Leopards of Wilpattu

3 Sightings

Nelum Wila Male 4 - NWMC 4

Locations of sightings

Nelum Wila, Kokkare Villu to Kuruttupandi Villu, Kumbuk Wila

First Sighting

10th August 2014 at 6.04 p.m.

23rd June 2018 at 9.15am One Leopard at Kumutu Wila. N 08.45941, E 079.97356

It was lying down at the edge of the forest across the Villu. Upon seeing a Spotted Deer stag coming down to water the leopard started to stalk and moved in the direction of the deer that was oblivious of the crouching leopard. Having moved very close to the deer the leopard crouched against the reeds. The stag did not notice the leopard and walked passed the crouching leopard. Much to my disappointment the leopard did not attack and watched the deer move back in to the forest. There after the leopard trotted in the same direction and disparaged into the forest. Later upon the examination of the images I was thrilled to note that this is Nelum Wila Male 4 (NWMC 4) that I had first seen in August 2014 and last seen in February 2015. I had not received any images of this leopard for more than three years from any of the contributors to my site. I was extremely pleased to note that this leopard is live and well. (with Guide D.M. Wasantha)

7th February 2015 at 4.42pm Nelum Wila Male 4 (NWMC 4) between Kokare Villu and Kuruttupandi Junction. N 08.42457, E079.98348
I drove down from Kokkare Weli Kanda and proceeded about 100 meters on the road to Kuruttupandi where the leopard was spotted on the road. I immediately turned off the engine. The leopard responded by lying down on the road. I managed to get a few photos but unfortunately a vehicle that advanced from the opposite direction at considerable speed made the animal run off in to the jungle. (with Guide C.K.Dissanayake)

10th August 2014 at 6.04 p.m. 1 Leopard at Nelum Wila Pitiya. N 08.40588, E079.98785.
As we drove into the “pitiya” from Maila Wewa Danushka said “sir kotiya, kotiya”. It had been out and moved behind a patch of dried grass and was not visible. I turned the vehicle and waited for a few minutes. The leopard walked out permitting me to get enough photos for identification. It was a young male leopard of about 1 year and 3 months that I had not photographed earlier. Its feet and belly were covered in mud giving it a darker appearance. We left, as we were already late to reach the park entrance. This is my first sighting of this leopard. I named it Nelum Wila Male 4 (NWMC 4). ( with guide podi Danushka)