 that I photographed on the 3rd of September 2021.
1.07pm a Sambhur between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
1.09pm a Barking Deer at Ibba Wala.
1.26pm a Ruddy Mongoose at the Andaragollawa junction.
1.32pm a troop of grey Langur at percy bendi Wewa.
1.40pm Left the park
9.26pm spotted an endemic species of Tarantula referred to as the Lemon Legged Tiger Spider Poecilotheria fasciata on the branch of a Kone Tree at the Hunuwilagama Tank bund.
Mammals - Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 6, Sambhur 4, Spotted Deer 105, Wild Boar 8, Barking Deer 1, Ruddy Mongoose 3, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.22nd December 2021
6.04am entered the park. 12 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
6.11am 14 Spotted Deer at Ranawara pitiya.
6.18am one Leopard between Paaluwilanda junction and Thammanna Wala. N 08.34138, E 080.12154It was a female and was walking in the direction of Thamanna Wala. After walking on the road for about 30 meters she moved into the forest. I managed to get only a few record images as the early morning mist and low light made photography quite challenging. Later upon examination of its sot pattern I was pleased to note that it is Maradanmaduwa Female 3 (MMF 3), one of the two female cubs of the second litter of the famed Maradanmaduwa female 1 who has raised 4 litters of cubs so far. This female was seen close to Percy Bendi Wewa from March 2020 and has been seen around this area since then. She is around 6 years now, but I have received no records of her having cubs so far.
6.45am a herd of 10 Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
6.46am 37 Spotted Deer on the “Kukul Katu pitiya” at Maradanmaduwa.
6.47am another 7 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 9 Wild Boar at Maradanmaduwa.
7.09am I turned from Boarupan Wila on to the Lunu Wewa road. A large Owl was perched on the road and flew up on to a tree with a snake hanging from its beak. It was a Brown Fish Owl, with a rarely seen Trinket Snake Coelognathus Helenain its beak.
7.18am 2 Barking Deer on Lunu Wewa road.
7.31am Arrived at Borupan junction. I had wanted to photograph the road from Walas Wala and road leading to Kumbuk Wila from this location of the park during an early morning for some time. This four-way junction which, is one of the most central locations in the park, was commonly referred to as the “Clapham” junction in the “good old days” until the closure of the park in mid 1985 due to the war. It was quite peaceful with no vehicles in sight, the air smelling fresh, a White-rupmed Shama leading the bird calls to the background sound of leaves rustling in the wind with the sight of rays of morning sun reaching the road through the trees. This idyllic setting prompted me to spend a few minutes here reminiscing the events that resulted in the demise of its once famous name. Wilpattu suffered many gruesome acts of violence during the three decades of war that ravaged the country. One such incident took place on the 14th of May 1985 when a group of LTTE terrorists, pursuant to carrying out the largest ever massacre of civilians in the country (they shot and killed 146 people at Anuradhapura), drove down to Wilpattu from the main entrance at Hunuwulagama and killed 18 park officials. They drove through the park passing this location to reach the LTTE held areas in the north which resulted in the indefinite closure of the park. Since the park opened for public in 2010 it has been referred to as the Borupan junction.
7.43am 7 Spotted Deer between Kumbuk Wila and Kokkare Villu.
7.53am a Brown Fish Owl was bathing in a pool of water at Kokkare Villu sand dune. There after the Owl flew up on to an exposed branch, shook off the water and started to preen offering me a good photo opportunity of this seldom seen behaviour. I once observed the same species of owl bathing during midday at Kombansanchaipooval.
8.14am a Ruddy Mongoose at Mana Wila sand patch.
8.15am 17 Spotted Deer and two Golden Jackals at Manik Wila.
8.11am a sounder of 15 Wild Boar at Manik Wila.
8.19am a Spotted Deer stag at Illanda Motte.
8.22am a herd of 11 Spotted Deer at Downhall Pitiya.
8.39am one Flapshell Turtle at Illanda Motte.
8.46am a troop of grey Langur between Manikrala Uraniya and Eriyakkulampooval.
9.08am a Mugger Crocodile at Borupan Wila.
9.26am a sounder of 5 Wild Boar between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
10.02 left the park
Mammals - Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 10, Spotted Deer 106, Wild Boar 31, Barking Deer 2, Golden Jackal 4, Ruddy Mongoose 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 1, Flapshell Turtle 1, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard, Trinket Snake Coelognathus HelenaBirds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the field trip
Birds – Curlew Sandpiper, Redshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Lesser Sand plover, Hoopoe, Black -winged Kite, Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Brown Fish Owl, Osprey, Forest Eagle Owl (calling around 8pm at Hunuwilagama), Ceylon Frogmouth (called around 5am in the morning)Butterflies - Blue Mormon, Tawny Raja, Red Spot Duke.
Fruiting Trees - Spanish Cherry (Moonamal) Mimusops elengi
Wildflowers - Senna auriculata Tanners Cassia (Ranawara) , Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet (Puruk), Bacopa monnieri Waterhyssop (Lunu-wila), Gmelina asiatica Asiatic Bushbeech (Demata), (S), Eriocaulon sp Pipeworts (E) Kok Mota (S), Evolvulus alsinoides Dwaf Morning Glory (E) Visnu-kranti (S), Hibiscus micranthus Tiny Flower Hibiscus (E) Bebila (S), Leucas biflora Two Flowered Leucas (E) Geta Thumba (S), Murdannia spirata Asiatic Dewflower (E) Thana Pala (S), Bauhinia tomentosa Yellow Orchid Tree (E) Yellow Bell Bauhinia (E) Kaha Pethan (S), Crinum defixum Ker Gawl (E) Heen-tolabo (S), Asteraceae ceylanica Pupula (S), Canavalia virosa Sword Bean (E) Jack Bean (E) Mudu Awara (S), Carissa spinarum Bush Plum (E) Conkerberry (E), Heen Karamba (s), Cassia fistula Golden Shower Tree (E) Ehela (S), Catunaregam spinosa Common Emetic (E) Emetic Nut (E) Kukuruman (S), Crotalaria laburnifolia Bird Flower (E) Yak-beriya (S), Dopatrium nudicaule Small Horsefly’s Eye (E) Heen Bim Savan (S), Gloriosa superba Flame Lily (E) Glory Lily (E) Niyangala (S), Hibiscus eriocarpus Maple-leaved Mallow (E) Kapukinissa (S) Wal Wada (S), Ixora coccinea Flame of the Forest (E) Rath Mal (S), Pentapetes phoenicea Scarlet Mallow (E) Bandu-vada (S), Aeschynomene aspera Pith Plant (E), Maha diya Siyambala (S), Crotalaria medicaginea Trefoil Rattlepod (E), Adanahiriya (S), Plumbago zeylanica Ceylon Leadwort (E) Wild Plumbago(E) Ela Nithol(S), Crotalaria verrucosa Blue Rattlepod (E) Nil Andanahiriya (S)
- Wilpattu National Park 14th November 2021
14th November 2021 6.15 entered the park. The Hunuwilagama tank had started to spill creating minor floods in the low-lying areas. Most water bodies inside the park were overflowing. The heavy rains in the past few days had resulted in creating temporary pools of water all over the park making many species of amphibians to go into reproduction mode.
6.18am 7 Spotted Deer between the park entrance and Weli Ela.
6.21am 6 Spotted Deer between Weli Ela and Ranawara pitiya.
6.25am 3 Spotted Deer at Percy bendi Wewa.
6.37am 17 Spotted Deer at Divulgas Mandiya.
6.38am one Wild Buffalo between Divulgas Mandiya and Palu Kola Wala.
6.44am 2 Spotted dee between Palu Kola Wala and Gal Wanguwa.
6.47am 7 Wild Buffalo at Gal Wanguwa.
6.51am Orange-breasted Green Pigeon feeding on ripe “Ila Paththa” berries at “Eda Kohomba gaha pitiya”. The English name of this fruiting tree is Black Ebony Maba buxifolia (Ebenaceae)
This is an indigenous species that is found in dry lowland forests. Other than Sri Lanka it is native to India, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Laos. This is a tree that grows to about 12 meters in height and can be commonly found in the understory of the park. The true beauty of this species is reflected during the fruiting season from September to November where the trees become covered with tiny fruits of green, yellow brown and red. I have observed many species of birds including Green Imperial Pigeons, Ceylon Green and Orange-breasted Green Pigeons, White-browed Bulbuls and Red-vented bulbuls feeding on these fruits.
6.52am 12 Spotted Deer between “Eda Kohomba gaha pitiya” and Maradanmaduwa.
6.54am 38 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.56 21 more Spotted Deer and abut 85 sub adult Painted Storks at Maradanmaduwa.
6.57am 24 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.58am many sub-adult Painted Storks at Maradanmaduwa. These are birds that had recently fledged from the nesting colony from the Maradanmaduwa Tank.
6.58am a Brown Fish Owl perched on an exposed branch of a “Palu Tree” flew into the forest between Maradanmaduwa and Thambioluwa.
7.30am one Leopard at Humbas Wala. N 08.40412, E 080.04815
Even though the animal could be seen through the foliage I had no clear view adequate for any photography. I decided to wait a while expecting the leopard to brake cover. After some time, the jeeps ahead of me indicated that the leopard in walking in my direction. Around 7.55am I observed a young male through the foliage. Fortunately, he climbed on to a tree for a brief while permitting me to get a few record images through the foliage. Later upon examination of its spot pattern I noted that this is Boraluwala Male 1 (BRWMC 1). He is now around 2 years and two months.
8.24am a Ruddy Mongoose at Borupan Junction.
8.27am a large Mugger Crocodile close to the Kumbuk Wila culvert.
During the rainy season many species of fish move along the freshly created water ways in search of new water bodies. Mugger Crocodiles move out of the main water bodies and lie in ambush to prey on these fish. I have observed many instances where Crocodiles lying in ambush even in large pools of water on the roads. Thus, it is very important to drive very slow through such pools to allow animals such as Turtles and Crocodiles to move out.8.30am I observed a large Land Monitor with something in its mouth at Kokkare Villu. Upon examination through my binoculars, I noted that it was a baby Star Tortoise. The lizard would press the tortoise into the ground and occasionally raise its head to look around. I watched them for about 20 minutes expecting the Lizard to give up but, it was persistent. Nature had to take its own course. Judging by the size of this baby tortoise I noted that it is around two months since being hatched.
During my childhood days I had received a few star tortoises from a relative and kept them as pets. On many occasions I have observed their breeding. Usually, the female would dig a pit in a secluded part of the garden with its hind legs and lay 6 – 9 “ping pong” ball size eggs. There after the pit is closed by moving the dug-up earth back, leaving no trace of a pit. All actions are discharged at a very slow pace and the process takes almost a day. They have many enemies during their early days including rodents. Even the egg chamber is predated upon by mongooses, rodents, and land monitors. On a few occasions I succeeded in breeding them under indoor protection by collecting the eggs and keeping them in a box of river sand. The eggs need to be buried at a depth of about 2 -3 inches. They hatch in 2 – 2 1/2 months. The “wristwatch” size baby tortoises that emerge are quite fascinating creatures. In a few years upon realizing that it is against the law to keep these protected animals I handed over all my tortoises to the Zoo.
8.50am two large Mugger Crocodiles and 4 Spoonbills at Kokkare Villu. An adult male Wild Boar, sleeping on an exposed sand patch was disturbed by a herd of 7 Spotted Deer stags.
8.51am 21 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu and Kokkare Villu sand dune.
8.58am 15 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
9.05am 6 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa.
9.10am 11 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
9.11am a Flapshell Turtle was walking from Eriyakkulampooval to Mahapatessa. These turtles are often found moving along the roads during the rainy season.
9.13am a herd of 7 Wild Buffalo and a sounder of 12 Wild Boar feeding on the edge of the water at Eriyakkulam pooval.
9.14am 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Mahapatessa.
9.29am one Sāmbhar and 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Borupan Wila.
9.30am 12 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
9.35am 2 Barking Deer between Borupan Wila and Borupan junction.
9.55am 4 Black Turtles at Ibba Wala.
10.01am a male Common Kingfisher and two Black Turtle at Humbas Wala.
10.06am another Black Turtle at Boralu Wala.
10.14am a Male Barking Deer between Kumbuk Wila sand patch and Borupan junction.
10.21am 2 Spotted Deer stags at Madangaha Wala.
10.22am 3 Spotted Deer between Madangaha Wala and Thammanna gaha junction.
10.23am an adult male Wild Boar on Kokkare Villu upper road.
10.25am a sounder of 15 Wild Boar digging the soft earth on Kokkare Villu upper road.
10.33 a Mugger Crocodile and 11 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
10.51am 14 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
11.02am 15 Spotted deer at Tala Wila.
11.03am 14 Spotted Deer accompanied by a troop of Grey Langur at Thala Wila.
11.40am a Ruddy Mongoose at Phil Motte junction.
12.18pm 4 Spotted Deer and two Lesser Adjutant Storks at Kumutu Villu.
12.37pm 11 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
12.48pm 17 Spotted Deer at Manik Wila.
1.03pm a Flapshell Turtle at Manikrala Uraniya.
2.31pm an adult male Wild Boar on the sand dune across Kudapatessa.
2.54pm a Green Garden Lizard between Eriyakkulampooval and Manikrala Uraniya.
3.33pm 9 Wild buffalo on Kokkare Villu upper road.
3.57pm 2 Leopards between Kumbuk Wila and Kokkare Villu. N 08.42021, E 080.00209
While at Madangaha Wala, safari jeep driver Jeevan Nishantha informed me of two leopards on a sand patch between Kokkare Villu and Kumbuk Wila. I arrived at the spot and observed an adult female and a young male. It was Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2) and one of her male cubs Kumbuk Wila Male 2 (KWMC 2). These cubs are now one year and 3 months old and should leave the mother in a few months to look for territories of its own and lead solitary lives. The cub is quite affectionate towards his mother and licked the back of her head. The adult female did not reciprocate the affection towards her son. She expressed her displeasure by growling at him. This is typical female leopard behavior when the cubs reach around 1 and a half years. The females almost overnight become increasingly less tolerant of their cubs in a bid to drive them away from their territory. I have observed this behavior with many females with cubs.
4.40pm a Black-naped Hare at Kokkare Villu.
4.58pm two Sambhur at Kokkare Villu pitiya.
5.20pm a Black-naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
5.27pm 2 Sambhur between “Eda Kohombagaha pitiya” and Palu Kola Wla.
5.53pm 3 bull Elephants on the road at Weli Ela.
6.12pm left the park.
I find the transformation that takes place at Wilpattu during the rainy season to be quite pleasant. Even during the height of the rainy season there are always few clear days or mornings. A visit to the park during such a day where there had been rain over night can be quite rewarding. As you drive into the park the first experience is the smell of absolute freshness. AS the air is almost devoid of any dust the images taken particularly with the first rays of the sun looks crisp and clear. Most species of flora would produce new shoots in different shades giving the park a colorful appearance as in the case with this Thammanna branch that had been cut to clear the roadway at Nelum Wila.
Mammals - Elephant 3, Leopard 3, Indian Buffalo 24, Sambhur 5, Spotted Deer 289, Wild Boar 29, Barking Deer 3, Ruddy Mongoose 2, Black-naped Hare 3, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the field trip
Birds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Brown Shrike, Indian Pitta, Spoonbill,Butterflies - Blue Mormon, Quaker, Common Mormon, Monkey Puzzal
Wild Orchids - Vanilla walkerae, Vanda spathulataFruiting trees - ilapaththa
Wild Flowers - Wild Flowers - Senna auriculata Tanners Cassia (Ranawara) , Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet (Puruk), Bacopa monnieri Waterhyssop (Lunu-wila), Gmelina asiatica Asiatic Bushbeech (Demata), (S), Eriocaulon sp Pipeworts (E) Kok Mota (S), Evolvulus alsinoides Dwaf Morning Glory (E) Visnu-kranti (S), Hibiscus micranthus Tiny Flower Hibiscus (E) Bebila (S), Leucas biflora Two Flowered Leucas (E) Geta Thumba (S), Murdannia spirata Asiatic Dewflower (E) Thana Pala (S), Ochna obtusata Bird’s Eye Tree (E), Mal Kera (S), Memecylon umbellatum Ironwood, Blue Mist (E) Kora Kaha, Bauhinia tomentosa Yellow Orchid Tree (E) Yellow Bell Bauhinia (E) Kaha Pethan (S), Caesalpinia bonducella Gray Nicker (E) Bonduc Nut (E) Kumburu (S), Crinum defixum Ker Gawl (E) Heen-tolabo (S)
- Wilpattu National Park 30th - 31st October 2021
2.48pm entered the park with Hemantha Wimalasena and my friend Bathiya Senadipathy accompanied by guide Tissa Ratnayake. Mr. Ranil Samarasinghe
3.30pm 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
3.35pm 37 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa
3.38pm another 27 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
3.55pm a pair of Barking Deer at Borupan Junction.
4.00pm 2 Sambhur, a mother and a sub adult trotted across the road ahead of our vehicle between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
4.10pm a Sambhur and a Black-naped Hare at Kokkare Villu.
4.15pm 17 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
4.25pm 10 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa.
4.30pm 21 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
4.35pm an adult male Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
4.55pm 17 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
5.30pm as it started to rain, we decided to reach the Manik Wila bungalow for the night.
12.05am I woke up due the frantic alarm calls of the Sambhur found close to the bungalow and the Spotted Deer. I observed that the Deer and the Sambhur with the help of my torch. Following the direction, they were looking spotted a Leopard about 100 meters from the bungalow. In a short while the cat moved into the forest, and we went back to sleep.
Mammals - Leopard 1, Sambhur 3, Spotted Deer 135, Wild Boar 1, Barking Deer 2, Black-naped Hare 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile, Flapshell Turtle, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Green Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
31st October 2021
6.00am left the Manik Wila bungalow for the morning game drive with Hemantha and Tissa.
89 Spotted Deer at Manik Wila.6.15am 12 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
7.30am 29 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
7.48am 32 Spotted Deer, a Mugger Crocodile, and a Flapshell Turtle at Nelum Wila.
8.15am 17 Spotted Deer and a Lesser Adjutant Stork at Panikkar Villu.
8.32am 15 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
9.30am returned to the bungalow for breakfast and check out.
11.49am I was sad and annoyed to see a “bird roadkill” at Kumbuk Wila. It looked a Lesser Sand Plover, a small migrant wader. Those who drive inside the park should take extreme care not to run over any animal. During the rainy season drivers to Wilpattu should also be mindful of the fact that Crocodiles and Flapshell Turtles are often found in the pools on the road. Thus, they should drive through them with extreme caution.
12.24pm an Osprey at Kuddpatessa.
12.35pm a Chameleon on the road at Kuruttupandi Villu.
1.30pm left the park.
Mammals - Spotted Deer 194, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 1, Flapshell Turtle 1, Chameleon 1 Common Garden Lizard, Green Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the filed trip
Birds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Indian Pitta, OspreyButterflies - Blue Mormon, Banded Peacock
Wild Orchids - Vanda tesselete and Spathulata
Fruiting trees - Ilapaththa, Bol Pana, Madang
- Wilpattu National Park 23rd October 2021
2.50pm entered the park with my friend Bathiya Senadipathy.
3.00pm photographed Common Ink Cap mushrooms growing on a Termite Hill at Kone Gaha Ela.
3.02pm 5 Spotted Deer between Kone Gaha Ela and Ranawara pitiya.
3.12pm 4 Spotted Deer beween Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Palukola Wala.
3.15pm one Wild Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
3.16pm 3 Spotted Deer between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
3.24pm 15 Spotted Deer and about 25 sub adult Painted Storks accompanies by adult birds at Maradanmaduwa.
3.33pm 3 Sambhur at Ibba Wala.
3.47pm 21 Spotted Deer and 8 Buffalo at Kumbuk Wila.
4.45pm 2 Mugger Crocodile at Kudapatessa.5.02pm one leopard at Kudapatessa. N 08.43115, E 079.99353
We were informed of a leopard sighting at this location in the morning and around 1pm by a few jeep drivers. Around 4.45pm I was parked at Kudapatessa and noted the continuous alarm calls of an Indian Palm Squirrel. As there was no leopard in sight, we left to check out Kuruttupandi but returned to Kudapatessa and spotted a Leopard lying down on the sand patch across the villu. It was big male leopard. In a few minutes he walked across the sand patch back to the forest and started to “saw”. We left as we had to reach the park entrance by 6.15pm. Later upon examination of its spot pattern I noted that it was Nelum Wila Male 5 (NWMC 5).
5.10pm 27 Spotted Deer and a herd of 11 Buffalo at Mahapatessa.
5.36pm 7 Spotted Deer between Maradanmaduwa and Palu Kola Wala.
5.54pm one Elephant by the side of the road at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.00pm left the park.Mammals - Elephant 1, Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 20, Sambhur 3, Spotted Deer 82, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 2, Spotted Black Turtle, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Green Garden Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the field trip
Birds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Indian Pitta, Large PratincoleButterflies - Blue Mormon, Banded Peacock
Wild Orchids - Vanda tessalata, Vanda spathulate
Fruiting trees - Ilapaththa
- Wilpattu National Park 18th - 20th September 2021
1.06pm entered the park with Bathiya Senadipathy
1.13pm 3 Spotted Deer antlers at Percy Bendi Wewa.
1.20pm 4 Spotted Deer at Thamanna Wala.
1.21pm 10 Spotted Deer between Thamanna Wala and Kalagedibokkuwa.
1.35pm one Sambhur and 3 Spotted at Maradanamduwa.
1.38pm 43 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
1.55pm 5 Spotted Deer at Borupan junction.
1.58pm 17 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
2.24pm 4 Spotted Deer, Lesser Adjutant, White-necked and a group of Painted Storks looking for prey in the receding pools at Ilanda Motte.
2.51pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
3.08pm one Leopard between Manik Wila sand patch and Kurruttupandi Villu. N 08.44638, E 079.98343
The female Leopard was seated on the road with its back towards us. It looked as if she was stalking some prey. I brought the vehicle to a halt and turned off the engine. She moved closer to the edge of the road and jumped up on to the bank but soon moved back on the road, walked in our direction, and moved back into the forest. When she turned, I noted that this is Manikrala Uraniya Female 1 (MRUF 1) popularly referred to as the “Kuruttupandi female” by the guides and jeep drivers. As her first litter cub was seen with her from early August this year, I looked around for the cub, but it was not in the vicinity.
3.12pm 3 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
4.14pm a Sambhur between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
4.25pm 12 Spotted Deer and 2 male Wild Boar at Aalam Villu.
4.27pm a herd of 11 Buffalo and 15 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
4.29pm 5 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu bungalow junction.
5.17pm 2 Sambhur at Maradanmaduwa.
5.25pm a Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
6.00pm left the park.
6.10pm 89 Spotted Deer and 8 Wild Boar at Hunuwilagama Tank.
7.30pm one Elephant at Wilpattu Jungle House.
Mammals – Elephant 1, Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 12, Sambhur 4, Spotted Deer 217, Wild Boar 2, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.Reptiles –Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
19th September 2021
6.27am entered the park with Bathiya Senadipathy.
102 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
6.44am 5 Spotted Deer between Kone Gaha Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
6.47am 5 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.48am a large Mugger Crocodile and 5 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.54am photographed a Bird’s Eye Tree Ochna obtusata (Mal Kera) that had shed all its flowers between Thammanna Wala and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
7.11am 18 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
7.14am 33 Buffalo and Maha Wewa.
7.15am 37 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
7.16am 27 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
7.19am 29 Buffalo at Maha Wewa.
7.21am 21 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
7.22am 42 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
7.32am a Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
7.49am I photographed some Black-crowned Night Herons at Maha Wewa. One of them perched on a log, was approached by a Little Cormorant. The Night Heron puffed up its feathers in protest but after a short standoff decided to fly off giving way to the intruder.
7.54am a troop of Grey Langur at Maha Wewa.
7.59am an immature, White-bellied Sea Eagle permitted us to get some clear images. The immature birds of this species look very different to the adults.
8.17am a Ruddy Mongoose between Thammanna Wala and Percy Bendi Wewa.
8.37am a Sambhur doe and a calf between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Palu Kola Wala.
8.40am a Buffalo between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
8.47am the beautiful flowers of Climbing Flax Hugonia mystax also referred to as Gini Kitiya and Bu Getiya in Sinhala and the fragrant Wild Jasmin Jasminum angustifolium referred to as Wal-pichcha in Sinhala, was in bloom between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
8.51am 24 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.53am 38 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.55am a herd of 11 Buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
9.00am 2 Sambhur doe at Ibba Wala.
9.12am 5 Spotted Deer between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
9.26am 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
9.27am 11 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
9.35am a sounder of 18 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila pitiya.
9.52am 4 Spotted Deer between Kuruttupandi Villu and Manik Wila.
9.57am a Ruddy Mongoose at Kumutu Villu.
11.02am 3 Lesser Adjutant Storks at Kanjuran Villu.
12.27pm a herd of 5 Buffalo at Kudapatessa.
12.44pm one Leopard at Mahapatessa. N 08.43094, E 080.00427
The female leopard was sleeping on a horizontal branch of an old Thimbiri tree overlooking the villu. I had no clear view of its head, but the spot pattern of her left flank confirmed that this is Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2), the mother of the two male cubs seen frequently around Kumbuk Wila. She is referred to as “Cleoparta” by the guides and jeep drivers. Around 1.45pm a Toque Monkey made an alarm call and the leopard immediately got off the tree, crossed the road behind my vehicle and moved in the direction of the call. I reversed the vehicle and spotted the leopard lying on the forest floor on her hunches. She appeared to be watching something on the forest floor. The tip of its tail was moved frequently indicating her alertness. In a few minutes she became relaxed and moved further into the forest. Considering the direction, she walked I expected her to walk on to Mahapatessa Thimbiri Wila road. We parked the vehicle enabling us to have a clear view of the road ahead. In a few minutes the leopard broke cover and moved on to the road. She “marked” the bushes and started to walk away from where I had parked. Upon the arrival of some vehicles ahead of us she moved into the forest on the opposite side. This time as I expected her to walk on to the Kumbuk Wila Mahapatessa road we waited for a few minutes at Mahapatessa and drove slowly towards Kumbuk Wila and met the leopard on the road again. She walked for a short distance and moved into the forest.
2.33pm a Black-naped Hare at Nelum Wila pitiya.
2.38pm a herd of 11 Buffalo at Nelum Wila.
2.50pm a sounder of 13 Wild Boar and a single Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
3.01pm 2 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
3.13pm 67 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
3.20pm 15 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
3.41pm a Sambhur doe and a calf trotted across the road at Kuruttupandi Kudapatessa junction.
3.49pm a Flapshell Turtle walking in the direction of Kumutu Villu from Manik Wila.
3.51pm 7 Spotted Deer at Kumutu Villu.
3.57pm 27 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
4.57pm a Grey-headed Fish Eagle swooped down and caught a small Striped Snakehead Channa striata at Walas Wala. The raptor then flew on to the bund across the water body with the luckless fish struggling in its talons. A quick bite with its powerful beak sealed the fate of the fish. The eagle flew off to a nearby tree and started to feed. This is a commonly consumed freshwater fish in the country and is referred to Sinhala as the “Loola”. A Grey Wagtail was seen at the edge of the water. This species is rarely seen at Wilpattu.
5.19pm a Star Tortoise at Maradanmaduwa.
5.30pm a Black-naped Hare at Divulgas Mandiya.
5.45pm left the park.
6.00pm 167 Spotted Deer, 5 Elephants and 27 Wild Boar at Hunuwilagama Tank.
Considering that I counted 102 Spotted Deer at the park entrance in the morning the number was reduced from the total Spotted Deer count for the day. This is the highest number of Spotted Deer I had counted for a day so far in Wilpattu during the last 10 years of keeping records. The previous highest count of 472 was on the 22nd of December 2012.Mammals - Elephant 5, Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 90, Sambhur 6, Spotted Deer 560, Wild Boar 41, Ruddy Mongoose 2, Black-naped Hare 3, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 1, Flapshell Turtle 1, Star Tortoise 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.20th September 2021
6.25am entered the park with Bathiya Senadipathy.
92 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
6.37am a very dark (almost black) Crested Honey Buzzard between Thammanna Wala and Palu Kola Wala.
6.41am a Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
6.50am another Buffalo between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
7.01am one Sambhur doe at Thambioluwa.
7.05am another Sambhur at Ibba Wla.
7.30am a Mugger Crocodile at Kudapatessa.
10.16am a Ruddy Mongoose between Kone Gaha Ela and park entrance.
10.25am left the park.Mammals - Indian Buffalo 2, Sambhur 2, Spotted Deer 92, Ruddy Mongoose 1, Black-naped Hare, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the field trip
Birds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Crested Honey Buzzard.Butterflies - Banded Peacock, Tawny Coaster, Blue Mormon, Common Mormon, Chestnut Streaked Sailor, Crimson Rose, Redspot Duke, Common Lascar, Common Gull, Lesser Albatross, Common Jay, Lime Butterfly, Chocolate Soldier
Wild Orchids - Vanda spathulata and Vanda tessellataFruiting trees - Ilapaththa, Bolpana, Madang, Kiri Kone
Wildflowers - Hugonia mystax Climbing Flax (E) Gini Kitiya (S) Bu Getiya (S)
Asiatic Bushbeech Gmelina asiatica (Demata), Wild Jasmin Jasminum angustifolium (Wal-pichcha),Common Emetic Catunaregam spinosa (Kukuruman), Senna auriculata Tanners Cassia (Ranawara) , Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet (Puruk), Bacopa monnieri Waterhyssop (Lunu-wila), Gmelina asiatica Asiatic Bushbeech (Demata), Cassia fistula Golden Shower Tree (E) Ehela (S), Eriocaulon sp Pipeworts (E) Kok Mota (S), Evolvulus alsinoides Dwaf Morning Glory (E) Visnu-kranti (S), Hibiscus micranthus Tiny Flower Hibiscus (E) Bebila (S), Leucas biflora Two Flowered Leucas (E) Geta Thumba (S), Ochna obtusata Bird’s Eye Tree (E), Mal Kera (S), Memecylon umbellatum Ironwood, Blue Mist (E) Kora Kaha, Atalantia ceylanica Ceylon Atalantia (E) Yakinaran (S) Yak Dehi (S), Derris paviflora Kala Wel (S). - Wilpattu National Park 3rd - 6th September 2021
I was not able to visit Wilpattu from April this year as the park was closed due to the pandemic and the imposition of travel restrictions.
7.53am entered the park. Guides are not available to accompany the visitors due to the pandemic.
12 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
7.57am 2 Spotted Deer stags between the park entrance and Kone Gaha Ela.
7.59am 4 Spotted Deer between Kone Gaha Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
8.02am 3 Spotted Deer between Kone Gaha Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
8.04am a small sounder of 4 Wild Boar and 5 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
8.15am 2 Spotted Deer between Thammanna Wala and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
8.30am 5 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.33am 14 more Spotted Deer and a Ruddy Mongoose at Maradanmaduwa.
8.36am 6 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.46am one Sambhur between Ibba Wala and Humbas Wala.
8.48am a Parker’s Black Turtle at Humbas Wala.
8.54am another Sambhur between Boralu Wala and Walas Wala.
8.56am an adult male Sambhur accompanied by 2 females between Walas Wala and Borupan junction.
9.03am Vanda spathulata orchid in bloom at Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
9.06am 26 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
9.18am 4 Spotted Deer and a Flapshell Turtle at Nelum Wila.
9.19am 14 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
9.27am 12 more Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
9.43am 7 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
9.46am 14 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
9.47am 2 Spotted Deer on Panikkar Villu upper road.
9.52am 3 Spotted Deer stags at Kombansanchaipooval.
9.57am 11 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
10.07am 27 more Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
11.26am five Lesser Adjutant Storks at Kumutu Villu.
11.30am a Spotted Deer stag between Kumutu Villu and Kanjuran Villu.
11.34am a Lesser Adjutant at Kanjuran Villu.
11.47am a baby Mugger Crocodile at Illanda Motte.
12.00noon 27 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
12.07pm one Sambhur between Herathhamy Wala and Kattarambu Villu.
12.14pm 2 Spotted Deer at Thora Wila.
12.43pm 3 Spotted Deer between Downhall Pitiya and Illanda Motte.
12.59am observed a male Roller Dung Beetle ( telecoprid ) moving a “Ping Pong” ball sized dung ball from a pile of Buffalo dung. Despite the obstacles such as twigs and plants the male would always move its brood ball only in one direction with the female seated on the ball. These industrious beetles have amazing strength and can roll more than 50 times their body weight even on an uneven surface. It’s taken to a location of his choice and buried. The female would deposit her eggs on the same and the larvae once hatched would feed on the dung.
1.01pm 3 Spotted Deer at Manikrala Uraniya.
1.10pm 15 Spotted Deer at Eriyakkulampooval.
1.12pm 6 Spotted Deer and a Mugger Crocodile at Mahapatessa.
1.16pm 19 Spotted Deer and 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Kudapatessa.
1.34pm an Osprey at Kokkare Villu.
1.45pm a troop of Grey Langur on Kokkare Villu upper road.
1.47pm another troop of Grey Langur on Kokkare Villu upper road.
2.03pm 15 Spotted Deer and a Flapshell Turtle at Borupan Wila.
2.09pm 16 Spotted Deer at Thimibiri Wila.
2.15pm a sounder of 18 Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
2.57pm 11 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
3.23pm a herd of 10 Wild Buffalo at Kokkare Villu.
3.44pm 16 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
3.47pm a large Mugger Crocodile basking in the sun at Borupan Wila.
4.05pm 3 Leopards between Borupan junction and Walas Wala. N 08.41641, E 080.02534
I arrived at Borupan junction from Borupan Wila and turned the vehicle towards Walas Wala. There were two leopard cubs and a female on the road. The cubs ran in to the forest, but the adult female remained. I immediately turned off the engine and started to photograph the leopard on the road. After about 6 minutes one cub slowly walked towards the mother. It was a female cub of about 4 months. She greeted the cub by licking her back and the cub responded by caressing her with its tail which is so typical of leopard behaviour. The cub sat beside its mother offering me an opportunity to make a few good images. In a few minutes the cub was alerted by a movement in the forest and walked in that direction. As she did the second cub trotted across the road and moved into the forest. It would have been great if this cub at least stopped briefly permitting me to get a few images. The mother and the cub that remained on the road also walked thereafter into the forest. I was not able get any images of the second cub except for a record shot as it ran across the road. The second cub looked a male. Later upon examination of the spot pattern I was pleased to note that this is Walas Wala Female 4 (WWF 4) on my site. I have records of this female from April 2019. My first sighting of her was in July 2020 where I estimated her age to be around 4 and a half years. There was no record of her having any previous litter. Thus, it is very likely that this is her first litter. I named the single cub that I was able to photograph Walas Wala Female 5 with the code (WWFC 5) for the purpose of my study.
4.30pm a Crested Serpent Eagle in its first year of life at Humbas Wala.
4.42pm a Black-naped Hare at Madangaha Wala.
4.47pm another Leopard between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila. N 08.41641, E 080.02534
I drove up to Kumbuk Wila and turned towards Mahapatessa. In less than 30 meters from the resting area heard the frantic alarm calls of Grey Langurs indicating the presence of a leopard. I carefully observed the surrounding area but could not spot the leopard. Thus, I drove down to Mahapatessa to give some time for the leopard to move on to the road and was rewarded on my return journey as the leopard was walking in my direction. I reversed the vehicle to maintain adequate space and started to photograph. It was Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2) popularly referred to as Cleopatra. One of the main reasons for my visit to the park was to photograph the two cubs of this female that had eluded me on a few occasions. I was excited expecting her to be accompanied by her two cubs but soon realized that she was on her own. The bold female would sniff and “mark” the bushes (scent mark by spraying urine) as she walked. I was able to get some good images of her walking towards me, but I ensured that I maintain an adequate distance to give her adequate space. Having walked almost up to Mahapatessa she moved into the forest. I drove down to Mahapatessa expecting to see her again but had no luck.
6.10pm left the park
6.16pm 2 Elephants at the Hunuwilagama Tank.
8.00pm at Wilpattu Safari Camp one Elephant moved into the camp premises to feed on the Palmyra fruits.Mammals - Elephant 3, Leopard 4, Indian Buffalo 10, Sambhur 6, Spotted Deer 324, Wild Boar 22, Ruddy Mongoose 1, Black-naped Hare 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 4, Flapshell Turtle 2, Parker’s Black Turtle 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.4th September 2021
6.33am entered the park. My friend Darrell Batholomeus joined me on this game drive.
6.33am 74 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.7.05am one Leopard at Maha Wewa. N 08.37500, E 080.12736
We drove down to Maha Wewa and spotted a female leopard lying on a small earth bund by the side of the road. She was quite relaxed and allowed us to get some good images. After about 10 minutes she stretched herself and walked behind the vehicle and moved into the forest. Later upon examination of her spot pattern I was quite pleased to note that this is one of the two female cubs of the first litter of Thammanna Wala Female 2 (THWF 2) that I had listed under Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section as Maha Wewa Leopard 1. Even though I had records of her from July 2018 this is my first sighting of this elusive female. I had received images of this female with a cub in February 2021 but there was no record of the cub since then. Considering the first records of this cat I estimated her age to be around 5 years and 2 months now. I named it Maha Wewa Female 1 with the code MHWF 1.
7.34am 27 Wild Buffalo at Maha Wewa
7.37am 23 Spotted Deer, 4 Buffalo and 4 Mugger Crocodiles at Maha Wea.
7.39am 6 Buffalo and a Lesser Adjutant Stork at Maha Wewa.
7.41am 6 Spotted Deer and 34 Buffalo at Maha Wewa.
7.42am 42 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
7.44am 6 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
7.46am 23 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
The surface of the road from Maha Wewa up to Maradanmaduwa has become extremely slippery and muddy after the rains. We managed to reach Maradanmaduwa with the greatest difficulty. As the road has been broadened it will be an interesting root to take during dry weather and should be less slippery once the topsoil gets compacted in time to come.
9.10am 21 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.9.21am a Leopard at Boralu Wala. N 08.40768, E 080.04290
It was a young male leopard and was seen at the opening to the right. It was a brief sighting. The young male leopard stood up and walked into the forest within a few minutes. Later upon examination of its spot pattern I noted that this is Boralu Wala Male 1 (BRWMC 1), one of the two cubs of the first litter of Boralu Wala Female 2 (BRWFC 2). This is my second sighting of this leopard with the first being in April this year at the same location.
9.30am an adult male Wild boar and a Parker’s Black Turtle at Walas Wala.
11.28am 3 Leopards on Kumbuk Wila upper road. N 08.41846, E 080.00845
We drove on to Kumbuk Wila upper road and safari Jeep driver Hiranjan Dilshan informed us that Cleopatra and the two cubs had been seen about half an hour ago on this road. We waited for about an hour expecting them to move back on to the road but had no success. Around 11.25am a Ceylon Jungle Fowl and few Indian Palm Squirrels started making alarm calls and we were able to spot the leopards lying together about 15 feet from the edge of the road. The two cubs that I have listed under Leopards of Wilpattu – Guest section as Maha Wewa Leopard 3 & 4 were seen with their mother Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2). Even though the cats were partly covered in foliage I was thrilled as this was my first sighting of these cubs. The first images I received of these cubs were from Dr. Rishani Gunasinghe in February 2021 where I estimated their age to around 5 months. They are about a year old now. Considering the location, of my first sighting I named them Kumbuk Wila Male 1 (KWMC 1) and Kumbuk Wila Male 2 (KWMC 2) for the purpose of my study. Having taken a few record images, I reversed expecting them to move on to the road. But with the arrival of a two more jeeps the cats moved further into the forest.
11.54am a Ruddy Mongoose on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
12.01pm 12 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
12.06pm a male White-rumped Shama vocalizing on an exposed branch on Kokkare Villu upper road.
1.39pm 2 Giant Squirrel at Nelum Wila.
5.16pm a Sambhur at Walas Wala.5.21pm a Leopard at Boralu Wala. N 08.40781, E 080.04263
The Leopard was seated at the edge of water on to the right. It was Boralu Wala Male 1 (BRWMC 1), the same young male leopard that we had photographed in the morning on the opposite side of Boralu Wala. Upon our arrival he climbed up the embankment and took cover behind a small mound of earth.
5.30pm Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa had increased to 58.
5.43pm 2 Golden Jackal at Palu Kola Wala.
5.45pm 7 Spotted Deer at Divulgas Mandiya.
6.00pm a Buffalo at Percy Bendi Wewa.Mammals - Leopard 5, Indian Buffalo 72, Sambhur 1, Spotted Deer 235, Wild Boar 1, Golden Jackal 2, Ruddy Mongoose 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 4, Parker’s Black Turtle 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.5th September 2021
6.15am entered the park.
6.16am a Giant Squirrel leapt from one tree to another across the road between the park entrance and Kone Gaha Ela.
6.22am 2 Spotted Deer at Ranawara Pitiya.
6.37am 3 Spotted Deer at Divulgas Mandiya.
6.40am 2 White-necked Stork at Palu Kola Wala.
6.43am Bird’s Eye Tree Ochna obtusata (Mal Kera) was in bloom between Palu Kola Wala and Maradanmaduwa.
6.54am 46 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.56am one Sambhur in the company of 6 Spotted Deer between Maradanmaduwa and Thambioluwa.
7.15am 2 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
7.16am 3 Spotted Deer between Kumbuk Wila and Mahapatessa.
7.17am a Barking Deer between Kumbuk Wila and Mahapatessa.
7.18am a herd of 10 Wild Buffalo and 5 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.7.46am a Leopard between Mahapatessa and Kudapatessa. N 08.43258, E 079.99748
I was driving from Mahapatessa towards Kudapatessa and spotted the Leopard walking in my direction. I reversed and got a few images of the advancing cat. It was an adult female, and I was able to instantly recognize her as Manikrala Uraniya Female 1 (MRUF 1) popularly known in the park as the Kuruttupandi Female. She walked almost up to Mahapatessa but her attention was drown to some movement from the forest and she sprinted off the road. As no distress call followed, I knew that she did not make any kill.
8.20am 3 Black-tailed Godwits, Lesser sand Plovers, Golden Plovers, Wood, Common and Marsh Sandpipers, and a Common Green Shank at Thimbiri Wila.
8.25am 14 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
8.34am 19 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
8.47am 12 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa.
9.07am troop of Grey Langurs and a troop of Toque Monkeys playing together between Manik Wila and Kumutu Villu. I was quite pleased to see the younger members of these two species mingling together. They would chase each other on the road and around a termite hill as the more senior members of both species watched from the trees. Positive interactions such as playing between members of different species that compete for similar food sources is not very commonly observed in the wild.
9.09am 4 Spotted Deer and 5 Lesser Adjutant Stork at Kumutu Villu.
10.13am 2 Spotted Deer and a Mugger Crocodile at Eriyakkulampooval.
10.59am 6 Spotted Deer at Borupan Pitiya.
11.24am one Parker’s Black Turtle at Humbas Wala.
12.13pm 38 Spotted Deer at Maha Wewa.
12.17pm 17 Spotted Deer and 15 buffaloes at Maha Wewa.
12.19pm 42 Spotted Deer and 12 more Buffaloes at Maha Wewa.
12.31pm a troop of Grey Langur at Maha Wewa.
1.52pm 12 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
2.14pm 35 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila. The whole herd was lying down in the open field exposed to the sun.
3.20pm one Leopard between Kanjuran Villu and Kaali Villu. N 08.46498, E 079.95459
A round 2.30pm while I was at Mahapatessa the jeep drivers who were returning from Kudiramale point informed me of two leopards seen at Kanjuran Villu. I decided to drive up to Kanjuran. When I arrived as there were no signs of the leopards, I proceeded towards Kaali Villu and spotted an adult male leopard by the side of the road walking towards Kanjuran Villu. He moved into the forest as my vehicle came to a halt. I immediately drove ahead for about 10 minutes and turned the vehicle. On my return journey I approached the area where the leopard was seen at very slow speed. I was pleased when I saw the pug parks back on the road. He has moved back on to the road and was walking towards Kanjuran Villu. I drove forward and saw the leopard on the road. I then followed him while maintaining about 25 meters distance all the way up to the villu. Having arrived at the villu he moved along the edge of the forest and started to sniff one place for some time with its body close to the ground. He then rubbed his face and rolled over as if he is scratching his back. Perhaps this was the location where the other two leopards were seen few hours ago. Thereafter he continued to walk along the forest edge while stopping every 25 feet or so to sniff and “mark” the bushes. Having walked across the villu he moved into the forest and started “sawing” (a leopard call which resembles sawing of wood).
Later upon examining his spot pattern I was able to recognize the leopard as Herathhamy Wala Male 1 (HHWM 1). I first saw this leopard at Herathhamy Wala (Thelambugas Wala) in August 2016 when he was around 1 year and six months. He is now a mature male of 6 and a half years and is in his prime.
4.42pm 15 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
4.43pm 7 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.5.05pm one Leopard at Thimbiri Wila. N 08.42732, E 080.01073
When I arrived at Thimbiri Wila from Mahapatessa there were two other jeeps parked and observing a leopard. I quickly got in to position and started to photograph. The setting sun behind the leopard made photography quite challenging. A young male leopard was seated at the edge of the forest. As I watched and photographed, he moved to the edge of the water and started to drink. Thereafter he moved back to the edge of the forest. Later upon examination of the spot pattern I realized that this is Kumbuk Wila Male 1 (KWMC 1), one of the two male cubs of Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2).
5.35pm a troop of Grey Langur at Thambioluwa.
6.02pm a big male leopard between Ranawara Pitiya and Kone Gaha Ela. N 08.32491, E 080.13879
Upon spotting the leopard the vehicle ahead of me stopped and the cat moved into the forest and sat on its hunches. His face was covered by foliage. I reversed my vehicle a little so that I had a less obstructed view and managed to get a few images of its head adequate for identification. The next moment the leopard moved further into the forest. Later upon examining the spot pattern I was surprised to note that this is a new leopard and I had not even received images of this cat from any one earlier. I named it Ranawara Pitiya Male 3 (RPM 3) for the purposes of my study.
6.10pm left the park
6.15pm 4 Elephants at the Hunuwilagama Tank.
Mammals - Elephant 4, Leopard 4, Indian Buffalo 37, Sambhur 1, Spotted Deer 290, Barking Deer 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Parker’s Black Turtle 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
6th September 2021
6.12am entered the park.
6.18am 3 Spotted Deer between Ranawara Pitiya and Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.20am a buffalo at Percy Bendi Wewa.
6.28am 2 Spotted Deer between Kala Gedi Bokkuwa and Palu Kola Wala.
6.36am 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
6.56am 19 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.7.15am one Leopard at Thimbiri Wila. N 08.42758, E 080.01035
The leopard was on the road and moved few feet in to the forest and lied down. It was an adult female and was partly covered by foliage. I managed to get a few images prior to her moving into the forest. It was Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2), the mother of the two cubs.
7.19am a Ruddy Mongoose between Thimbiri Wila and Mahapatessa.
7.29am 17 Spotted Deer and 2 Mugger Crocodiles at Kudapatessa.
7.35am a Ruddy Mongoose at Kuruttupandi Villu upper road.
7.54am 15 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
8.03am 2 Spotted Deer at Kattarabu Villu.
8.07am 2 Spotted Deer and a large female Parkers Black Turtle on the road at Thora Wila.
8.18am 2 White-necked Stork at Herathhamy Wala.
8.39am 7 Spotted Deer between Kumutu Villu and Kanjuran Villu.
9.02am 3 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
9.32am 2 Spotted Deer between Nelum Wila and Panikkar Villu.
9.38am an Adult male Wild Boar at Aalam Villu.
9.42am an adult male Wild Boar ran across the road ahead of the vehicle on Panikkar villu upper road.
9.47am 7 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval.
10.19am 4 Spotted Deer stags at Madangaha Wala.
10.23am a Ruddy Mongoose between Kumbuk Wila and Mahapatessa.2.00pm two leopards at Thimbiri Wila. N 08.42732, E 080.01073
I arrived at Thimbiri Wila from Mahapatessa at 10.30 and decided to park and wait at this locality. As I photographed Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2) in the morning I expected the cubs also to be in the vicinity and that they would move out to drink towards evening. Around 2pm as expected Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2) the mother walked to the edge of the forest and in a few minutes one of her cubs the Kumbuk Wila Male 2 (KWMC 2) walked up to her. Thereafter both leopards were lying down close to each other. Our patience paid off when around 3.47pm the mother, KWFC 2 walked to the edge of the water followed by her cub KWMC 2 to drink. Having quenched their thirst, the mother lay down in the open, but the cub swiftly moved into the forest. In a few minutes the mother also followed the cub into the forest.
4.08pm a male Wild Boar crossed the road at Walas Wala.
4.16pm 2 Parker’s Black Turtle’s at Ibba Wala.
4.17pm 2 Sambhur, a female and a calf between Ibba Wala and Kuda Boralu Wala.
4.20pm 15 Spotted Deer and a Star Tortoise at Maradanmaduwa.
4.40pm a Star Tortoise at Kone Gaha Ela.
4.41pm a troop of grey Langur between Kone Gaha Eala and the park entrance.
4.47pm left the park.
5.01pm photographed a breeding colony of Baya Weavers on the road to Wilpattu Safari Camp. Several nests in different stages were seen hanging from their unique “stalks” in one tree. The sound of constant chattering increases when females visit the colony. Male birds hang on to their partly built nests and make almost pleading calls while displaying by shaking their wings.
Mammals - Leopard 2, Indian Buffalo 1, Sambhur 2, Spotted Deer 105, Wild Boar 3, Ruddy Mongoose 3, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 2, Parker’s Black Turtle 2, Star Tortoise 2, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the field trip
Birds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Asiatic Golden Plover, Wood, Marsh and Common Sand Piper, Black-tailed Godwits, Blue-tailed Bee eaters, Ceylon Trogan,
Butterflies – Tawny Raja, Banded Peacock, Tawny Coaster, Blue Mormon, Common Mormon, Chestnut Streaked Sailor, Crimson Rose, Redspot Duke, Common Lascar, Common Gull, Lesser Albatross, Common Jay, Lime Butterfly, Chocolate Soldier
Wild Orchids – Vanda spathulata and Vanda tessellataFruiting Trees – Ilapaththa,
Flowering Trees - Lunu Warna (S) Crataeva adansonii
Wild Flowers - Senna auriculata Tanners Cassia (Ranawara) , Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet (Puruk), Bacopa monnieri Waterhyssop (Lunu-wila), Gmelina asiatica Asiatic Bushbeech (Demata), Cassia fistula Golden Shower Tree (E) Ehela (S), Eriocaulon sp Pipeworts (E) Kok Mota (S), Evolvulus alsinoides Dwaf Morning Glory (E) Visnu-kranti (S), Hibiscus micranthus Tiny Flower Hibiscus (E) Bebila (S), Leucas biflora Two Flowered Leucas (E) Geta Thumba (S), Limnophila aquatic Giant Ambulia (E) Asian Marshweed (E) Reewul-Puruk-Wila (S), Murdannia spirata Asiatic Dewflower (E) Thana Pala (S), Ochna obtusata Bird’s Eye Tree (E), Mal Kera (S), Memecylon umbellatum Ironwood, Blue Mist (E) Kora Kaha, Atalantia ceylanica Ceylon Atalantia (E) Yakinaran (S) Yak Dehi (S), Cadaba trifoliate Indian Cadaba (E), Irawara (S)
- Wilpattu National Park 15th - 18th April 20211
2.33pm entered the park with my friend Bathiya Senadipathy. It was overcast and the day before the park had received heavy showers.
Less than 100 meters from the park entrance the safari jeep that left ahead of me stopped and started to reverse. A massive bull - Elephant moved on to the road and started to walk down in our direction. The safari jeep reversed pass me. I parked and stood my ground. After a short stand off and a brief mock charge the Elephant reluctantly moved off the road. When I drove pass, him he turned and trumpeted but did not charge.
2.40pm a troop of Grey Langur and 6 Spotted Deer at Kone Gaha Ela.
2.42pm the slight drizzle which started at the park entrance has now become a heavy shower.
2.58pm 4 Spotted Deer between Divulgas Mandiya and Galwanguwa.
3.00pm a Parker’s Black Turtle at Palu Kola Wala.
3.13pm 27 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
3.14pm 21 Spotted Deer at the “Kukulkatu pitiya “in Maradanmaduwa.
3.17pm a Black-naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
The rain subsided and much to our pleasant surprise there was sunlight by the time we reached Walas Wala.
3.47pm 34 Spotted Deer and a troop of Grey Langur at Kumbuk Wila.
4.02pm a sounder of 3 Wild Boar and 4 Spotted Deer at Eriyakulampooval.
4.57pm 4 Spotted Deer at Madangaha Wala.
5.01pm 19 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
5.08pm one Black-naped Hare at Kokkare Villu.
5.22pm a Sambhur just before Walas Wala.
5.28pm one Leopard at Walas Wala. N 08.40781, E 080.04263
It was a male cub and was lying on a branch of a “Palu” tree growing on the bank across Boralu Wala. After taking some images we left as we were already late to reach the park entrance on time. Upon examination of its spot pattern, I realized that this is the single surviving cub of the first of two cubs of Boralu Wala Female 2 (BRWFC 2) that I had been looking forward to seeing during my previous visits without any success. I had included this cub in the Leopards of Wilpattu - Guest section on my site under the name Humbas Wala Leopard 1. Having looked at the images sent to me by Hemantha Wimalasena on 14th November 2020 and 7th January 2021 I was able to determine the age of this cub to be around 7 - 8 months. This is my first sighting of this leopard. I named it Boralu Wala Male 1 with the code (BRWMC 1) for the purpose of my study.
6.15pm left the park.
6.20pm 3 Elephants, 45 Spotted Deer and 4 Wild boar at Hunuwilagama Tank.
Mammals - Elephant 4, Leopard 1, Sambhur 1, Spotted Deer 164, Wild Boar 7, Black-naped Hare 2, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Parker’s Black Turtle 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.16th April 2021
7.00am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake and Bathiya Senadipathy.
A Golden Jackal at the park entrance.
7.26am a lone Wild Buffalo bull between Palukola Wala and Galwanguwa. He held his head down and the tail lifted permitting two Jungle Crows pick off ticks. I also have observed this symbiotic relationship between Wild Boar and the Jungle Crows at Wilpattu.
7.41am 37 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.42am 17 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.05am 4 Spotted Deer stag at Borupan Wila.
8.06am 2 Mugger Crocodile and a Flapshell Turtle at Borupan Wila.
8.10am a Lesser Adjutant Stork at Borupan Wila
8.12am an adult male Wild Boar, a herd of 7 Spotted Deer and another Lesser Adjutant Stork at Thimbiri Wila.
8.41am 4 Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
8.45am 9 Spotted Deer at Eriyakkulampooval.
9.07am a Barking Deer between Downhall Pitiya and Mana Wila.
9.25am a Star Tortoise at Kattarambu Villu.
9.26am 2 Spotted Deer between Kattarambuwa and Nabada Wila.
9.45am 2 Spotted Deer at Mana Wila.
10.02am 6 Spotted Deer at Manik Wila.
10.13am a pair of Black-naped Monarch nesting at Manik Wila.
11.11am a herd of 11 Wild Buffalo with a tiny calf at Borupan Wila.
11.19am a troop of Grey Langur between Borupan Wila and Borupan Junction.
11.34am a Barking Deer at Kuda Boralu Wala.
12.35pm Parker’s Black Turtle at Palu Kola Wala.
1.05pm a Mugger Crocodile at Walas Wala.
1.27pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
1.48pm one Elephant at Kokkare Villu.
1.51pm 5 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
2.06pm one Elephant feeding at Aalam Villu.
2.09pm 5 Spotted Der at Panikkar Villu.
2.15pm an Asiatic Golden Plover in near perfect breeding plumage at Panikkar Villu.
2.29pm 28 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
2.35pm a Spotted Deer stag at Kombansanchipooval sand patch.
2.55pm an Adult male Wild Boar and a pair of Lesser Whistling Teal with ducklings at Nelum Wila.
3.02pm an immature Crested Serpent Eagle at Kokkare Villu. During their first year after fledging the plumage of this species looks very different to the adults. Those who only look for plumage colour and patterns for identification of birds (without concentrating on the general impression and shape) often end up mis identifying these young birds.
3.14pm one Leopard between Kokkare Villu and Kumbuk Wila. N 08.42025, E 080.00220
A safari jeep was parked at a distance and the driver flashed the head lights signaling the presence of a leopard. When I arrived, the leopard had moved into the forest from the open patch where it had been seen. However, we move a little forward and spotted the leopard lying down partly covered by a bush. I managed to get a few images before the animal got up and moved into the forest. Its behaviour suggested that it’s not habituated with vehicles as much as the usually seen leopards. Later upon its spot pattern I was quite pleased to note that this is Illanda Motte Male 1 (IMM 1) that I had photographed in early February 2020 at Illanda Motte. I have so far had only 3 records of this very shy male.
3.24pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Mahapatessa and Thimbiri Wila.
3.28pm 7 Spotted Deer and 2 Mugger Crocodile at Thimbiri Wila.
3.45pm 2 Spotted Deer between Lunu Wewa and Lunu Wila.
3.48pm 4 more Spotted Deer and a sounder of 7 Wild Boar between Lunu Wewa and Lunu Wila.
4.00pm 2 Spotted Deer at Demata Wila.
4.06pm a troop of Grey Langur at Mahapatessa.
4.15pm a Barking Deer between Kudapatessa and Kuruttupandi junction.
4.46pm a sub adult Sanbhur just beyond Walas Wala. This animal has no fear of vehicles or Humans and approaches vehicle seeking human company. Upon inquiry I learnt that few Sambhur had been brought from the Zoological Gardens and released inside the park.
5.12pm a Black-naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
5.35pm a Crested Hawk Eagle was feeding on a Land Monitor kill at Thammanna Wala.
6.10pm left the park.
Mammals - Elephant 2, Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 12, Sambhur 1, Spotted Deer 135, Wild Boar 13, Barking Deer 3, Golden Jackal 1, Ruddy Mongoose 3, Black-naped Hare 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 5, Flapshell Turtle 1, Parker’s Black Turtle 1, Star Tortoise 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.17th April 2021
6.51am entered the park with Bathiya Senadipathy accompanied by guide Tissa Ratnayake.
7.31am 15 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.32am 5 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.33am a Sambhur that was at the edge of the forest at “Kukuklkatu Pitiya” glade ran in to the forest upon our arrival.
7.58am 12 Spotted deer, a sounder 7 Wild Boar and a heard of 11 Wild Buffalo at Borupan Wila.
8.00am a Flapshell Turtle at Borupan Wila.
8.03am 9 Spotted Deer at Thimbiri Wila.
8.09am 6 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
8.55am 2 Golden Jackal at Illanda Motte.
9.12am 2 Spotted Deer at Kuruttupandi Villu.
9.48am 9 Spotted Deer Panikkar Villu upper road.
9.56am 12 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
10.17am 6 Lesser Adjutant Storks, 2 White-necked Storks, 3 Open Bill Storks, 2 Spoonbills and 48 Painted Storks feeding in a small pool of water at Pallekandal.
10.32am 4 Spotted Deer at Pomparippu Pitiya.
11.08am sounder of 11 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
11.10am 7 Spotted Deer at Kombansanchaipooval sand patch.
12.30pm two Mugger Crocodile, a sounder of 6 Wild Boar with17 tiny piglets at Eriyakkulampooval.
12.55pm a Tusker with a single left tusk crossed the road between Mahapatessa and Demata Wila. No photography was possible as the Elephant moved swiftly into the forest. I was informed of a large single tusker seen at Borupan Wila in the morning and was quite certain this is the same animal.
1.20pm considering the direction in which the tusker moved we drove into Eriyakkulampooval expecting him to make an appearance. Tissa, our guide was quite certain that the tusker would come in this direction. About 20 minutes lapsed and my friend and I were dozing off in the midday heat. We were woken up by Tissa’s rushed voice “sir etha, etha”. The tusker was behind some bushes not too far from the vehicle. Our patience was rewarded as the Tusker broke cover and walked out permitting us to get some clear images. He walked away from us along the edge of the villu and sprayed water on its body on a few occasions. Thereafter he started to feed on “Kok Mota”. After some time, the majestic animal walked up the sand dune and moved into the forest. My first sighting of this Tusker was five years ago on the 7th of May 2016 at Pomparippu. In my data base I have referred to him as the Pomparippu Single Tusk tusker. I was quite happy to see him again. I noticed that he has many more “bumps” on his body since I saw him last indicating gunshot injuries that had healed. I wished him well as he disappeared into the forest. The continuous destruction of our forests makes it increasingly difficult for these animals to survive. I hope Wilpattu will provide him a safe sanctuary to live his life without falling prey to a poacher’s gun.
2.43pm a Black-naped Hare at Borupan Pitiya.
2.55pm 6 Spotted Deer on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
2.58pm 4 Spotted deer at Madangaha Wala.
3.40pm 31 Spotted Deer at Manik Wila.
4.36pm 12 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
4.38pm a Star Tortoise and a Black-naped Hare at Kokkare Villu.
4.44pm one Mugger Crocodile at Kumbuk Wila.
4.47pm a Spotted Deer stag at Kumbuk Wila sand patch.
4.51pm a Mugger Crocodile at Walas Wala.
5.11pm a male Sloth Bear at Thambioluwa. He was foraging and had his whole head buried in a termite hole when I saw him first.
5.17pm a Black-naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
5.23pm a Star Tortoise between Galwanguwa and Palu Kola Wala.
5.24pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Galwanguwa and Palu Kola Wala.
5.29pm 2 Black-naped Hare in a glade between Palu Kola Wala and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
5.31pm two Star Tortoises at Divulgas Mandiya. One was drinking off the manmade pond.
5.34pm another Black-naped Hare in the glade before Thammanna Wala.
5.40pm a Star Tortoise in the first glade on Maha Wewa road.
6.00pm left the park.
Mammals - Elephant 1, Sloth Bear 1, Indian Buffalo 11, Sambhur 1, Spotted Deer 123, Wild Boar 41, Golden Jackal 2, Ruddy Mongoose 1, Black-naped Hare 6, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 4, Flapshell Turtle 1, Star Tortoise 5, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
18th April 2021
6.45am entered the park with Bathiya Senadipathy accompanies by guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.47am 5 Spotted Deer between the park entrance and Kone Gaha Ela.
6.55am Puff Ball mushrooms between Percy Bendi Wewa and Paalu Wilandawa junction.
7.22am 17 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.23am 2 Spotted deer at Demata Wila.
8.55am a Ceylon Swallow was seen perched on a dead tree at Manik Wila.
8.56am 12 Spotted Deer at Manik Wila.
10.11am a sounder of 32 Wild Boar at Lunu Wila.
10.21am one Wild Buffalo between Manik Wila and Ochchappu Kallu.
11.08am a rare medicinal plant King of Bitters Munronia pinnata referred to as Bim Kohomba in Sinhala was in bloom at Ochchappu Kallu.
11.13am 2 Spotted Deer between Ochchappu Kallu and Kok Motte.
11.36am one Ruddy Mongoose between Kok Motte and Nabbada Wila.
11.43am one adult male Sambhur at Kattambu Villu.
12.04pm a Flapshell Turtle at Illanda Motte.
12.31pm an Indian Rock Python had caught a Barking Deer between Mahapatessa and Kumbuk Wila. I was only able to get a few record photos due to the many vehicles that were parked at this location.
1.12pm an Elephant at Kokkare Villu.
1.19pm 8 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
1.20pm a herd of 11 Wild Buffalo at Kumbuk Wila.
1.23pm a Sambhur stag between Kumbuk Wila and Borupan Junction.
2.30pm left the park.
Mammals - Elephant 1, Indian Buffalo 12, Sambhur 1, Spotted Deer 46, Wild Boar 32, Ruddy Mongoose 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Indian Grey Mongoose, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey Indian, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.Reptiles – Indian Rock Python 1, Flapshell Turtle 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the field trip
Birds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Black-naped Monarch (Nesting), Indian Plaintive Cuckoo, Asiatic Golden Plover (breeding plumage)
Butterflies - Ceylon Lacewing, Banded Peacock, Tawny Coaster, Monkey Puzzle, Blue Mormon, Blue Mormon, Common Mormon, Common Sailor, Crimson Rose, Redspot Duke, Blue Wanderer, Common Lascar, Common Gull, Common Jay, Lime Butterfly
Wild Orchids - Vanilla walkeraeFruiting Trees – Indi (S) Wild Date Palm (E) Phoenix farinifera
Flowering Trees - Lunu Warna (S) Crataeva adansonii
Wild Flowers - Derris parviflora Sudu Kala Wel (S), Dopatrium nudicaule Small Horsefly’s Eye (Heen Bim Savan), Canavalia virosa Sword Bean, (Mudu Awara), Senna auriculata Tanners Cassia (Ranawara) ,Crotalaria verrucosa Blue Rattlepod (Nil Andanahiriya), Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet (Puruk), Bacopa monnieri Waterhyssop (Lunu-wila), Gmelina asiatica Asiatic Bushbeech (Demata), Bauhinia tomentosa Yellow Orchid Tree (E) Yellow Bell Bauhinia (E) Kaha Pethan (S), Cassia fistula Golden Shower Tree (E) Ehela (S), Centranthera indica Swamp Foxglove (E) Dutu Sathutu (S), Connarus monocarpus Indian Zeebra Wood (E) Radaliya (S), Crossandra infundibuliformis Fire Cracker Flower (E), Crotalaria retusa Wedge-leafed Rattlepod (E) Kaha Andanahiriya (S), Eriocaulon sp Pipeworts (E) Kok Mota (S), Evolvulus alsinoides Dwaf Morning Glory (E) Visnu-kranti (S), Hibiscus micranthus Tiny Flower Hibiscus (E) Bebila (S), Ixora coccinea Flame of the Forest (E) Rath Mal (S), Leonotis nepetifolia Lions Ear (E) Maha-yakwanassa (S), Leucas biflora Two Flowered Leucas (E) Geta Thumba (S), Limnophila aquatic Giant Ambulia (E) Asian Marshweed (E) Reewul-Puruk-Wila (S), Murdannia spirata Asiatic Dewflower (E) Thana Pala (S), Ochna obtusata Bird’s Eye Tree (E), Mal Kera (S), Osbeckia zeylanica Ceylon Osbeckia (E) Lanka Bovitiya (S), Memecylon umbellatum Ironwood, Blue Mist (E) Kora Kaha (S), Pancratium biflorum Forest Spider Lily (E) Wal-lunu (S), Pancratium zeylanicum Ceylon Spider Lily (E) Wal Lunu (S)
- Wilpattu National Park 27th - 28th March 2021
7.00am entered the park. No guide was provided due to the shortage of guides.
7.06am a Ruddy Mongoose just before Ranawara pitiya.
7.07am an adult male Wild Boar trotted across the road from the water hole at Ranawara Pitiya.
7.12am 2 Spotted Deer at Paaluwilandawa junction
7.19am between 12 Spotted Deer Thammanna Wala and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
7.38am 8 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
7.46am a Sambhur at Ibba Wala.
8.09am 14 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
8.15am 21 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
9.15am 4 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
9.32am a fresh specimen of a male Indian Sunbeam butterfly at Nelum Wila.
9.57am 9 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Aalam Villu.
10.02am a single Great Orange Tip butterfly “mud sipping” along with a group of Common Gull butterflies at Aalam Villu.
10.08am one Elephant and 7 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
10.26am 42 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 14 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
11.40am a Flapshell Turtle and a large concentration of mostly Lesser Albatross butterflies at Illanda Motte. There were a few Lemon Immigrants and a single Common Jay also settled on the damp earth.
11.45am 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Downhall Pitiya.
11.58am a Barking Deer between Herath Hamy Wala and Kattarambu Villu.
12.44pm an adult male Wild Boar at Illanda Motte.
1.04pm 16 Spotted Deer and a Mugger Crocodile at Mahapatessa.
1.24pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
1.28pm 2 Smabhur crossed the road between Kumbuk Wila and Borupan junction.
1.45pm a small sounder of 4 Wild Boar between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
1.48pm a Mugger Crocodile at Thimbiri Wila.
2.28pm 6 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
2.33pm a Lesser Adjutant at Panikkar Villu and the Spotted Deer has increased to 19.
2.46pm one Elephant at Kokkare Villu.
2.52pm a Sounder of 8 Wild Boar at Nelum Wila pitiya.
3.42pm a White-necked Stork at Madangaha Wala pitiya.
3.58pm 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Nelum Wila.
4.05pm 3 Spotted Deer on Kokkare Villu upper road.
4.09pm a Little Ringed plover of the local race at Kokkare Villu. Three subspecies of this interesting bird have been recognized. Charadrius dubius curonicus breeds in North Africa, Europe and Asia. They migrate to the more temperate countries such as India, Sri Lanka and countries in southern Africa during winter. C.d. dubius breeds from the Philippines to New Guinea and the Bismarck Arch and C.d. jerdoni breeds in Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore and China. The migrant race has a longer all black bill and is larger in size than the race Jerdoni which has a pale yellowish bill base, more extensive white on the forehead and retains the breeding plumage including the swollen yellow eye-ring throughout the year.
4.24pm a Flapshell Turtle at Thimbiri Wila.
4.26pm a Black-naped Hare at Borupan Wila.
4.27pm a female Sambhur with a calf at Borupan Wila.
4.49pm a Barking Deer between Boralu Wala and Humbas Wala.
4.50pm adult male Sambhur antler at Humbas Wala.
4.52pm another Sambhur between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
5.03pm a sounder of 5 Wild Boar on Ikirigollawa Road.
5.13pm a Black-naped Hare at Galwanguwa.
5.15pm a Black-naped Hare between Galwanguwa and Palu Kola Wala.
5.17pm I noticed a small flowering tree of about 12 feet by the side of the road which I had not observed before. Later upon checking the field guides I was able to identify the species as Capparis divaricatareffered to in English as the Spreading Caper.
5.22pm 5 Wild Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
5.27pm 2 Spotted deer between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Thammanna Wala.
5.29pm 2 Black-naped Hare between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Thammanna Wala.
5.40pm a Crested Honey Buzzard bathing in a small manmade pool between Paaluwilandawa and Percybendi Wewa.
5.42pm 6 Spotted Deer at Percy Bendi Wewa.
5.43pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Ranawara pitiya and Weli Ela.
6.00pm left the park.
Having arrived at my bungalow I was quite pleased to observe a herd of 7 Elephants coming to water. The tank shore also had 47 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 6 Wild Boar.
Mammals - Elephant 9, Indian Buffalo 5, Sambhur 7, Spotted Deer 215, Wild Boar 39, Barking Deer 2, Ruddy Mongoose 7, Black-naped Hare 5, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, , Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 2, Flapshell Turtle 2, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
28th March 2021
7.00am entered the park.
7.07am a Barking Deer between the park entrance and Weli Ela.
7.10am 2 Ruddy Mongoose at Ranawara Pitiya.
7.37am 4 Wild Buffalo between Kalagedibokkuwa and Divulgas Mandiya.
7.40am one more Wild Buffalo at Palu Kola Wala.
7.52am 4 Spotted Deer between Galwanguwa and Maradanmaduwa.
8.28am a Barking Deer walked across the road between Borupan junction and Kumbuk Wila.
8.39am 12 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
8.48am 8 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila Pitiya.
9.28 a Ruddy Mongoose between Manik Wila and Kumutu Villu.
9.29am a Golden Jackal between Manik Wila and Kumutu Villu.
9.39am 2 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
9.40pm a troop of grey Langur between Kanjuran and Kaali Villu.
10.22am a Spotted Deer stag ran across the road between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila.
10.25am 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila.
10.31am a White – spotted Chevrotain (Mouse Deer) between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila.
10.38am an adult male Wild Boar ran across the road between Kuveni Palace and Mana Wila.
10.45am and adult male Wild Boar at Kattarambu Villu.
10.53am a Brown Fish Owl perched on the edge of the water flew up to a dead tree at Nabbada Wila.
11.15 two Sambhur antlers between Mana Wila and Downhall Pitiya.
11.55am a Spotted Deer crossed the road between Ilanda Motte and Manikrala Uraniya.
12.46pm a bachelor party of 3 Spotted Deer stags between Demata Wila and Mahapatessa.
1.31pm a Rudy Mongoose on Panikka Wila upper road.
2.03pm a sounder of 12 Wild Boar between Nelum Wila and Thammannagaha junction.
2.36pm a Ruddy Mongoose on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
2.45pm one Leopard between Kokkare Villu and Kumbuk Wila. N 08.41732, E 079.99805
Ranjan, a safari jeep drive informed me that they saw a leopard move into the forest where the road from Madangaha Wala joins Kokkare Villu. I drove down to Kumbuk Wila rest area and turned back while the others drove down Kumbuk Wila upper road. As I expected the leopard had moved back on to the road and was walking in my direction. It was an adult- female and I was able to instantly identify this leopard. It was Kumbuk Wila Female 2 (KWFC 2) popularly referred to as “Cleopatra” by the guides and jeep drivers. Having walked in the direction of Kumbuk Wila she lied down on the road permitting me to get some good images. Unfortunately for me she was not accompanied by her cubs. Upon the arrival of a few other jeeps, she moved into the forest but continued her walk towards Kumbuk Wila.
3.22pm a Mugger Crocodile at Kudapatessa.
3.39pm two Lesser Whistling Teals perched on an exposed branch allowed me to make a nice image.
4.04pm 53 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
4.12pm one Leopard at Tala Wila. N 08.37969, E 079.94600
I drove to the Pomparippu end of Tala Wila to photograph the 50+ Spotted Deer herd that was grazing. Upon my return spotted an adult female leopard walking across the open plains. The leopard turned and looked in my direction once but continued to walk until she moved into the forest. Later upon examination her spot pattern I identified it to be Kombansanchaipooval Female 1 (KSPF 1).
4.36pm another leopard at Panikka Wila junction. But it moved into the forest as I arrived. I was not able to get any images of this animal and had to move on as I had to reach the park entrance by 6.15pm
5.30pm a Star Tortoise between Maradanmaduwa and galwanguwa.
5.33pm another leopard at Palu Kola Wala. N 08.36338, E 080.10028
It was also a female and was seated on the bund. I was quite pleased when the leopard walked down the bund and started to drink. Having drunk for about 6 minutes she walked up the bund and moved into the forest. Upon examining her spot & rosette pattern I was pleased to note that this is Divulgas Mandiya Female 1 (DGMF 1).
5.43pm a Black-naped Hare between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Thammanna Wala.
5.45pm another leopard on the road between Paaluwilandawa junction and Percy Bendi Wewa. N 08.34908, E 080.11762
It was also a female leopard and was lying across the road. As I stopped the vehicle she stood up and started to walk in my direction. I was not able to reverse to give way for the advancing leopard as there were other vehicles parked behind me. Having walked almost up to the vehicle she moved into the forest. Having examined the spot pattern I realized that this is Percy Bendi Wewa Female 2 (PBWF 2) on my site. I was quite excited as I have had only one brief sighting of this elusive female in August 2020.
Observing leopards in Wilpattu requires patience and persistence. Whole of yesterday I did not have a single leopard sighting despite driving all over the park throughout the day. Except for stopping to have my meals I always drive continuously to maximize the chances of seeing leopards and other wildlife. I have had many undisturbed sightings during midday when most others take a rest at Kumbuk Wila. As 70% of the land area in Wilpattu is covered in dense forest most roads are not exposed to the sun and animals including leopards are sometimes seen on these roads even during midday. It was quite frustrating as some of the others in the park have had leopard sightings. I stopped to have lunch around 2 pm and wondered whether the lack of sightings the previous day and today is due to my not having an extra pair of eyes in the form of a guide. The park office had decided not to provide guides to those who are familiar with the park roads due to an acute shortage of staff. I quickly finished lunch and commenced the game drive again as I was determined to at least one leopard before end of the day. It was almost unbelievable when within the next three hours I had five leopard sightings almost one after the other.
6.10pm left the park.Mammals - Leopard 5, Indian Buffalo 4, Sambhur 2, Spotted Deer 84, Wild Boar 14, Barking Deer 2, Golden Jackal 1, Ruddy Mongoose 5, Black-naped Hare 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, White – spotted Chevrotain 1, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 1, Star Tortoise 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the field tripBirds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Crested Honey Buzzard, Little Ringed plover, Indian Cuckoo (singing), Indian Three-toed Kingfisher,
Butterflies – Blue Mormon, Blue Wanderer, Indian Sunbeam, Lesser Albatross, Lemon Migrant, Common Jay, Tailed Jay, Banded Peacock, Great Eggfly, Great Orange Tip. Crimson Rose
Wild Orchids – Vanda spathulate, Vanda tessellate
Fruiting Trees – Indi (S) Wild Date Palm (E) Phoenix farinifera
Flowering Trees - Lunu Warna (S) Crataeva adansonii
Wild Flowers - Derris parviflora Sudu Kala Wel (S), Dopatrium Junceum Horsefly’s Eye (Bim Savan), Dopatrium nudicaule Small Horsefly’s Eye (Heen Bim Savan), Canavalia virosa Sword Bean, (Mudu Awara), Senna auriculata Tanners Cassia (Ranawara) ,Crotalaria verrucosa Blue Rattlepod (Nil Andanahiriya), Crotalaria medicaginea Trefoil Rattlepod (E), Adanahiriya (S), Hibiscus eriocarpus Maple-leaved Mallow (Kapukinissa), Plumbago zeylanica Ceylon Leadwort (Ela Nithol), Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet (Puruk), Bacopa monnieri Waterhyssop (Lunu-wila), Gmelina asiatica Asiatic Bushbeech (Demata), Caesalpinia bonducella Gray Nicker (E) Bonduc Nut (E) Kumburu (S), Bauhinia tomentosa Yellow Orchid Tree (E) Yellow Bell Bauhinia (E) Kaha Pethan (S), Cadaba trifoliate Indian Cadaba (E), Irawara (S), Cassia fistula Golden Shower Tree (E) Ehela (S), Centranthera indica Swamp Foxglove (E) Dutu Sathutu (S), Connarus monocarpus Indian Zeebra Wood (E) Radaliya (S), Crossandra infundibuliformis Fire Cracker Flower (E), Crotalaria retusa Wedge-leafed Rattlepod (E) Kaha Andanahiriya (S), Eriocaulon sp Pipeworts (E) Kok Mota (S), Evolvulus alsinoides Dwaf Morning Glory (E) Visnu-kranti (S), Hibiscus micranthus Tiny Flower Hibiscus (E) Bebila (S), Ixora coccinea Flame of the Forest (E) Rath Mal (S), Leonotis nepetifolia Lions Ear (E) Maha-yakwanassa (S), Leucas biflora Two Flowered Leucas (E) Geta Thumba (S), Limnophila aquatic Giant Ambulia (E) Asian Marshweed (E) Reewul-Puruk-Wila (S), Murdannia spirata Asiatic Dewflower (E) Thana Pala (S), Ochna obtusata Bird’s Eye Tree (E), Mal Kera (S), Osbeckia zeylanica Ceylon Osbeckia (E) Lanka Bovitiya (S), Capparis divaricata Spreading Caper (E)
- Wilpattu National Park 6th - 07th March 2021
8.00am entered the park with my friend Bathiya Senadhipathy and guide Kapilan Sivarasa.
8.01am 2 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
8.08am 3 Spotted Deer between Kone Gaha Ela and Ranawara Pitiya.
8.23am a Spotted Deer just passing Thammanna Wala.
8.42am 2 Golden Jacal at Maradanmaduwa.
9.14am 2 Spotted Deer at Thambioluwa.
9.42am 12 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
10.09am 6 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
11.24pm 7 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
11.44am a single Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Aalam Villu.
11.46am a Barking Deer at Aalam Villu.
1.31pm a pair of Chestnut-headed Bee Eater excavating a nest hole at Mana Wila sand patch. These birds were seen excavating nest holes at many sandy locations in the park.
2.03pm one Leopard Between Manikrala Uraniya and Eriyakkulampooval. N 08.43739, E 080.00172
The female leopard was lying on a horizontal branch of a tree about 30 feet from the road. She was quite relaxed and looked in our direction offering me to get a few good images. In a few minutes she stood up and walked down the tree trunk on to the ground. Having “marked” the foot of the tree she moved on to the road and started to walk towards Eriyakkulampooval. After examining the surroundings for a few minutes, she walked to the edge of the water and drank water for a few minutes. A Wild Boar that was feeding on the edge of this water body towards the Demata Wila end detected her presence and ran in to the forest. Having walked along the strip between the water’s edge and the forest she moved into the forest in the direction of Demata Wila. Upon checking the spot pattern, I was happy to note that this is Manikrala Uraniya Female 1 (MRUF 1).
2.35pm a female Jungle Fowl with an immature at Kumbuk Wila.
3.26pm 4 Spotted Deer and a Mugger Crocodile at Thimbiri Wila.
3.41pm one Elephant at Kokkare Villu.
3.45pm 10 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
3.47pm a sounder of 14 Wild Boar at Kokkare Villu.
4.00pm 6 Spotted Deer at Kudapatessa.
4.01pm a Mugger Crocodile at Kudpatessa.
4.59pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Kudapatessa and Mahapatessa.
5.02pm a Mugger Crocodile at Mahapatessa.
5.10pm 16 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
5.21pm a female Sambhur feeding close to Humbas Wala.
6.10pm left the park.
Mammals – Elephant 1, Leopard 1, Sambhur 1, Spotted Deer 71, Wild Boar 15, Barking Deer 1, Golden Jackal 2, Ruddy Mongoose 1,Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 3, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.7th March 2021
6.55am entered the park with guide Sampath Aanada.
7.23am 2 Spotted Deer between Thammanna Wala and Maha Wewa.
7.34am a Black-naped Hare at Maha Wewa.
7.52am 4 Spotted Deer between Kalagedi Bokkuwa and Divulgas Mandiya.
8.01am 2 Wild Buffalo between Palu Kola Wala and Gal Wanguwa.
8.06am 4 Spotted Deer between Galwanguwa and Maradanmaduwa.
8.08am A male Indian Peafowl eagerly displaying to a female caused a roadblock at Maradanmaduwa. Not wanting to disturb the performer we waited for him to move off the road. 17 Spotted Deer at “Kukulkatu pitiya”.
8.40am a Giant Squirrel at Humbas Wala.
8.46am a Mugger Crocodile at Wales Wala.
8.58am a Wild Buffalo at Borupan Wila.
9.00am a sounder of 8 Wild Boar feeding at the water’s edge at Timbiri Wila.
9.01am a Spotted Deer stag between Timbiri Wila and Mahapatessa.
9.07am 12 Spotted Deer and a Wild Boar at Mahapatessa.
9.09am 2 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
9.35am a male Orange-headed Ground Thrush between Kuruttupandi junction and Kuruttupandi Villu.
9.36am an adult male Wild Boar at Kuruttupandi Villu.
9.47am a troop of Grey Langur between Kumutu Villu and Kanjuran Villu.
9.52am 12 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 12 Wild Boar at Kanjuran Villu.
10.07am a sounder of 14 Wild Boar at Kaali Villu.
10.10am a Ruddy Mongoose between Kaali Villu and Mara Wila.
10.26am 7 Spotted Deer at Mara Wila.
11.01am 4 Spotted Deer and a Barking Deer at Mana Wila.
11.02am sounder of 8 Wild Boar at Mana Wila.
11.05am a male Rusty Spotted Cat between Mana Wila and Herathhamy Wala.
The small feline was stalking some prey and was crouched on the road. Upon our arrival the little predator quicky moved off the road. I reversed, stopped the engine and waited. My patience paid off when the cat cautiously emerged from the foliage after about 15 minutes permitting me to get a few images of this seldom seen cat. Despite being common it is a very rare to see them during daytime.
11.32am a Ruddy Mongoose between Nabada Wila and Kattarabu Villu.
12.59pm a Barking Deer between Thammanna Gaha junction and Nelum Wila.
1.28pm a sounder of 17 Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
1.35pm two Yellow-wattled Lapwings at Tala Wila.
2.04pm 7 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
2.30pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Kudapatessa and Mahapatessa.
2.47pm a sounder of 18 Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
2.50pm 5 Spotted Deer, a sounder of 8 Wild Boar and a troop of Grey Langur at Thimbiri Wila.
3.14pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Mahapatessa and Kudapatessa.
3.44pm a troop of Grey Langur on Kokkare Villu upper road.
4.16pm a heard of 17 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 4 Wild Boar at Borupan Wila.
4.17pm 2 Spotted Deer at Borupan pitiya.
4.50pm 3 Spotted Deer at Palu Kola Wala.
5.02pm a Wild Buffalo at Percy Bendi Wewa.
5.20pm left the park
Mammals - Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Indian Buffalo 4, Sambhur, Spotted Deer 98, Wild Boar 91, Barking Deer 2, Golden Jackal, Ruddy Mongoose 3, Black-naped Hare 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Indian Grey Mongoose, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey Indian Brown Mongoose, White – spotted Chevrotain, Common Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Sri Lanka Golden, Striped-backed Palm Civet, Fishing Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat 1, Jungle Cat, Indian Crested Porcupine, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile, Flapshell Turtle, Parker’s Black Turtle, Spotted Black Turtle, Star Tortoise, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Green Garden Lizard, Painted-lip Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the field tripBirds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Indian Pitta, Indian Blue Chat, Yellow-wattled Lapwing
Butterflies – Pea Blue, Crimson Rose,
Wild Orchids – Vanda tesselate,
Fruiting trees – Kiri Koone in bloom
Wild Flowers - Dopatrium Junceum Horsefly’s Eye (Bim Savan), Dopatrium nudicaule Small Horsefly’s Eye (Heen Bim Savan), Canavalia virosa Sword Bean, (Mudu Awara), Senna auriculata Tanners Cassia (Ranawara) ,Crotalaria verrucosa Blue Rattlepod (Nil Andanahiriya), Crotalaria laburnifolia Bird Flower (Yak-beriya), Crotalaria medicaginea Trefoil Rattlepod (E), Adanahiriya (S), Hibiscus eriocarpus Maple-leaved Mallow (Kapukinissa), Plumbago zeylanica Ceylon Leadwort (Ela Nithol), Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet (Puruk), Bacopa monnieri Waterhyssop (Lunu-wila), Gloriosa superba Glory Lily (Niyangala), Gmelina asiatica Asiatic Bushbeech (Demata), Cadaba trifoliate Indian Cadaba (E), Caesalpinia bonducella Gray Nicker (E) Bonduc Nut (E) Kumburu (S), Bauhinia tomentosa Yellow Orchid Tree (E) Yellow Bell Bauhinia (E) Kaha Pethan (S), Cadaba trifoliate Indian Cadaba (E), Irawara (S), Cassia fistula Golden Shower Tree (E) Ehela (S), Centranthera indica Swamp Foxglove (E) Dutu Sathutu (S), Connarus monocarpus Indian Zeebra Wood (E) Radaliya (S), Crossandra infundibuliformis Fire Cracker Flower (E), Crotalaria retusa Wedge-leafed Rattlepod (E) Kaha Andanahiriya (S), Drosera burmannii Tropical Sundew (E) Watessa (S), Eriocaulon sp Pipeworts (E) Kok Mota (S), Evolvulus alsinoides Dwaf Morning Glory (E) Visnu-kranti (S), Hibiscus micranthus Tiny Flower Hibiscus (E) Bebila (S), Impatiens oppositifolia Rosmary Leaved Balsam (E), Ipomoea sepiaria Purple Heart Glory (E), Ixora coccinea Flame of the Forest (E) Rath Mal (S), Leonotis nepetifolia Lions Ear (E) Maha-yakwanassa (S), Leucas biflora Two Flowered Leucas (E) Geta Thumba (S), Limnophila aquatic Giant Ambulia (E) Asian Marshweed (E) Reewul-Puruk-Wila (S), Murdannia spirata Asiatic Dewflower (E) Thana Pala (S), Ochna obtusata Bird’s Eye Tree (E), Mal Kera (S), Osbeckia zeylanica Ceylon Osbeckia (E) Lanka Bovitiya (S), Pseuderanthemum latifolium Broad-leaf False Eranthamum (E)
- Wilpattu National Park 4th - 07th February 2021
7.15am entered the park with Bathiya Senadipathy and our guide Tissa Ratnayake.
7.22am 3 Spotted Deer at Ranawara pitiya.
7.28am 7 Spotted Deer at Percy bendi Wewa.
7.29am 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Percy bendi Wewa and Paaluwilandawa junction.
7.40am a Spotted Deer stag at Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
8.23am a Flapshell Turtle at Walas Wala.
8.29am one Elephant feeding across the water body at Borupan Wila.
8.31am a herd of 12 Spotted Deer at Borupan pitiya.
9.33am an Elephant at Nelum Wila.
9.49am 3 Spotted Deer at Aalam Villu.
9.54am 19 Spotted Deer at Panikkar Villu.
10.14am 32 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
10.18am a lone Spotted Deer stag between Tala Wila and Kombansanchaipooval.
10.36am 7 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila.
11.00am 27 Spotted Deer and a large Mugger Crocodile at Manik Wila.
11.04am 2 Golden Jackal between Manik Wila and Illanda Motte.
12.25pm one female leopard between Mana Wila and Down Hall Pitiya.
N 08.46811, E 079.99010As we drove towards Downhall pitiya a leopard leaped off the road into the forest ahead of the vehicle. It was a female leopard. I immediately revered the vehicle to give the animal space and after a short while she walked back on to the road. She walked in our direction for about 100 meters and I kept on reversing the vehicle to maintain space between the advancing leopard and my vehicle. After walking for some time, she was alerted by some sounds emanating from the forest walked into the forest. Later upon examination of her spot pattern I was thrilled to note that that this is Borupan Wila Female 3 (BWFC 3), one of the two female cubs of the third litter of Borupan Wila Female 2.
1.12pm one ruddy Mongoose between Mana Wila and Downhall pitiya.
1.57pm 2 Wild Buffalo at Mahapatessa.
1.59pm Thammanna Trees in bloom at Mahapatessa.
2.08pm one Rat Snake at Demata Wila. The snake was hunting frogs in the shallow waters and moved hurriedly into the forest. This sub species of this common species known as Sri Lanka Rat Snake Ptyas mucosa maximus and is the second longest snake in the country being only second to the Indian Rock Python.
2.11pm a Flapshell Turtle at Lunu Wila.
2.18pm a Mugger Crocodile at Lunu Wewa.
2.31pm a troop of Grey Langur at Borupan Wila.
2.35pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan Wila and Thimbiri Wila.
2.38pm a heard of 9 Wild Buffalo at Thimbiri Wila
3.00pm 12 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
3.05pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Kokkare Villu.
4.09pm a Ruddy Mongoose on Kumbuk Wila upper road.
4.33pm 2 female Sambhur between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
5.06am a Hoopoe at Maradanmaduwa. Even though regularly seen in Mannar and in most other dry zone national parks this species is rarely seen at Wilpattu.
5.11pm a Star Tortoise at Galwanguwa.
5.17pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Galwanguwa and Palukola Wala.
5.28pm a Sambhur between Divulgas Mandiya and Thammanna Wala.
5.36pm a Barking Deer between Paaluwilandawa junction and Percy Bendi Wewa.
5.45pm a Black-naped Hare between Percy Bendi Wewa and Ranawara Pitiya.
5.47pm another Black-naped Hare between Ranawara pitiya and Konegaha Ela.
5.49pm a Barking Deer between Konegaha Ela and park entrance.
6.01pm left the park.
Mammals - Elephant 2, Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 10, Sambhur 3, Spotted Deer 124, Wild Boar, Barking Deer 2, Golden Jackal 2, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Black-naped Hare 2, Ruddy Mongoose 7, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 2, Flapshell Turtle 2, Star Tortoise 1, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.5th February 2021
6.30am entered the park with my friend Bathiya Senadhipathy.6.52am a well grown male Sambhur antler between Divulgas Mandiya and Palukola Wala.
7.00am a Wild Buffalo between Palukola Wala and Galwanguwa.
7.21am 2 Sambhur between Ibba Wala and Humbas Wala.
7.38am 13 Spotted Deer and a sounder of 10 Wild Boar at Kumbuk Wila pitiya.
7.55am a Golden Jackal and 4 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
10.15am a Collared Dove at Manik Wila.
10.30am a Ruddy Mongoose between Manik Wila and Downhall pitiya.
10.33am observed a species of wildflower that I had not seen earlier in the park. Later upon perusing the field guides on wildflower I was able to determine the species as Gynura lycopersicifolia. I was not able to find a common English name for this species. It’s referred to as Wal Thampala and Hulan thala in Sinhala. This species if confined to southern India and Sri Lankan dry zone.
11.38am a Mugger Crocodile at Mana Wila.
11.43pam a Ruddy Mongoose between Mana Wila and Downhall Pitiya.
12.41pm a Ruddy Mongoose on Mahapatessa upper road.
1.08pm a troop of Grey Langur between Manikrala Uraniya and Eriyakkulampooval.
2.41pm 6 Spotted Deer between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
2.47pm a sounder of 18 Wild Boar and 37 Spotted Deer at Tala Wila.
3.05pm a Barking Deer between Panikkar Villu and Nelum Wila.
3.40pm one Leopard between Kuruttupandi and Manik Wila sand patch. The leopard was lying on the road and moved into the forest upon our arrival. There was no possibility photography thus had no opportunity to Identify the leopard.
3.55pm a Flapshell Turtle at Kudapatessa. The turtle had moved out of the water and had walked on to the road. When water levels reach
4.08pm a Ruddy Mongoose at Mahapatessa.
4.15pm a sounder of 10 Wild Boar feeding on an island in the middle to Demata Wila.
4.34pm one Flapshell Turtle at Thimiri Wila.
5.21pm a Black-naped Hare and 4 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
5.57pm left the park.
Mammals - Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 1, Sambhur 3, Spotted Deer 64, Wild Boar 38, Barking Deer 1, Golden Jackal 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Black-naped Hare 1, Ruddy Mongoose 4, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 1, Flapshell Turtle 2, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.6th February 2021
6.31am entered the park with my friend Bathiya Senadhipathy.6.47am 4 Spotted Deer between Thammanna Wala and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
7.28am 16 Spotted Deer at Kumbuk Wila.
7.41am observed a species of Mushroom that I had not observed before in the park between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi Villu. I was not able to identify the species with the guidebooks available to me.
8.10am a Forest Wagtail at Kanjuran Villu.
8.52am a Crested Hawk Eagle perched on an exposed branch flew off offering us an excellent photo opportunity.
9.06am a sounder of 10 Wild Boar at Eriyakkulampooval.
9.10am one leopard at Eriyakkulampooval. N 08.43725, E 080.00208
The leopard was lying across the water body on the sandy area between the forest and the water edge. It was a big male leopard. I managed to get a few record images despite the distance. Within a few minutes he stood up walked into the forest. Later an examination of its spot pattern revealed that it is Nelum Wila Male 5 (NWMC 5).
10.51am 8 Spotted Deer at Borupan Wila.
10.54am a troop of Grey Langur on Lunu Wewa road.
10.59am a Ruddy Mongoose on Lunu Wewa road.
11.02am 12 Spotted Deer at Lunu Wewa.
11.20am 11 Spotted Deer at Mahapatessa.
11.36am one Elephant 6 Spotted Deer and a Wild Buffalo at Borupan Wila.
1.08pm one leopard between Illanda Motte and Manik Wila. N 08.45453, E 079.98639
It was a female leopard and looked disturbed by my vehicle and two vehicles advancing on the Manik Wila upper road. I managed to get a few images as she moved into the forest which enabled me to identify the leopard. It was Borupan Wila Female 3 (BWFC 3). The vehicles had been following the leopard. Once the vehicles had moved off, we moved towards Illanda Motte and waited on the road expecting the leopard to come back on to the road. Having waited for 25 minutes decided to drive off and as we did saw the leopard ahead of us on the road walking in our direction. We I reversed the vehicle beyond a bend until she was out of sight, parked a waited with our cameras ready expecting her to continue her walk towards Illanda Motte. But we were out of luck. As she failed to appear, I moved forward and observed that her pug marks had stopped a little beyond the bend and she had moved back into the forest.
3.08pm a sounder of 9 Wild Boar at Kudapatessa.
4.33pm one Ruddy Mongoose between Borupan Wila and Kumbuk Wila.
4.51pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Kokkare Villu and Kudapatessa.
5.15pm 2 females Sambhur between Humbas Wala and Ibba Wala.
5.21pm a Sloth Bear at Maradanmaduwa.
5.39pm 6 Spotted Deer at Ranawara pitiya
6.00pm left the park.
Mammals - Elephant 1, Leopard 1, Sloth Bear 1, Indian Buffalo 1, Sambhur 2, Spotted Deer 63, Wild Boar 19, Barking Deer, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Ruddy Mongoose 2, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles –Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.7th February 2021
6.31am entered the park with my friend Bathiya Senadhipathy.
7.46am a Sambhur between Percy Bendi Wewa and Thammanna Wala.
8.12am 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.21am 2 Sambhur between Ibba Wala and Humbas Wala
8.43am 3 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
9.33am 3 Spotted Deer at Kanjuran Villu.
10.52am 2 Spotted Deer on Kokkare upper road.
11.17pm a Sambhur between Ibba Wala and Kuda Boralu Wala.
11.23am 37 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
11.38am 2 Spotted Deer close to Thammanna Wala.
11.41am a Barking Deer between Thammanna Wala and Paaluwinlandawa junction.
12.05pm left the park.
Mammals - Sambhur 3, Spotted Deer 51, Barking Deer 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles –Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the field trip
Birds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Stork, White-necked Stork, Hoopoe, Curlew Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Lesser Sand Plover, Little Ringed plover, Common Green and Red Shanks, Crested Hawk Eagle, Collared Dove.
Butterflies – Blue Mormon, Banded Peacock, Ceylon Lacewing
Wild Orchids – Vanilla walkeraeFruiting trees -
Wild Flowers - Dopatrium Junceum Horsefly’s Eye (Bim Savan), Dopatrium nudicaule Small Horsefly’s Eye (Heen Bim Savan), Canavalia virosa Sword Bean, (Mudu Awara), Senna auriculata Tanners Cassia (Ranawara) , Chamaecrista kleinii (Bim Siyambala), Crotalaria verrucosa Blue Rattlepod (Nil Andanahiriya), Crotalaria laburnifolia Bird Flower (Yak-beriya), Crotalaria medicaginea Trefoil Rattlepod (E), Adanahiriya (S), Hibiscus eriocarpus Maple-leaved Mallow (Kapukinissa), Plumbago zeylanica Ceylon Leadwort (Ela Nithol), Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet (Puruk), Bacopa monnieri Waterhyssop (Lunu-wila), Crinum defixum Ker Gawl (Heen-tolabo), Gloriosa superba Glory Lily (Niyangala), Gmelina asiatica Asiatic Bushbeech (Demata)
- Wilpattu National Park 23rd - 24th January 2021
7.26am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
7.28am 7 Spotted Deer at the park entrance.
7.31am 3 more Spotted Deer between the park entrance and Weli Ela.
7.32am a Star Tortoise between Weli Ela and Ranawara pitiya.
7.38am Acampe praemorsain bloom close to Ranawara pitiya. This is one of the four species of epiphytic wild orchids found in the park with the other five being ground orchids.
7.42am a Wild Buffalo and two White-necked Storks at Percy Bendi Wewa.
8.01am one Wild Boar between Palu Kola Wala and Galwanguwa.
8.06am a single Spotter Deer antler at Eda Kohombagaha pitiya.
8.10am 17 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
8.13am 2 more Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa, “Kukulkatu pitiya.”
8.17am a single Spotted Deer at Thambioluwa.
8.26am a Barking Deer between Humbas Wala and Boralu Wala.
8.54am a Star Tortoise at Kumbuk Wila.
9.16am an Osprey at Kokkare Villu.
9.25am a Black-naped Hare at Kokkare Villu.
9.26am 4 Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
9.29am 5 more Spotted Deer at Kokkare Villu.
9.42am 3 Spotted Deer at Kokkare villu sand dune.
9.45am 2 Ruddy Mongoose between Kokkare Villu and Kudapatessa.
10.32am a Mugger Crocodile at Kudapatessa.
10.45am one Leopard between Kokkare Villu and Kuruttupandi Villu.
N 08.43314, E 079.98274
It was an adult female leopard and walking towards Kuruttupandi Villu. Examination of its spot pattern reveled that it is Manikrala Uraniya Female 1 (MRUF 1). Her belly flap was low indicating that she is feeding cubs. The leopard walking ahead of us and there was one vehicle ahead me. I managed to get a few images when she stopped to scent mark a couple of times. I was following her and the vehicles in front kept on reversing to accommodate the advancing leopard. However much to our disgust the vehicle in front delayed to reverse forcing the cat to move in to the forest.
11.13am a troop of grey Langur at Kumutu Villu.
11.21am an adult Crested Hawk Eagle sunbathing at Kanjuran Villu.
11.37am a Spotted Deer between Kumutu Villu and Manik Wila.
1.51pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Panikkar villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
1.58pm an adult male Wild Boar at Tala Wila.
3.13pm a sounder of 4 Wild Boar at Lunu Wewa.
3.16pm an adult Mugger Crocodile was basking at the foot of a large Termite hill at Lunu Wewa.
3.31pm a Spotted Deer antler at Borupan pitiya.
3.56pm 2 Wild buffalo at Maradanmaduwa.
4.12pm a Black –naped Hare at Maradanmaduwa.
5.10pm 7 Spotted Deer at Maradanmaduwa.
5. 17pm a Black-naped Hare between Palu Kola Wala and Kalagedi Bokkuwa.
5.55pm left the park.
Mammals - Leopard 1, Indian Buffalo 3, Spotted Deer 51, Wild Boar 6, Barking Deer 1, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Black-naped Hare 3, Ruddy Mongoose 3, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 2, Star Tortoise 2, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
24th January 2021
6.40am entered the park with guide Tissa Ratnayake.
6.47am a Barking Deer crossed the road between Weli Ela and Ranawarapitiya.
7.05am one Sambhur at Divulgas Mandiya.
8.00am 4 Spotted Deer at Kokkare villu sand dune.
8.06an 2 Spotted Deer at Kudappatessa.
8.25am 5 Spotted Deer and one Sambhur at Manik Wila.
8.28am 2 Golden Jackal at Illandamotte.
8.29am a Sambhur at Illandamotte.
8.36am a Sambhur at Mana Wila sand patch.
9.51am a mouse Deer darted across the road between Mana Wila and Kuveni Palace.
10.08am 4 Mugger Crocodiles at Kaali Villu.
10.30am an immature Land Monitor “sunning” with only its head out of a tree hole at Mare Villu.
10.44am one Ruddy Mongoose between Mara Wila and Kaali Villu.
11.00am a troop of Grey Langur between Kaali Villu and Kanjuran Villu.
11.05am a Ruddy Mongoose between Kanjuran and Kumutu Villu.
11.20am one Leopard between Manik Wila and Illandamotte. N 08.45568, E 079.98812
It was a female leopard and was walking towards Manik Wila. Upon seeing the leopard I switched off the engine and the cat responded by lying down on the road. A closer look at the spot pattern revealed that this is the Manikrala Uraniya Female 1 (MRUF 1). She was licking her paws and her body and every now and then looking in my direction. I reversed the vehicle expecting the leopard to start her walk again and she did. As usual I always maintained a distance of about 30 feet to give the leopard space. She would walk for a short distance and rest again. Having walked up to the upper road junction she walked on to the upper road. I then started to follow her up to the end of that road where she started to stalk some Spotted Deer. Her ambush attack was not successful as the deer started to give out alarm calls and ran across the road. A loud alarm call of a Ceylon Jungle Fowl indicated that she had walked very close to the back of the DWC quarters at Manik Wila. There after a few alarm calls of Palm Squirrels indicated that she had crossed the road and moved in to the forest beyond the bungalow. I was observing the leopard for almost one hour and 30 minutes.
1.05pm 7 Spotted Deer at Manik Wila.
1.45pm 2 Spotted Deer at Nelum Wila pitiya.
2.07pm a troop of Grey langur making their booming calls between Panikkar Villu and Kombansanchaipooval.
2.54pm a black-naped Hare between Manik Wila and Illandamotte.
3.27pm a Ruddy Mongoose between Nabada Wila and Kok Motte.
4.14pm observed a few “Roller” Dung Beetles close to a large pile of Buffalo dung at Mana Wila sand pacth. I find these humble insects very interesting and cannot be grateful enough to them for the excellent service they provide. One needs to realize that if not these efficient “poop disposers” our natural habitats would be over run with poop and visiting a national park would be a pretty smelly affair with piles of animal dung all over and covering the park roads. These insects can be broadly categorized under four groups. Rollers or telecoprids will shape the dung in to a ball and roll it to a location of their preference to bury it under ground. These are the most commonly known of the dung beetles and some are able to roll about 50 times their body weight. They’ll feed on it or use it as a brood ball where the females will lay eggs in it. Tunnellers or endocoprids will dig tunnels underneath a pat of dung and drag dung from the pat down to their tunnel. Safe at the bottom of their tunnel they feed and use them as brood balls to raise their families. Dwellers or paracoprids are a lazy lot that do not bother to roll or dig tunnels but just feed and lay eggs on the pile of fresh dung. These “throw caution to the wind” kind and their larvae are exposed to dangers of being eaten by birds and being run over by vehicles and trampled by other animals etc. The fourth category is referred to as stealers or kleptocoprids and is the most devious of them all. They steal dung balls from the rollers and use them lay their own eggs. Their larvae will kill the host beetles larvae as they develop in the dung ball.
3.58pm a few Dark Blue Tiger butterflies feeding on “Podi Sinngo marang” flowers at Mana Wila sand patch.
4.27pm 31 Spotted Deer at Manik Wila. Their numbers had increased from 7 to 37.
4.53pm a large Mugger Crocodile was basking in the sun while an Indian Grey Mongoose walked across the road ahead of the vehicle.
5.16pm a Golden Jackal and two Yellow wattled Lapwings at Maradanmaduwa.
5.31pm 3 Spotted Deer at Divulgas Mandiya.
5.45pm a Black-naped Hare at Ranawara pitiya.
6.00pm left the park
Mammals - Leopard 1, Sambhur 3, Spotted Deer 63, Barking Deer 1, White – spotted Chevrotain (Mouse Deer) 1, Golden Jackal 3, Toque Monkey, Grey Langer, Black-naped Hare 2, Indian Grey Mongoose 1, Ruddy Mongoose 3, Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel.
Reptiles – Mugger Crocodile 5, Land Monitor, Common Garden Lizard, Low-land Kangaroo Lizard, Devaka’s Fan-throat Lizard.
Birds, Butterflies & Flora observed during the filed trip
Birds – Lesser Adjutant, Painted Storks, White-necked Stork, Osprey, Yello-wattled Lapwing
Butterflies – Banded Peacock
Wild Orchids – Vanda spathulata & Acampe Praemorsa
Fruiting trees – none.
Wild Flowers - Canavalia virosa Sword Bean, (Mudu Awara), Senna auriculata Tanners Cassia (Ranawara) , Chamaecrista kleinii (Bim Siyambala), Crotalaria verrucosa Blue Rattlepod (Nil Andanahiriya), Hibiscus eriocarpus Maple-leaved Mallow (Kapukinissa), Plumbago zeylanica Ceylon Leadwort (Ela Nithol), Asystasia gangetica Chinese Violet (Puruk), Bacopa monnieri Waterhyssop (Lunu-wila), Crinum defixum Ker Gawl (Heen-tolabo), Gloriosa superba Glory Lily (Niyangala), Gmelina asiatica Asiatic Bushbeech (Demata)
