Leopards of Wilpattu

44 Sightings

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2 - KSPMC 2

Locations of sightings

Kombansanchi Pooval to Panikkar Villu, Panikkar Villu Uda Para, Alam Villu, Kuruttupandi Villu, Kudapatessa, Manikrala Uraniya, Illanda Mottai, Tala Wila, Mahapatessa, Kokkare Villu, Thimbiri Wila, Kumbuk Wila Pitiya, Erenapala Motte, Kaali Villu, Mara Wila, Manik Wila, Kanjuran Villu

First Sighting

15th September 2012- 1.25pm.

All sightings of Author & Guests

5th February 2012 at 10.14am Panikkar Villu – Sasaka Kodituwakku
15th September 2012 1.25pm at the Kohombansanchipooval waterhole - KG
15th September 2012 at 5.13pm Panikkar Villu – Sasaka Kodituwakku
29th September 2012 5.15pm at Panikkar Villu - KG
25th November 2012 8.00am at the Kohombansanchipooval sand patch - KG
27th November 2012 10.30am at Panikkar Villu - KG
27th November 2012 at Panikkar Villu – Sasaka Kodituwakku
12th December 2012 at 10.21am Panikkar Villu – Milinda Wattegedera
16th December 2012 11.40am at the Kohombansanchipooval sand patch - KG
16th December 2012 5.15pm at Panikkar Villu Uda Para and entered Tala Wila road - KG
24th December 2012 3.32pm at Aalam Villu - KG
23rd February 2013 12.40-1.05pm at Kohombansanchipooval - KG
25th February 2013 2.02pm at Aalam Villu - KG
8th March 2013 at 10.47am Panikkar Villu to Tala Wila – Milinda Wattegedera
9th March 2013 at 7.34am Panikkar Villu to Tala Wila – Milinda Wattegedera
30th March 2013 9.08am at Panikkar Villu Uda Para - KG
30th March 2013 3.14pm at Panikkar Villu - KG
30th March 2013 3.40pm with KSPMC 1 at Panikkar Villu Uda Para - KG
31st March 2013 3.20pm on the Panikkar Villu Uda Para sand patch - KG
2nd April 2013 at 11.22am Kudapatessa – Milinda Wattegedara
27th April 2013 at 5.53pm Kudapatessa – Manju Sirimalwatta
28th August 2013 5.52pm at Kuruttupandi Villu - KG
5th October 2013 6.30pm at Kudapatessa – Ashan Fonseka
10th November 2013 12.10pm at Tala Wila - KG
14th December 2013 at 3.30pm Illanda Mottai – Hemantha Wimalasena
17th December 2013 at 11.11am Kudapatessa - Hemantha Wimalasena
14th January 2014 10.57am at Kudapatessa - KG
3rd February 2014 3.57pm at Manikrala Uraniya - KG
4th February 2014 10.18am at Illanda Mottai -KG
19th February 2014 at 11.44am Manikkapola Uttu - Hemantha Wimalasena
5th April 2014 5.08pm at Kuruttupandi Villu - KG
15th May 2014 at 5.57pm Kudapatessa – Sudeera Bandara
23rd May 2014 at 4.35pm Manikkapola Uttu - Hemantha Wimalasena
29th June 2014 5.18pm at Mahapatessa - KG
19th July 2014 7.33am at Mahapatsessa - KG
13th August 2014 at Kuruttupandi Villu – Palitha Antony
28th August 2014 8.47am between Kuruttupandi junction and Kuruttupandi Villu - KG
30th August 2014 4.34pm at Kokkare Villu - KG
30th August 2014 at 3.28pm Kokkare Villu – Mohan Tilakawardena
31st August 2014 7.25am between Kumbuk Wila summer hut and Kokkare Villu – KG
7th September 2014 5.43pm Aalam Villu – Manju Sirimalwatta
14th September 2014 6.59am at Thimbiri Wila – Malith Patabendige
14th September 2014 at 5.58pm Mahapatessa – Radheesh Sellamuttu
4th October 2014 4.55pm at Thimbiri Wila and walked to Kumbuk Wila - KG
4th October 2014 at 5.00pm Kumbuk Wila – Mendis Wickramasinghe
5th October 2014 9.36am on Kumbuk Wila uda para – KG
7th October 2014 8.29am at Kudapatessa – Ranjan Josiah
21st October 2014 9.15am Kokkare Sand Dune – Enoka Mohotti
24th October 2014 11.40am at Kokkare Villu - KG
25th October 2014 6.57am at Kokkare Villu - KG
15th November 2014 3.35pm at Kokkare Villu - KG
16th November 2014 6.50am walking towards Mahapatessa from Thimbiri Wila - KG
6th December 2014 at 3.25pm at Kumbuk Wila uda para - KG
7th December 2014 at 1.02pm at Mahapatessa - KG
14th December 2014 1.45pm 1 Leopard at Kokkare Villu - KG
3rd January 2015 11.20am between Kuruttupandi Junction and Kokkare Villu - KG
23rd January 2015 3.15pm at Mahapatessa - KG
8th February 2015 9.31am at Kokkare Villu - KG
16th February 2015 at 9.55pm Kokkare Villu – Janaka Bandara
30th April 2015 at 3.18pm Kokkare Villu – Janaka Bandara
20th May 2015 11.40am between Kumbuk Wila and Kokkare Villu - KG
22nd May 2015 6.15pm on the Thimbiri Wila Mahapatessa road - KG
23rd May 2015 6.34am on the Kudapatessa Kokkare Weli Kanda Road - KG
9th June 2015 at 11.46am Kanjuran Villu – Rajiv Wanigasekera
18th July 2015 at 8.13am Kudapatessa – Indika Nettigama
29th July 2015 at 5.44pm Kokkare Villu – Manju Sirimalwatta
11th August 2015 5.30pm Kokkare Villu upper road – Hemantha Wimalasena
7th December 2015 4.30pm at Kokkare Villu – Enoka Mohotti
13th March 2016 8.30am at Mahapatessa - Hemantha Wimalasena
5th May 2016 at 9.24am Kokkare Villu – Gehan Rajapaksha
7th May 2016 10.33am at Kokkare Villu – KG
14th May 2016 10.28am at Kokkare Sand Dune – Enoka Mohotty
24th September 2016 2.34pm at Nelum Wila – KG
1st April 2017 1.40pm between Kaali Villu and Mare Villu – Indunil Madushan
15th July 2017 2.26pm at Kaali Villu – Isuru Chathuranga
11th September 2017 10.33am at Kaali Villu – Isuru Chathuranga
17th September 2017 8.20am at Kaali Villu – Hemantha Wimalasena
18th September 2017 12.39pm at Kaali Villu – Achintha Piyumal
23rd September 2017 11.17am at Kaali Villu – Malith Patabendi
24th September 2017 10.53am at Mara Villu – Balamurali Ellamurugan
24th September 2017 12.47pm at Mara Wila – Isuru Chathuranga
25th September 2017 10.00am at Kaali Villu – Nuwan Devinda
25th September 2017 10.15am at Kaali Villu – Pathum Neeliya
5th October 2017 11.00am at Kaali Villu – Ismail Salahudeen
5th October 2017 11.07am at Kaali Villu Bungalow – Yasith Rajapaksha
7th October 2017 9.56am at Kaali Villu – Balamurali Ellamurugan
7th October 2017 10.05am at Kaali Villu – Nuwan Devinda
7th October 2017 11.14am at Kaali Villu – Isuru Chathuranga
7th October 2017 12.15pm at Kaali Villu – Enoka Mohotty
17th December 2017 12.59pm at Kaali Villu – KG
24th September 2018 9.23pm at Erenapala Motte – Hemantha Wimalasena
1st May 2019 4.03pm at Nelum Wila – Anton Gihan
2nd May 2019 6.43pm on Kokkare Villu upper road – Anton Gihan
25th August 2019 7.20am on Kokkare upper road – Hemantha Wimalasena
19th December 2019 8.42am Kuruttupandi Villu – Lahiru Dissanayake
8th August 2020 5.14pm at Kokkare upper road – Enoka Mohotty

17th December 2017 at 12.59pm I Leopard between Mara Wila and Kaali Villu. N 08.48435, E079.93292

It was on the road from Mara Wila and about 100 meters from reaching the Villu. I was able to instantly identify it as Kombansanchipooval Male 2 (KSPMC 2) popularly referred to as “Natta”. Upon seeing the vehicle he sat on his hunches. I reversed the vehicle, parked at an angle and started to photograph. In less than a minute the leopard stood up and started to walk towards the vehicle much to the discomfort of the novice guide who had never seen a Leopard before in the wild. Having walked up to the vehicle the trusting animal casually walked pass the vehicle stopping briefly to look directly at us. The distance between the leopard and the vehicle when he walked passed was only about five feet and I had to use my 200mm lens to as it was too close for photography. I proceeded forward to look for a place to turn the vehicle and observed another Leopard by the side of the road. It looked a female but darted across the road and disappeared in to the forest before I was able to get any images. When I drove back KSPMC 2 was still on the road and continued to walk down the road up to Kaali Villu. Having almost reached the Villu he stopped to “scent mark” a bush by the side of the road and moved in to the forest. (with W.N.Chamal)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 17th December 2017 at 12.59pm

24th September 2016 at 2.34pm 1 Leopard, Kombansanchaipooval Male 2 (KSPMC 2) at Nelum Wila N 08.40274, E079.98156.
It was lying down inside the forest by a small shady pool and was hardly visible. I managed to get a good look through the foliage with my binoculars, which helped me to identify the animal.

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 24th September 2016 at 2.34pm

As the leopard was sleeping and no photography was possible we decided to drive up to Kuruttupandi Villu.
5.10pm when we returned the leopard had moved and was sleeping on it back in the open grass filed at Nelum Wila. I was not able to spend much time here, as we had to leave to reach the park entrance by 6.00pm. (with guide Tissa Ratnayake & jeep driver Hemantha Wimalasena)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 24th September 2016 at 5.10pm

7th May 2016 at 10.33am 1 Leopard at Kokkare Villu. N 08.42186, E079.98961
It was sleeping inside a small forest patch bordering the waters edge and its presence was only apparent when it rolled from one side to the other. I parked by the side of this forest patch and decided to wait as I expected it to move out and walk in the direction of Kokkare Villu weli Kanda.
12.40pm my long stay in the hot and humid sun paid off when the leopard stood up, stretched and started to move through the forest in our direction. It stopped inside the forest upon a few jeeps moving closer. I signaled them to switch off their engines and they obliged. After a few minutes of silence the leopard broke cover and moved out on to the road and slowly walked in the direction of Kokkare Weli Kanda. I was able to instantly identify him from the spot pattern as Kombansanchaipooval Male 2 (KSPMC 2) fondly referred to by many as “Natta”. This is one of the most commonly seen leopards in the park during 2012 to mid 2015. However since then there were only a few reports till December 2015 and I had not received any evidence of sightings from January 2015 up until May. Thus I was so pleased to see this leopard. My last sighting of him was almost one year ago on 23rd May 2015. I was able to photograph it as it walked very close to my vehicle. (with guide Hafis)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 7th May 2016 at 10.33am

23rd May 2015 at 6.34am 1 Leopard, KSPMC 2 on the Kudapatessa Kokkare Weli Kanda Road. It was marking the bushes on either side of the road and was walking in our direction. At the Weli Kanda it drank from the pool that has got created from the recent rains. Our jeep driver, Hemantha had to revers the vehicle for 1 km and 300 meters as the leopard walked along the road to Kokkare Weli Kanda and towards Kokkare villu uda para before entering the forest. N 08.42921, E079.99055 (with Guide Sanath & Uditha Hettige)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 23rd May 2015 at 6.34am

22nd May 2015 at 6.15pm 1 Leopard, KSPMC 2 on the Thimbiri Wila Mahapatessa road. N 08.43065, E080.00397
It was stalking some prey. All at once the leopard sprinted in to the forest. Judging by the alarm calls of the Spotted Deer, which moved in to the distance, it was an unsuccessful attempt. After a few minutes heard alarm calls of Grey Langurs at a distance indicating that the leopard had moved towards Mahapatessa Kudapatessa road. (with Guide Sanath & Uditha Hettige)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 22nd May 2015 at 6.15pm

20th May 2015 at 11.40am KSPMC 2 between Kumbuk Wila and Kokkare Villu. While driving back towards Kumbuk Wila we spotted it drinking from a pool on the road. Thereafter it moved in to the forest and lay down close to a Termite hill. At 11.58am the leopard walked in to the forest. N 08.41764, E079.99854 ( with Guide Sanath & Uditha Hettige)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 20th May 2015 at 11.40am

8th February 2015 at 9.31am 1 Leopard, Kombansanchipooval Male – 2 (KSPMC-2) at Kokkare Villu. N 08-41975, E079.99232
I drove to the right pass the “Y” junction at Kokkare Villu and spotted the leopard out in the open on the side of the villu. It had an injury on its right flank but did not appear to be in too much discomfort. The injury was only a pealing of the skin and I believe that it should heal in less than a month. In March 2013 I observed this leopard at Panikkar Villu with a similar injury on its chest, which healed quite well. It continued to walk across the open ground and disappeared in to the forest. (with guide C.K.Dissanayaka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 8th February 2015 at 9.31am

23rd January 2015 at 3.15pm KSPMC 2 at Mahapatessa. N 08.43294, E 079.99944
I drove from Kudapatessa and as I entered Mahapatessa observed KSPMC 2 walking towards my vehicle followed by a number of safari jeeps. I reversed my vehicle on to the sand patch to ensure that I do not block its path. It was quite relaxed as usual and defecated at the sand patch before walking pass my vehicle towards Kudapatessa while marking the bushes every 20 yards or so on to the right of the road. I followed it keeping a safe distance. At one point it stopped and observed a Land Monitor walking across the road but did not attack. I pulled on to a side and allowed the vehicle behind me to ahead. Having walked for about 100 meters it entered the forest and was there after seen walking beyond the sand dunes to the right as you enter Kudapatessa. I observed the leopard for a bout 5 minutes.

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 23rd January 2015 at 3.15pm

3rd January 2015 at 11.20am, KSPMC 2 between Kuruttupandi Junction and Kokkare Villu. N 08.43596, E 079.98315
I was driving from Kokkare Villu towatds Kuruttupandi Junction. The leopard crossed the road ahead of the vehicle to the left and moved in to the jungle. It appeared that it was after some prey. We decided to park the vehicle with the expectation of the leopard returning back to the road. After about 5 minutes we heard the alarm calls of Spotted Deer from the direction where the leopard entered the forest. Soon there after I spotted the leopard moving towards the road from where it moved in to the forest. Having arrived on the road it started to walk towards the vehicle and as it was few feet from the vehicle I accidentally dropped my beanbag. The leopard stopped and observed the bag intently for about minute and moved pass the vehicle. I turned the vehicle and started to follow him. After a short distance a vehicle approaching ahead resulted in the leopard lying on the road. Both my vehicle and the vehicle ahead kept a distance of about 25 feet from the leopard. Having rested for about 20 minutes the leopard started to walk towards the vehicle ahead and the driver reversed giving way to the approaching leopard and I followed. Having reached Kokkare Villu it entered the forest towards Kokkare Uda Para. (With Guide Loku Dinesh)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 3rd January 2015 at 11.20am

14th December 2014 at 1.45pm 1 Leopard, KSPMC 2 sleeping inside a bush at Kokkare Villu. As the animal was resting we decided to come back after a game drive. N 08.41699, E079.99355
2.45pm As we arrived at the location where KSPMC 2 was lying down it moved out of the bush and walked across the open glade. Stopped to defecate and continued its walk I to the forest. (With Guide Dinesh)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 14th December 2014 at 1.45pm.

7th December 2014 at 1.02pm, KSPMC 2, at Mahapatessa. N 08.43294, E 079.99944
It was lying down behind some bushes at the point where the road from Kudapatessa enters Mahapatessa. (With Guide Dinesh)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 7th December 2014 at 1.02pm

6th December 2013 at 3.25pm, KSPMC 2 at Kumbuk Wila uda para. N 08.41903, E080.00941
It was lying down about 30 meters inside the forest. Its stomach was full. Around 4.45pm it started to rain and we decided to head towards the park entrance. (With Guide Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 6th December 2013 at 3.25pm

16th November 2014 at 6.50am 1 Leopard walking towards Mahapatessa from Thimbiri Wila. It was KSPMC 2. N 08.42719, E 080.00929
Having seen the leopard I reversed the vehicle about 50 meters to allow it to walk. As I was trying to angle the vehicle to take a few photos the leopards sprinted towards us and stopped few feet from the vehicle. After looking n the direction of the forest for a few minutes it moved in to the forest. I believe the leopard having seen a few Peafowl beyond the vehicle tried to make an ambush attack by taking cover of the vehicle. However the Peafowl detected the leopard and moved in to the forest. I reversed further expecting the leopard to re appear on the road and after a few minutes it started to walk towards me again. Having walked within few feet from the vehicle this bold leopard continued its walk passing the vehicle not more than a foot from the vehicle. It was marking the bushes along the road and the pungent smell of its urine was quite strong as we drove slowly passed them following the leopard.
7.19am I followed it up to Mahapatessa where it moved in to the forest towards Demata Wila. N 08.43058, E 080.00417 ( with guide podi Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 16th November 2014 at 6.50am

15th November 2014 at 3.35pm, KSPMC 2 at Kokkare Villu. N 08.41714, E 079.99405

The leopard was lying down on a sand patch studded with a few bushes. Around 4.28pm a Land Monitor entered the glade and was searching for food. The sounds made by the lizard digging the earth alerted the leopard. As the Lizard walked pass a bush it noticed the leopard and puffed up its throat and the leopard watched its movements intently. After a few anxious moments the lizard made a dash across the glade with its tail raised and dived in to a pool of water. The leopard continued to watch but did not give charge and after a few minutes went back to sleep.
5.09pm left the leopard and decided to do a drive.
5.48pm drove back to where the Leopard was lying down at the same location.
Around 6.00pm we decided to drive back to the bungalow. ( with guide podi Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 15th November 2014 at 3.35pm

25th October 2014 at 6.57am Kombansanchipooval Male 2 (KSPMC 2) at the same location where it was observed the previous day at Kokkare Villu. N 08.41736, E079.99368
No photography was possible as the locality was covered with bushes. (with Guide podi Danushka)

24th October 2014 at 11.40am Kombansanchipooval Male 2 (KSPMC 2) at Kokkare Villu. N 08.41736, E079.99368
It was sleeping under a fallen bow shaped log. 12.59pm the Leopard climbed on to the log and lied down. 1.07pm a short burst of heavy rain made the Leopard sit on its hind legs and stayed still. It continued its sleep at the same locality even at 4.19pm. (with Guide podi Danushka)

5th October 2014 at 9.36am KSPMC 2 sleeping on a Palu tree with a Wild Boar carcass on Kumbuk Wila uda para. N 08.41930, E080.00996 ( with Guide Saram)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 5th October 2014 at 9.36am

4th October 2014 at 4.55pm KSPMC 2 at Thimbiri Wila. Having driven from Mahapatessa a Leopard was spotted on a tree about 200 meters before entering Thimbiri Wila. N 08.42749, E080.00993
After a few minutes the leopard climbed down the tree. Expecting the leopard to walk to Thimbiri Wila we drove ahead and parked. After a few minutes the leopard broke cover and started to walk on the edge of the forest and reached the water. N 08.42723, E080.01084

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 4th October 2014 at 4.55pm

After drinking for a few minutes it continued the walk ignoring the frantic deer alarm calls and entered the forest.
5.16pm considering the direction in which the leopard entered the forest I drove around Thimbiri Wila and entered the road to Kumbuk Wila and Spotted the same Leopard walking down towards Kumbuk Wila. It “scent marked” the bushes along the road. After a short distance it moved to a side and started to bite off and swallow a species of grass by the side of the road. It walked to the Kumbuk Wila Pitiya there after. I kept a safe distance from the leopard ( 30 feet) to ensure that it would not walk off the road. Having walked to Kumbuk Wila pitiya the leopard sat by the side of the road at the turn off to Thimbiri road. After a few minutes with the increase of vehicles and noise it moved in to the forest in the direction of Kumbul Wila. N 08.42130, E080.01025 (with Guide podi Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 4th October 2014 at 5.16pm

31st August 2014 at 7.25am 1 Leopard, Kombansanchipooval male 2 (KSPMC 2) between Kumbuk Wila summer hut and Kokkare Villu. N 08.41717, E 079.99796.
It was lying down inside the forest about 10 feet from the road. After a while the leopard kept its head down and slept. Having taken a few photos to confirm its identification I left. (with guide Thisara)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 31st August 2014 at 7.25am

30th August 2014 at 4.34pm 1 Leopard, KSPMC 2 at Kokkare Villu. N 08.41744, E 079.99359
It was lying on the middle of the road and was not disturbed by the many vehicles that had gathered around about 15 feet from where it was sleeping. After a few minutes the leopard stood up belched a few occasions, which ended up in the animal vomiting out about a half a bottle of liquid. It lied down there after and slept. I moved my vehicle to permit some others to have a view of the sleeping leopard. I left the sleeping leopard at 4.56pm. (with guide Thisara)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 30th August 2014 at 4.34pm

28th August 2014 at 8.47am 1 Leopard. Kombansanchipooval Male 2 (KSPMC 2) between Kuruttupandi junction and Kuruttupandi Villu. N 08.43531, E 079.98296
The injury to the tip of its tail had not healed as yet and the tail is shorter than usual. It walked down the road and every few meters “sent marked” the bushes long the road. There after it lied down at the entrance to the villu for a while before walking across the villu to the water hole at the center. It was followed by a group of about 15 Indian Peafowl that was out in the open. The leopard drank for about 5 minutes and walked in the direction of the Madan tree across the villu permitting us to take some good photographs. After a few minutes it was seen on the same tree where a leopard was seen the previous day. Perhaps it’s the same leopard. (with guide podi Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 28th August 2014 at 8.47am

19th July 2014 at 7.33am we drove down to Mahapatsessa spotted another leopard walking at the Kudapatessa end of the Villu. Upon arriving at the location I was able to identify the leopard. It was KSPMC 2 N 08.43441, E 080.00135.
It was lying under a Madan tree by the time we arrived. As usual it was not at all bothered by the safari jeeps that had gathered about 20 feet from where it was lying and was quite relaxed. After a while it walked even close to the jeeps and settled down on a patch of sand and slept. We left the sleeping leopard around 8.44am. (with guide podi Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 19th July 2014 at 7.33am

29th June 2014 at 5.18pm. As we drove down to Mahapatessa we observed two vehicles parked at the further end of the Villu. They were watching a leopard that was sleeping at the edge of the water.
N 08.43349, E 080.00006
It was sleeping on the edge of the water at the end where the road to Kudapatessa enters the forest. After a while it raised its head and I was able to identify it as KSPMC 2. This is my first sighting of this leopard at this locality. We left at 5.32pm. (With guide podi Danuska)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 29th June 2014 at 5.18pm.

5th April 2014 at 5.08pm: As we drove into Kuruttupandi Villu from Manikkapola Uttu, I spotted a leopard lying on the grass close to the water body. It was KSPMC 2. N 08.43751, E 079.98187.
The slight drizzle that started at Manikkapola Uttu had now developed in to a stronger drizzle. Neither the shower nor the continuous thunder and lightning appeared to bother the leopard that was quite relaxed and lying out in the open. (With guide podi Danuska)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 5th April 2014 at 5.08pm

4th February 2014 at 10.18am KSPMC 2 at Illanda Mottai. N 08.45775, E 079.98948
It was KSPMC 2. Having arrived at this location we turned towards Downall Pitiya and spotted the leopard laying on the bund across the water body covered with reeds. After about 6 minutes Spotted Deer alarm calls were heard from the direction of Downall Pitiya. The young leopard was alerted by the presence of another leopard and looked in the direction of the alarm calls. In a minute or so it got up and started to walk on the edge of the water body towards the Uraniya road and entered the forest. We reversed our vehicle and parked close to the junction expecting the leopard to walk across the open glade. After a few minutes we spotted the leopard again walking through the shrubs. It paused and sat on its hunches for a few minutes before entering the open glade. Thereafter it emerged from the forest and walked across the glade giving me an opportunity to photograph it at this scenic locality.

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 4th February 2014 at 10.18am

3rd February 2014 at 3.57pm KSPMC 2 at Manikrala Uraniya. N 08.45133, E 079.99460
It was KSPMC 2. We drove towards Uraniya from Eriyakkulam Pooval . The leopard walked on to the road from the side of the water body watched us for a while and lied down on the road. It licked it self for about 08 minutes and walked in the direction of the sand patch.

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 3rd February 2014 at 3.57pm.

14th January 2014 at 10.57am KSPMC 2 at Kudapatessa. N 08.43192, E 079.99194
As I approached the location where many vehicles were parked they informed me that the leopard had moved in to the forest. As it had started to rain I presumed that the leopard would come out when it ceases. The vehicles that were gathered left one by one and after about 15 minutes only my vehicle was parked at the site. As the rain stopped the leopard cautiously moved out in to the open and settled down at the edge of the forest. I observed and photographed it for almost two hours. It was in excellent condition and was quite relaxed. On a few occasions it rolled over and slept. Around 12.15pm the leopard started looking in the direction of some Spotted Deer feeding across the villu. Around 12.40pm with one adult male deer moving closer than the others the leopard moved behind the bushes and moved in the direction of the deer. Soon thereafter the alarm calls of an Indian Palm Squirrel was followed by that of a Ceylon Jungle Fowl. The unsuspecting deer was alerted by the sudden alarm calls and ran back towards the further end of the Villu. After a few minutes an alarm call of a Barking Deer was heard from the forest in the direction of Kuruttupandi Villu indicating the leopard was moving in that direction. ( with guide podi Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 14th January 2014 at 10.57am.

10th November 2013 at 12.10pm, KSPMC 2 at Tala Wila. N 8.379683, E 79.945950 Having arrived at Tala Wila I turned towards the Pomparrippu end and spotted KSPMC 2 resting on a Madan Tree across an open glade about 100 meters from the road. The upside down “U” on the right side of its face made the identification quite simple.
It was looking in the direction where I counted a large herd of Spotted Deer in the morning. After about 15 minutes the leopard got off the tree and trotted towards a bush and flushed out many Deer that ran across the Villu. Many Deer alarm calls were heard from the forest as well. However the leopard was not successful in making a kill. Thereafter it climbed another tree close to where the Spotted Deer was found and rested stretched out on an exposed branch. After about 30 minutes it came down the tree and walked in to the forest. ( With Guide podi Danushka).

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 10th November 2013 at 12.10pm.

28th August 2013 at 5.52pm KSPMC 2 at Kuruttupandi Villu. N 8.436667, E 79.981933
I was quite surprised to see it here as it is about 8km from Panikkar Villu and Komban area where this leopard was known to frequent. The injury below its neck has healed completely. ( With Nanda Senanayake and guide Dinesh)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 28th August 2013 at 5.52pm

31st March 2013 3.20pm. KSPMC 2 on the Panikkar Villu Uda Para sand patch. N 8.394717, E 79.954767
I photographed the leopard and drove into Panikkar Villu permitting another vehicle to have a look as well. By the time I arrived at the sand patch again, there were some people on the road just where the leopard was seen and one had a shot gun. It was a team from the DWLC. They had apparently arrived to administer medication to this injured leopard at the request of some visitors. They were not successful in their pursuit and only succeeded in unnecessarily traumatizing three leopards in that locality at great risk to themselves, the leopards as well as the other visitors who had gathered at the locality. In my view there was no such intervention needed. Wild animals are not livestock or pets that need human intervention unless the injury or infirmity is caused by human actions such as gunshots, snares etc. Even though we may have the best of intentions in helping an injured animal, we need to understand and respect the law of the jungle which is based on the age-old cardinal principle referred to as `survival of the fittest`. Predators often get injured while hunting or even during territorial battles. The stronger animals will triumph and will pass on their genes to the next generation while the weak will perish. Same goes for the pre animals as well. The more alert and fast animals will avoid being predated and will succeed in passing their genes to the next generation. (With guide Danushka)

30th March 2013 3.40pm. KSPMC 1 & KSPMC 2 – Panikkar Villu Uda Para. I entered the road from the Comban side and was alerted by the alarm calls of the Grey Langurs. KSPMC 1 was seen on the open sand patch to the left of the road while KSPMC 2 was lying on the road ahead of me. The two leopards, though not together were only about 50 meters from each other. I photographed both. Upon the arrival of other vehicles, KSPMC 2 entered the forest but KSPMC 1 was quite relaxed and was oblivious to the escalation of vehicles and the noise. It would look in the direction of the vehicles, roll over and sleep with its back towards the vehicles. At 4.35pm I left the leopard and drove towards Combansanchi Pooval. (With guide Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 30th March 2013 3.40pm.

30th March 2013 3.40pm. KSPMC 1 & KSPMC 2 – Panikkar Villu Uda Para. I entered the road from the Comban side and was alerted by the alarm calls of the Grey Langurs. KSPMC 1 was seen on the open sand patch to the left of the road while KSPMC 2 was lying on the road ahead of me. The two leopards, though not together were only about 50 meters from each other. I photographed both. Upon the arrival of other vehicles, KSPMC 2 entered the forest but KSPMC 1 was quite relaxed and was oblivious to the escalation of vehicles and the noise. It would look in the direction of the vehicles, roll over and sleep with its back towards the vehicles. At 4.35pm I left the leopard and drove towards Combansanchi Pooval. (With guide Danushka)

30th March 2013 3.14pm. I was driving on the Panikkar Villu Uda Para and noted fresh pug marks on the road. N 8.396883, E 79.953483
We followed the pug marks but the leopard had walked into the forest. The Grey Langurs were continuing to make alarm calls close to the sand patch but no leopard was sighted. I then drove down to Panikkar Villu and spotted another leopard across the Wila close to where the bungalow is located. It was seated at the edge of the forest close to the beginning of the Alam Villu road. There were two other vehicles parked close to it on the road. I drove around but before I was able to arrive at the location, the leopard moved through the forest to the right and walked in my direction where I was able photograph it. It was KSPMC 2. It looked across the Wila in the direction where the Langurs were giving out alarm calls and snarled, then walked hurriedly and purposefully right across the Villu in full view and entered the forest where the road is submerged. It appeared as if this leopard was responding to the presence of another leopard- perhaps to the call of its mother. The neck injury does not seem to bother it at all as it appeared quite well. The sighting lasted until 3.23pm. (With Guide Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 30th March 2013 3.14pm.

30th March 2013 9.08am. KSPMC 2 at Panikkar Villu Uda Para. N 8.394717, E 79.954767
It was lying down close to the sand patch on the right. After a few minutes it got up and walked through the jungle towards my vehicle enabling me to get some photographs, and settled down on the road behind my vehicle. It had a fresh wound of about 2 inches wide on the neck below the chin and two other smaller wounds in the same area as well. After about 10 minutes it moved into the forest strip between the road and Panikkar Villu. (With Guide Danushka)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 30th March 2013 9.08am.

25th February 2013 2.02pm. Upon being informed by another guide that a leopard was seen at Alam Villu we proceeded in that direction. Having arrived at Alam Villu we parked the vehicle at a distance and stayed for about 2 hours. N 8.401500, E 79.953783.
KSPMC 2 came out from the forest just on to the left of the vehicle-turning circle and drank water for about 3 minutes. I was able to photograph it well. After drinking, it slept at the edge of the forest. (With guide Saranga)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 25th February 2013 2.02pm.

23rd February 2013 - 12.40-1.05pm. KSPMC 2 was seated on the right hand side of the culvert just after the Combansanchi Pooval sand patch. N 8.387833, 79.950967
It was quite relaxed and slept for about 10 minutes while we were parked only about 20 feet away. It is such a trusting animal. At 1.05pm it suddenly got off the culvert and trotted away from us in the Tala Wila direction and entered the forest to our left. (With guide Saranga)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 23rd February 2013 - 12.40-1.05pm.

24th December 2012 - 3.32pm. KSPMC 2 at Alam Villu. About 150 meters. N 8.403217, E 79.953933
It was sleeping to the left of the sand patch on the extreme left of the Villu. I watched it for about two hours. After a while it got up, walked to the right of the sand patch and stalked some Spotted Deer. Thereafter upon a Wild Boar arriving at the sand patch, it trotted into the jungle in pursuit of possibly the boar. (With guide Saranga)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 24th December 2012 - 3.32pm.

16th December 2012 - 5.15pm. KSPMC 2 walked through the jungle at Panikkar Villu Uda Para and entered the road towards Tala Wila. N 08.39514 E 079.95283
It walked on this road followed by three vehicles for a short distance and entered the forest to the right upon two vehicles coming from Tala Wila. (With Andrew & guide Saranga)
16th December 2012 - 11.40am. KSPMC 2 sleeping at the Combansanchi Pooval sand patch. N 8.394650, 79.950933
It was lying down behind a bush thus I could not take any good photos except a record shot. Around 2.00pm it suddenly got up and ran into the forest as if chasing some prey. (With Andrew & guide Saranga)

27th November 2012- 10.30am. After having had breakfast, we packed and left the Panikkar Villu bungalow. As we entered the Villu, Saranga spotted a leopard at the extreme left corner of the Villu. N 8.396883, E 79.954767
It was KSPMC 2. It was lying on the edge of the forest at the left hand side corner of the Villu watching a heard of Spotted Deer. We watched it for about 10 minutes. Upon the approach of another vehicle it went into the jungle. We drove on the Uda Para expecting to see him again but having failed, came back to the Villu again. The leopard was again spotted seated at the edge of the jungle close to a puddle on the road. There were 4 vehicles parked but the leopard walked out on to the road and drank for about 7 minutes from this puddle on the road about 20 feet from my vehicle. It was completely relaxed. It would drink and stop to watch the movements made by the frogs in the water and continue again. After a while it got up and sat on the small embankment for about 10 minutes and walked to the puddle to drink again for a few more minutes. Thereafter it walked past the vehicles, crossed the road at the extreme right of the Villu and entered the jungle. It watched the movements of the herd of Spotted Deer that was feeding and stalked them. Having spotted it again walking in the direction of the deer through the jungle, we drove alongside on the road. The deer entered the forest and the leopard was not to be seen. We drove past the deer and took the road to the right just before the bungalow, drove along and re-entered the Villu and came back to where two other jeeps were parked. After a while the leopard made an unsuccessful attempt to make a deer kill. The deer sprang out of the jungle and ran across the Villu to reach the opposite side. The leopard then climbed a large Madan tree at the edge of the Villu at 11.45am. Having climbed the tree it settled on a horizontal branch with its legs and tail hanging down giving me an unrestricted view to photograph. Around 12.30pm direct sunlight started to fall on the leopard and it got off the tree. We left with the leopard resting at the foot of the tree. (With my mother Padmini Gunawardena, father Solomon Gunawardena, Bathiya, Imaduwa and guide Saranga)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 27th November 2012- 10.30am.

25th November 2012- 8.00am, KSPMC 2 at the Combansanchi Pooval sand patch. N 8.388617, E 79.951083
We drove from Panikkar Villu towards Thala Wila and the leopard was lying on the sand patch about 15 feet from the road. Upon the arrival of 3 other vehicles it got up and walked close to a bush and then walked into the jungle in the direction of Panikkar Villu. I managed to get good photographs. (With my mother Padmini Gunawardena, Imaduwa and guide Saranga)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 25th November 2012- 8.00am.

29th September 2012 at 5.15pm. We were parked at the Wild Boar kill at Panikkar Villu which was at the end where the main road enters the Villu. N 8.396550, E 79.955600
Two jeeps, upon seeing a leopard inside the jungle reversed and knocked off their engines. KSPMC 2 walked out on to the road from the edge of the forest and sat on the road. Even though all the vehicles kept their distance, the leopard was not relaxed enough to reach the carcass which was in the middle of the "pitiya". I photographed it well. ( With Arittha and guide Saranga)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 29th September 2012 at 5.15pm.

15th September 2012- 1.25pm. We were parked at the Combansanchi Pooval waterhole. N 8.386433, E 79.950933
At 12.25pm the alarm calls of a Barking Deer were heard from the forest. The Barking Deer that was drinking at the waterhole ran off upon hearing the alarm call. At 1.25pm a subadult male leopard walked into the waterhole and drank. Even though at first I thought that this was KSPMC 1, upon examining the photos I realized that it was a different leopard. I estimated its age to be around 12-14 months. I named it KSPMC 2. (With Senehas Karunaratne and guide Dinesh)

Kombansanchi Pooval Male 2-KSPMC 2 - 15th September 2012- 1.25pm.