Chandana Witharanage
Jerry
Photographed in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is a leopard subspecies native to Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan leopard is without doubt a star attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, both local and international. Panthera Pardus Kotiya is a subspecies of leopard that is native to Sri Lanka and is unfortunately classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The reasons for the decline in numbers include hunting for trade, fragmentation and of course habitat loss.
The Sri Lankan leopard hunts by silently stalking its prey, until it is within striking distance, when it unleashes a burst of speed to quickly pursue and pounce on its victim. The prey is usually dispatched with a single bite to the throat. Like most cats, it is pragmatic in its choice of diet, which can include small mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as larger animals. Sri Lankan axis deer make up the majority of its diet in the dry zone.. The animal also preys on sambar, barking deer, wild boar, and monkeys.
No birth season or peak is apparent, with births occur across the year. Its lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years in the wild, and up to 22 years in captivity.[Wikipedia]
Many thanks to all those who view, comment and or fave my photos....It is greatly appreciated ......Chandana ❤️
Jerry
Photographed in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is a leopard subspecies native to Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan leopard is without doubt a star attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, both local and international. Panthera Pardus Kotiya is a subspecies of leopard that is native to Sri Lanka and is unfortunately classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The reasons for the decline in numbers include hunting for trade, fragmentation and of course habitat loss.
The Sri Lankan leopard hunts by silently stalking its prey, until it is within striking distance, when it unleashes a burst of speed to quickly pursue and pounce on its victim. The prey is usually dispatched with a single bite to the throat. Like most cats, it is pragmatic in its choice of diet, which can include small mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as larger animals. Sri Lankan axis deer make up the majority of its diet in the dry zone.. The animal also preys on sambar, barking deer, wild boar, and monkeys.
No birth season or peak is apparent, with births occur across the year. Its lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years in the wild, and up to 22 years in captivity.[Wikipedia]
Many thanks to all those who view, comment and or fave my photos....It is greatly appreciated ......Chandana ❤️