- ‘Leopards of Horton Plains – Identification’ erects educational signs to encourage co-existence
By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya
Leopards are among Sri Lanka’s majestic wildlife, and these big cats are lithe and splendid. Horton Plains National Park may not be the first place that comes to mind when talking about leopards, but “Leopards of Horton Plains – Identification”, a group formed by four friends keen on photography and conservation are making efforts to not only study leopards but educate the park’s visitors about them.
“Leopards of Horton Plains – Identification” Founder Sankha Wanniatchi spoke to The Morning Brunch about their latest initiative, which involves erecting sign boards in five spots frequented by the leopards of Horton Plains.
The group’s other members include Heshara Aluthge, Ravisara Jayamanna, and Milinda Wattegedara. They joined Wanniatchi when he began studying leopards back in 2013. “Since 2013, we have been carrying out a study on leopards, from numbers to their behaviours. We have thus far identified 17 leopards between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.” he explained.
According to Wanniatchi, there has been an increase in leopard sightings at the Horton Plains National Park. However, contrary to what many say, this is not due to an increase in the leopard population. “There has been no increase in the number of leopards, and instead, the leopards have grown accustomed to seeing people, and their fear has reduced. This poses no risk to people,” he said, explaining that habituation is the main reason for the increase in sightings.
“One reason for this is that a female leopard habituated – which is when they get used to humans. Her three cubs have also habituated,” he said, adding that despite habituation occurring when leopards get used to human presence over time, this doesn’t increase the risk faced by humans.
“We are not in the leopard’s food chain and they don’t see us as prey. A leopard will attack a human if it is cornered or provoked, but they do not attack humans unprovoked,” Wanniatchi said. He added that there is no significant threat to the animal from humans either, but that it is better to be aware of their presence, and reduce the risk of any incidents from occurring, than regretting it later on.
Wanniatchi went on to say: “Photographers tend to be aware of areas where leopards frequent, however there are people who don’t. Some don’t even know that there are leopards, because it’s not easy to sight a leopard in Horton Plains. So our idea is that if people are aware of areas where leopards visit, both sides are safe.”
The sign boards have been erected in places the group identified as those frequently visited by leopards. These could be crossing points, for instance. The five signs can be found at the Thotupola Mountain Trail, Arrenga Pool, Sri Pada Viewpoint, Maha Eliya Bungalow, and the Wildlife Department Dormitory.
He explained that people tend to hike the Thotupola trail either by themselves or in groups, and many walk around the Sri Pada viewpoint area. The Arrenga Pool is known as a spot for photographing birds, while many stay at the bungalow and dormitory.
“On the Kirigalpoththa path, for instance, people, mainly foreigners, hike by themselves, but seeing a warning about leopard presence will inform visitors, who may encounter a leopard during their walk,” Wanniatchi said, adding that we cannot predict the state the leopard is in. This is why education is important.
While “Leopards of Horton Plains – Identification” did the printing and installation of the signs, they worked with the Department of Wildlife for this project. Wanniatchi also thanked Rukshan Jayewardene for helpful tips, Park Warden Kelum Pathirana and Deputy Park Warden Sunil for all their support, and Riznad Hussain for the Tamil translations for the signs.
While highlighting the importance of erecting these signs in areas people tend to explore by foot, Wanniatchi also stated that Horton Plains is Sri Lanka’s only National Park where one can get down from the vehicle while on tour.
He thus stressed the need to co-exist with leopards, instead of being afraid of them.