Ceylon Dream Journey - Sri Lanka

30/06/2015

Indeewaree Lake Resort - Anuradhapura

09/06/2015

30/10/2013

Posted by: Ceylon Dream Journey - Sri Lanka

30/10/2013

Wild Life

30/10/2013

Posted by: Ceylon Dream Journey - Sri Lanka
Big male Leopard in Hamu’s house!

We came across this huge, full bellied male leopard while on safari last week – and his presence at that location is a break in the opinions of leopard’s sharing territories within Yala National Park.

While we were peacefully sitting at the Kotabendi Wewa, sipping a cool drink and taking in nature’s atmosphere with a group of guests, loud spotted deer alarm calls were suddenly heard on the other side of the water. We knew this behavior was indicative of the presence of a predator so we started up the land rover and drove down a little further to investigate, only to find this huge male leopard rolling around in the grass at a close distance. He was taking absolutely no notice of the deer as he had already clearly had his fill.

After a short while the leopard got up and strolled in to the bushes, surprisingly to pop out right in front of our vehicle just a minute later! An interesting observation of this incredible sighting is that this male was in Hamu’s traditional territory. Hamu is a big male leopard seen regularly by visitors to Yala National Park and is also the famous leopard on our Leopard Trails logo. A sighting of Hamu was reported at the very same location (Kotabendi Wewa) yesterday, proving that he is still in the area.

Can anybody help us to identify this Leopard? Is this leopard sharing territory with Hamu? Or are they both unaware or unsure of their boundaries?

30/10/2013

Posted by: Ceylon Dream Journey - Sri Lanka
The largest mugger crocodile population in the world exists within Yala National Park Block 1!


A survey led by local herpetologist Anslem De Silva with the assistance of Wild Life Department officials has concluded that there are over 500 mugger crocodiles in the area, which covers around 140 square kilometers.

The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is present throughout much of Sri Lanka and even lives alongside the saltwater crocodile within some areas. The species inhabits numerous man-made waterways throughout the country, known locally as "tanks", as well as within rivers and wetlands.

Mugger Crocodiles have broader snouts in comparison to the other species of their genus. Female Muggers have an average body length of 2.45 metres while males are in the region of 3m. However, older, mature males have been known to exceed 4m and the longest recorded Mugger measured 5.04m. Some of these larger crocodiles can weigh more than 450 kilograms.

Mugger Crocodiles can achieve speeds of 8 miles per hour over short distances in pursuit of prey, and can swim at 10-12 mph in limited bursts as well. — at Yala National Park.

30/10/2013

Posted by: Ceylon Dream Journey - Sri Lanka
Juvenile Crested Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus)

Once again an interesting bird sighting! Yala is home to well over 200 species of birds including Water Birds, Owls, Shrikes, Munias and many more. The Crested or Changeable Hawk Eagle is a fairly common yet magnificent Raptor!

The bird in this picture may not quite look like a Crested Hawk Eagle as it is a juvenile; the adult birds are much darker in colour.

Nisaetus cirrhatus usually feeds on rodents, lizards and other birds, yet sometimes they get a frog craving

This hungry youngster spent quite some time flipping over sticks and stones in the hope of finding a juicy amphibian. — at Yala National Park.