Table of Contents
- The struggle and tension over land
- Leopards: A national treasure
- A distinct subspecies
- Tourists encounter uncommon sights
- Wildlife photography that is responsible
- Safeguarding a “native child” of Sri Lanka
The delicate equilibrium between inhabitants and ecosystems has been significantly disrupted by the rapid pace of urbanization. Wildlife are frequently the victims of haphazard urbanization. For example, the human-leopard conflict in Sri Lanka has evolved in recent years as a result of the encroachment and fragmentation of leopard habitats, as well as the expansion of human territories in leopard-dominated regions. The ‘Sri Lanka Leopard Day’ was established on August 1 in an effort to emphasize the importance of conserving the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). More research is being conducted to investigate the interactions between leopards and humans and to mitigate conflict in an increasingly shared landscape, as conservationists continue to emphasize the significance of this charismatic keystone species.
The struggle and tension over land
Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala, a conservation biologist, has been at the forefront of educating the public about the significance of conserving the Sri Lankan leopard. She has conducted extensive research on leopards and has a PhD in “Genetic and Morphological variation in the leopard (Panthera pardus).” She stated in her comments that leopards are significant in Sri Lanka because they have a significant impact on the ecosystems in which they reside, as they are the top carnivores. “The ecosystem will be thrown out of balance if the interconnections in ecosystems are disrupted.” Subsequently, this impacts the services that ecosystems render to humans.
Dr. Miththapala discussed the increasing competition for land, stating that leopards are present in a limited area of isolated land that is not within protected areas. “One square kilometer is home to more than 330 individuals.” Consequently, there will always be a struggle and tension over the use of a specific piece of land. Therefore, we are presented with a straightforward, unambiguous decision. The eradication of leopards in Sri Lanka will result in the devastation of ecosystem services that are crucial for our well-being. Or, we can learn to coexist with them, to coexist with them,” she continued.
Leopards: A national treasure
Leopards are recognized for their ability to maintain equilibrium within the ecosystem by regulating the quantity of prey in a variety of environments. Therefore, they are essential as an apex predator in the food chain. “Leopards have the ability to modify the functioning of an entire habitat by influencing the species below them in the food chain,” stated Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, a seasoned Asian elephant researcher and conservator. “The extinction of such a species will have an irreversible impact on the ecosystems in which it lived and could disrupt the equilibrium of the ecosystem.”
Dr. Pilapitiya is of the opinion that there is still a significant amount of work to be done, despite the fact that there have been initiatives to increase awareness among communities that share a landscape with leopards, particularly in the estate sector. The number of leopards that are captured in snares in the hill country has decreased as a result of the efforts of leopard researchers and conservation NGOs. However, there is still much to be accomplished. We should strive to achieve a goal of “zero leopard deaths/injuries due to snares” within the next five years. In order for this to occur, there must be a significant increase in awareness among the local community and the general public to discourage the consumption of forest meat. This is due to the fact that many snares are set to capture wild boar and deer, rather than leopards. Our leopards will be more secure if the demand for bushmeat is diminished.
He also urged visitors to National Parks such as Yala, Wilpattu, and Kumana to refrain from gathering around leopards during leopard sightings in order to avoid harassing them. He stated that the movement patterns and behavior of leopards can be influenced by human presence, citing a research study conducted in Thailand and published in the journal “Mammalian Biology” in 2016. “The health, reproduction, and survival of leopards may be adversely affected by the consequences of over-visitation, which include behavioral changes.” At present, the overcrowding of leopards by visitors and safari vehicles in Yala and Wilpattu is causing them to be harassed. Kumana is rapidly becoming a congested park. Regrettably, the authorities take minimal or no action to prevent this type of behavior.
He stated that, despite the widespread perception that safari jeep drivers are to blame for this behavior, he is of the firm belief that visitors to these parks, particularly those who identify themselves as “wildlife photographers,” should exercise greater responsibility and prevent leopards from being harassed by the crowds that surround them. He also stated that leopards are a national treasure and that it is the responsibility of every Sri Lankan citizen to guarantee their safety and conservation. Dr. Pilapitiya emphasized the necessity of putting our personal interests aside in order to guarantee the leopards of Sri Lanka a secure future.
A distinct subspecies
Wildlife organizations emphasized the importance of the corporate sector’s participation in conservation activities as the human-leopard conflict in the country intensified in recent years. In 2021, the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) collaborated with LOLC, a prominent conglomerate in the country, to establish a multi-regional monitoring system for the conservation of leopards. Furthermore, the leopard was included in LOLC’s conservation iconography.
Kithsiri Gunawardana, LOLC’s Chief Operating Officer and conservationist, elucidated the ecological significance of the Sri Lankan leopard. He stated that there are nine subspecies of leopards worldwide, and there is debate regarding whether it should be eight, with the two subspecies found in the Russian highlands, the Amur leopard and the North Chinese leopard, becoming a single species. “If that occurs, the number of leopard subspecies in the world will be reduced to eight.” Panthera pardus fusca is the sole subspecies of leopard located in India and the Indian subcontinent, while Panthera pardus pardus is the sole subspecies found throughout the African continent. Additionally, this diminutive island of Sri Lanka is home to a unique subspecies that is endemic to the nation. This is indeed exceptional, as the snow leopard is a member of the large cat family, which includes the tiger, lion, jaguar, and leopard, all of which are found in highland regions. It is a significant achievement to have a subspecies of leopards that are endemic to Sri Lanka. The rarity and unique location of the leopard in Sri Lanka increase the value of observing and witnessing one.
Tourists encounter uncommon sights
Gunawardana also stated that this is one of the reasons why the primary objective of any tourist visiting a national park is to observe a Sri Lankan leopard. Sri Lanka itinerary packages must include an trip to a national park for visitors who have arrived in the country. The Sri Lankan leopard is unique in that it is the sole location where it is the apex predator. The northern region of India is home to tigers and lions, while the African lion is found in regions where leopards are also present in Africa. Consequently, leopards are challenging to observe due to their nocturnal habits. Therefore, Sri Lanka is the sole location where it is possible to observe leopards in their natural habitats and observe them moving throughout the day, from a tourist perspective. Therefore, it is imperative that you refrain from intervening. They are readily adaptable to tourist vehicles as a species. This has been observed in Wilpattu, Yala, and Horton Plains. They would portray themselves as an experience that a tourist can have if they are not molested, harassed, or abused.
Wildlife photography that is responsible
Conservation Photographer, Author, and Leopard Researcher Sankha Wanniatchi further elaborated on the potential consequences of the presence of large audiences in national parks, stating that it could disrupt feeding, mating, and migration patterns. “In certain instances, the stress and disturbance may result in a decrease in reproductive success and an increase in mortality rates.”
In recent times, there has been a significant amount of competition among amateur wildlife photographers to capture the most exceptional photograph of a leopard. This writer recounts an incident in which a group of photographers entered the water to capture the most stunning image of the iconic tusker ‘Barana’ in Kala Wewa. The animal was subsequently prevented from approaching the water for an extended period.
Wanniatchi also stated that it is imperative for tourists and devotees to adopt responsible practices due to the detrimental effects of hype photography. The following are a few suggestions:
1. Avoid Crowded Areas: It is advisable to refrain from contributing to the throng at a specific location that is experiencing a surge in visitors as a result of a wildlife sighting. This reduces tension on the animals and minimizes environmental damage.
2. Comply with Park Regulations: It is imperative to comply with the regulations established by the park authorities. This entails adhering to designated paths, ensuring that one is at a secure distance from animals, and refraining from feeding wildlife.
3. Educate and Advocate: Utilize your platform to raise awareness among others regarding the significance of responsible wildlife photography. Promote sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the welfare of animals and the environment.
4. Choose Lesser-Known Sites: Rather than swarming to well-known parks during peak seasons, investigate lesser-known sites that provide comparable wildlife experiences without the accompanying throngs.
Safeguarding a “native child” of Sri Lanka
The primary objective of the WNPS and LOLC Multi-Regional Leopard Research and Conservation Project is to research leopard populations in human-dominated landscapes and to promote human-leopard coexistence outside of protected areas in Sri Lanka. The research is currently in its third year. Prof. Enoka Kudavidanage, the main researcher of the project and a professor of conservation biology, discussed the project’s advancements. He stated that they have accumulated a substantial amount of information and have established an information database over the past two years. “To achieve this, we established research centers in regions that are geographically significant.” The following regions are included: Kilinochchi, Sigiriya, Panama, Kotagala, Belihul Oya, and Kalawana. We have established a network of individuals, including wildlife officers, forest department personnel, and Grama Niladhari (GN).
She stated that questionnaires were designed to gather fundamental information, including the prevalence of leopards in each GN division, the extent of human-leopard interaction, the presence of any negative impacts, and records of leopard deaths, casualties, and other relevant data. “We initiated an investigation into various perspectives regarding individuals.” We posed the question of whether individuals could recognize a leopard and subsequently began to increase awareness through educational programs. We engaged in a conversation regarding the needs of individuals and offered them solutions to prevent the conflict between humans and leopards. These include allowing their pet dogs to enter the home at night and even offering incentives for good behavior. Under the theme of “Stop Revenge Killing,” we implemented a compensation scheme for livestock damage as a conflict mitigation measure.
The study is currently in its third year, and Prof. Kudavidanage stated that they are in the process of gathering scientific information for the information that has been collected. “This is being accomplished through the establishment of camera traps and the systematic monitoring of the landscape.” Therefore, we are endeavoring to resolve these issues on a case-by-case basis by involving tea cultivators, for instance.
Prof. Kudavidanage stated that individuals are motivated by fear and must collaborate with a variety of stakeholders when approaching challenges. Conversely, there is an immense demand for land, irrespective of population growth. Therefore, it is imperative that we enhance the management of land use. Consequently, we are currently in the process of designating areas that are essential for leopards. In summary, she stated that a leopard is an offspring of Sri Lanka and that everyone is a parent. “Therefore, it is the responsibility of all individuals to take action to safeguard this indigenous child of Sri Lanka.”
Main source:https://www.dailymirror.lk/news-features/Sri-Lanka-Leopard-Day-applause-for-efforts–by-conservationists-to-conserve-an-iconic-species/131-288456
