How common are leopard sightings in Udawalawe?

Leopard sightings in Udawalawe National Park are exceptionally rare because the park is mainly recognised for its high density of wild elephants. Still, there is a small, fragmented population of leopards, and they remain very elusive in the open surroundings.

Unlike Yala or Wilpattu National Parks, which tend to show higher leopard densities, and also have the thick forest cover these apex hunters typically favour, Udawalawe’s ground is mostly tall grasses and scrub. Visitors should handle any leopard encounter here as a rare, fortunate bonus, not as something to expect.