Sri Lanka Leopard (Panthera Pardus Fusca)

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Sinhalese: Diviya

Tamil: Puli, Sarrugu-Puli

Description: A large male can attain an overall length of about 2 meters; the female about 15 cm shorter. The black markings on the tawny coat are in the form of rosettes, and very occasionally referred to as a Black Panther.

Distribution: Leopards are found in jungle areas throughout the island wherever they are undisturbed.

Habits: The leopard is normally a solitary animal who wanders throughout its designated territory in search of prey. It hunts mostly during the evening or night, but sometimes in the day, and its main food appears to be the deers, sambhur, monkey and other small animals which it stalks or ambushes. Leopards have very acute hearing and eye-sight, but their sense of smell is poor, and their call, often heard at night, is similar to the sound of a person sawing wood. They have been known to live for 20 years in captivity.

Breeding: The gestation period lasts for about 13 weeks, and normally 2-3 young are born. The female will choose a sheltered cavern amongst rocks or a large hollow tree as her den. The young normally remain with their mother for about 2 years.

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