Tag: Wildlife Safari

Encounter Rana (KLM29) on a territory walk

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It was early in the morning, and we were the second safari jeep to enter Kumana National Park. Our wildlife guide, Sasika, and safari driver, Pradeep, decided to turn onto Kiripokuna Road while the other jeep continued on the main road. As we reached the third bund on Kiripokuna Road, both Shashika and Pradeep pointed toward the road where a leopard was crossing toward the bund. We gave it some room, and it returned to the road. It was a mature male leopard, later identified as Rana (KLM29).

Rana (KLM29) sniffing to mark territory

Seeing Rana in his natural habitat, performing these instinctual activities, was an unforgettable experience. His powerful presence and the way he navigated his domain with confidence left us in awe. This encounter, albeit brief, offered a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of one of Kumana’s most elusive and majestic residents.

Rana (KLM29) on the road

Meet Baagu (බාගු – KLM2), the Majestic King of Kumana National Park

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Baagu, also known as KLM2, is a dominant male leopard who reigns supreme in Kumana National Park. Known for his extensive territory, Baagu is a frequent sight within his domain. As one of the first recorded male leopards by kumanaLeopards.com, he is quite old but continues to assert his dominance despite his age.

\Recently, we learned that Baagu had a confrontation with Rana (KLM29), a formidable male leopard with overlapping territory. Despite the clash, Baagu appeared in great shape when we encountered him on Diwulpallama Wewa Road on the evening of June 22nd. This was my second time photographing this dominant leopard.

The scars on and around Baagu’s face tell a story of the struggles he has faced throughout his life—struggles that have ultimately shaped him into the powerful and enduring killing machine he is today.

Leopard in Yala Y Junction

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It has been a long time since I posted a leopard photo. None of the sightings from the beginning of the year were satisfying, as almost all of them were on the move. Of course, I do not visit Yala, Wilpattu, or any other national park as often as I used to in the good old days. So, I had to dig deep into my old photos to see what I hadn’t posted yet.

To my surprise, there were quite a lot of photos that hadn’t caught my attention before. I picked this one out of many because I really liked the isolated background. We don’t often get such deep backgrounds in Yala National Park. I think this was taken somewhere near Y Junction under extremely dry conditions during July six years ago.

Sunset over Lake Heenwewa

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Heenwewa, one of the many man-made water reservoirs nestled within Yala National Park, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Sri Lankans. These reservoirs, meticulously constructed, were vital for storing water during the dry season, primarily to sustain agriculture. Scattered across the dry zone of the country, they are a remarkable feature of Sri Lanka’s landscape.

Heenwewa holds a special charm, as it is accompanied by a Wildlife Bungalow situated right on its banks. My stay at this bungalow afforded me a unique opportunity to witness and capture the serene beauty of the lake. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky exploded in a symphony of colors, reflecting off the tranquil waters of Heenwewa. The surface, adorned with delicate water lily leaves, mirrored the vibrant hues of the sunset, creating a breathtaking tableau of nature’s artistry. The combination of the shimmering lake, the lush vegetation surrounding it, and the enchanting play of light and color created an unforgettable scene. It was a moment where the ingenuity of ancient craftsmanship met the timeless beauty of nature, encapsulated in a single, perfect sunset over Heenwewa.