Can I see jungle cats in Udawalawe?

Yes, the jungle cat (Felis chaus) is present in Udawalawe National Park; however, this small, solitary feline is quite elusive and rarely seen in practice.

The jungle cat tends to occupy zones with dense cover, like tall grasslands, scrub vegetation, and wetlands close to the reservoir. It is mostly nocturnal, and also active during crepuscular hours, hunting for rats and small birds near dawn, and again at dusk. Because of its sandy-brown camouflage and quiet, hidden way of moving, spotting a jungle cat during a normal jeep safari is viewed as an exceptionally fortunate moment.