Two elephant pearls, valued at Rs. 42.5 million, were seized by wildlife officers during a raid at a hotel in the Biyagama area.

The operation was carried out following information provided by the Horagolla National Park warden, with officers from the park and the Western Assistant Director’s Office leading the raid.

Officials said the pearls, which had been prepared for sale, were recovered along with three suspects. 

The suspects are residents of Hingurakgoda, Dodanduwa, and Hikkaduwa. They, together with the seized items, are scheduled to be produced before the Mahara Magistrate’s Court on September 23.

Under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, it is prohibited to possess, display, transport, or sell parts of protected mammals such as elephants. 

Investigations are underway to determine how the suspects came into possession of the pearls. (Newswire)

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Actor Damith Fonseka says allegations against him over digging a cultivation well and cutting trees inside the Sigiriya sanctuary have been exaggerated, insisting he has cultivated the land since 1994 and only made minor adjustments for farming, it was reported. 

Fonseka clarified that the property spans several acres and denied claims of constructing a large well, saying he had only dug a small one to obtain water for crops.

According to the Mawbima newspaper, he added that he planned to install a concrete step to prevent animals from falling in.

He also rejected accusations of tree‑felling, stating that only a few branches were cut. 

Fonseka further said that he was not taken away in handcuffs and described the matter as the first dispute of its kind he has faced.

Wildlife officers had arrested Fonseka on charges of unauthorized activity within the sanctuary, a case that has drawn wide public attention. The matter is scheduled to be heard before court on September 2. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife heritage, conservation efforts, and nature tourism potential were spotlighted at the Sri Lanka Wildlife Festival 2026, held in London from 14 to 16 July under the theme “One Island. Many Lenses.”

The festival opened with a vibrant exhibition of nearly 100 wildlife photographs captured across Sri Lanka, hosted at the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London. 

Jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the High Commission, the exhibition was inaugurated by High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera, with the participation of High Commission officials.

The three‑day event concluded with a wildlife forum on July 16, featuring a panel discussion with renowned wildlife photographers and naturalists who have extensively documented Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. 

More than 100 participants, including international wildlife enthusiasts and conservation stakeholders, attended the forum, which celebrated Sri Lanka’s extraordinary biodiversity and highlighted the country’s growing appeal as a destination for sustainable wildlife tourism.

The Wildlife Festival complemented Sri Lanka’s participation at the Global Bird Fair 2026 in Rutland, further strengthening the island’s position as a world‑class destination for wildlife, birdwatching, and nature‑based tourism. (Newswire)

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Three suspects have been arrested in Borella and Panadura for illegally keeping and attempting to sell wildlife parts and jewelry made from them, according to wildlife officers and the Police Special Task Force Intelligence Unit.

The raid led to the seizure of a significant haul, including eight cups made of elephant tusks, an elephant pearl necklace, bracelet and casket, a two‑foot fake tusk, two bracelets suspected to be made of elephant pearls, five leopard teeth, two leopard skins, three sea shells, two spotted conch shells, a deer antler, and two pieces of black coral.

Wildlife officials said the suspects and case productions will be produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court and the Panadura Magistrate’s Court.

The operation was carried out jointly by officers of the Kurunegala Wildlife Assistant Director’s Office, Bulathkohupitiya Wildlife Office, Attidiya Wildlife Office, and the Rajagiriya Police Intelligence Unit, based on intelligence provided by the Sri Lanka Air Force. (Newswire)

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Wildlife officers have arrested two hotel managers in the Kegalle district after deer mounts were found displayed at their establishments.

According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, on April 25, officials from the Bulathkohupitiya Wildlife Office raided a hotel in the area following information that deer skulls with antlers were being exhibited. The manager was taken into custody along with two mounts.

The Department further said a second raid was carried out at a hotel in Alapalawala, Debathgama, where another mount was seized and the manager arrested.

Authorities confirmed the suspects will be produced before the Kegalle Magistrate’s Court and the Mawanella Magistrate’s Court, respectively, on May 5.

The Department noted that possession, transport, display, or sale of parts of protected animals is a punishable offence under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. (Newswire)

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A suspect has been arrested in Thirappane after wildlife officers discovered a cache of illegal firearms hidden in a temporary hut on farmland.

According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, acting on information received, officers from the Anuradhapura Thirappane Wildlife Office searched the suspect’s property in Orukmankulama, Uttamaduwa.

During the search operation, they found eight locally manufactured guns, including a shotgun and seven rifles, concealed near the hut.

The suspect was taken into custody along with the seized weapons and is to be produced before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Wildlife photographer Lakshitha Karunarathna’s photograph ‘Toxic Tip’ is among 100 award-winning photographs selected for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, now in its 61st year at the Natural History Museum in London.

Lakshitha Karunarathna’s photograph depicting a solitary elephant navigating its way through a waste disposal site in Sri Lanka has been selected from a staggering and record-breaking 60,636 submissions made for the award. 

Lakshitha has been recording the conflict that arises between people and the roughly 7,500 elephants on the island. Unfortunately, this regularly includes those that forage for food among Sri Lanka’s open rubbish dumps.

“Here is an image chosen as one of just 100 award-winning photographs, selected from a staggering and record-breaking 60,636 submissions to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year now in its 61st year at the Natural History Museum, London — and I am deeply humbled that my photograph “Toxic Tip” is one of them,” the Sri Lankan Wildlife photographer said commenting on the recognition.

“With immense honour and pride, I share this work, placed among only 0.16% of all submissions chosen for this year’s awards, shining a light on the devastating consequences of erratic waste disposal and its catastrophic toll on Sri Lanka’s Elephants.

“Often called the Oscars of Wildlife Photography, #WPY has once again reminded the world that photography is not only art, but also a voice for the voiceless. I am truly grateful that Toxic Tip was selected for the official media release — already carried out today across countless print, broadcast, and digital media outlets reaching every corner of the world — giving this story a stage far beyond borders.

“Let us move towards a world where waste is managed responsibly, where sustainability is not a choice but a way of life. By protecting our Elephants, we safeguard not only a species, but also the spirit of nature that belongs to us all,” he added, in a statement on social media. (Newswire)

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A 23-year-old man has been arrested while attempting to sell a stock of black coral, a rare and protected marine species, near the Gampaha railway station, wildlife officials said.

The suspect was taken into custody on Saturday (23) following a tip-off received by the Horagolla National Park. Officers seized 3.2 kilograms of black coral, which the suspect had planned to sell at Rs. 75,000 per kilogram.

He is scheduled to be produced before the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, along with the seized items.

The raid was carried out under the supervision of Horagolla National Park Warden, P.A.S.U. Bandara, with the participation of wildlife officers A.M. Saminda, R.M.P. Wijesinghe, P.C. Sanjeewani, I.P.C.N. Sasmitha, and driver R.S.S. Ratnasekara.

Black coral (Antipathes), also known as thorn coral, is a deep-sea coral species that provides habitat, food, and protection for a wide range of marine organisms. Though its outer surface appears in different colours, the interior is black, which gives the species its name.

Under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, the cutting, possession, trade, import, export, or exhibition of coral is prohibited. The Department of Wildlife Conservation has urged the public to provide any information on coral traffickers via the 1992 wildlife hotline. (Newswire)

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The Department of Wildlife Conservation and Environment Ministry have requested support from the Police Special Task Force (STF) and local Police to strengthen protections for wild elephants following deaths reported recently in the Sigiriya and Galgamuwa areas.

In a letter to the Acting Inspector General of Police, Department called for urgent assistance from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) to aid ongoing investigations.

According to a statement from the department, one of the elephant deaths in the Digampathana area of Sigiriya was first reported on February 3, 2025. The case is currently under investigation before the Dambulla Magistrate’s Court.

Two additional elephants were later found dead within the same wildlife reserve. One was identified as a tusker, with its tusks believed to have been removed by unidentified individuals.

The most recent elephant deaths were observed by wildlife officers on July 22, 2025. Another incident involving a dead elephant in the Ehetuwewa area of Galgamuwa is expected to be reported to the Galgamuwa Magistrate’s Court.

The elephant deaths were reported across Sigiriya, Ganewalpola, and Galgamuwa, which fall within the Matale, Anuradhapura, and Kurunegala districts, respectively. (Newswire)

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Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi told Parliament today that the Department of Wildlife Conservation has only 12 veterinarians to manage wildlife health across the country.

Responding to a question from Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa regarding the human-elephant conflict, the minister noted the lack of support staff such as veterinary assistants, nurses, and technicians.

“Unlike in other countries, our veterinarians work alone, under challenging conditions and with limited resources,” he said, adding that these veterinarians were responsible for treating all kinds of animals, not just elephants.

Highlighting the growing strain on the system, he revealed that on July 10, all 12 vets were tasked with treating nine elephants suffering gunshot wounds.

“On the 10th July, these 12 veterinarians across the country had to treat 9 elephants with gunshot injuries. By 15th July, the number of injured elephants increased to 13,” he said.

The minister also suggested a possible organized effort to harm elephants, noting that all the animals had been shot in the same location—below the knee. (Newswire)

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The next episode of the groundbreaking docuseries, Guardians, by Prince William and The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme, focuses on an incredible team of rangers in Sri Lanka.

This week’s episode is about the Sri Lankan rangers working to minimise threats of human-elephant conflict, fostering a more peaceful coexistence between wildlife and the communities living to help save this much-loved species from extinction.

Guardians, which launched in May, highlights the individuals at the forefront of wildlife protection and conservation and seeks to change the narrative around rangers, driving recognition and pride in the vital yet often misunderstood work they do to protect our planet.

The episode on Sri Lanka features ranger Chinthaka Pathirana, who, for over 20 years, has been a veterinary expert within the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s (DWC) Veterinary Clinic in Randenigala. Renowned for his leadership and integrity, viewers learn of the work of Chinthaka and his team as they bravely risk their lives to rescue and monitor elephants, alongside balancing patrolling duties and mitigating conflict.

Sri Lanka is home to the highest density of wild elephants per square mile, with a species population of between 5,000 and 6,000. For decades, humans and elephants have peacefully co-existed, but habitat encroachment, deforestation and agricultural expansion have made this enduring relationship more fragile. 

Communities in the region are now experiencing one of the highest rates of elephant-human conflict globally, and in 2023, 176 humans and 470 elephants tragically lost their lives. Through immersive film footage and powerful interviews, this film highlights the emotional and technical efforts of ranger teams as they work to reduce harm to animals whilst minimising impact on humans.

The groundbreaking docuseries was the brainchild of Prince William, and he has voiced the trailer and individual episode introductions. Each episode focuses on a different ranger community from across the globe and the specific challenges they face in safeguarding often endangered species and fragile ecosystems.

Prince William said: “I’ve had the privilege of meeting a number of rangers throughout my life and have seen firsthand the vital work they do. Yet their stories are often overlooked or misunderstood. The reality is that protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. We need to understand and recognise Nature’s Guardians, and the critical work they do.

“The rangers we meet in this series are an inspiration to us all. Every day, they take huge risks as nature’s frontline of defence, standing between poachers and endangered species, supporting sustainable human-animal coexistence and fighting habitat loss.

“As they work to protect our oceans, our forests, our plains, our mountains and biodiversity, they are also educating, community building and furthering science. These are the unsung heroes — the true Guardians of the natural world, defending nature and the future of the planet for all of us.”

Elephants are vital to the broader environment in Sri Lanka, acting as “ecosystem engineers,” influencing forest structure by creating clearings and pathways and dispersing seeds, which diversifies plant life. Without this crucial species, the delicate balance of the local environment would unravel.

Tracking and monitoring elephant movements and behaviour is a central focus for conservation efforts in Sri Lanka, affording rangers crucial information on when and where elephant-human conflict is happening. The episode shows Chinthaka and his team putting themselves in the path of danger as they fit a GPS collar onto a recently spotted elephant. These cutting-edge GPS technologies provide a lifeline in building a map for coexistence, but with each elephant weighing between two and five tonnes, fitting them comes with a very real threat of rangers being trampled or charged. In the gripping sequence, audiences have the rare opportunity to see how the highly skilled team work quickly to attach the collar, whilst minimising the impact on the elephant.

Chinthaka Pathirana, a veterinary expert within the Department of Wildlife Conservation, said: “From a young age, we had a connection with the forest. Elephant-human conflicts were not as intense as they are now. Our main objective is to minimise the impact on people and reduce the harm to animals. Looking forward, we hope to increase forest coverage and ensure that wild animals have adequate habitats. So, the role of the ranger is vital.”

The series was co-produced by The Royal Foundation with award-winning studio Zandland and follows the extraordinary stories of rangers across the globe. 

Benjamin Zand, Series Director & Executive Producer, ZANDLAND said: “Sri Lanka is a country that has always captivated me, ever since I first visited in 2018 — stunningly beautiful, but facing a complex challenge when it comes to coexistence between people and wildlife. Chinthaka and his team are doing one of the toughest jobs out there: protecting one of the world’s most iconic animals while navigating real tensions with local communities. His warmth, commitment and belief in coexistence deserve to be championed. At Zandland, we’re proud to tell stories like these — stories that don’t just show the beauty of wildlife, but the human struggle behind protecting it.”

The series will be available to watch across all of BBC Earth’s YouTube and social channels, with a new episode landing weekly. Episodes will also be screened at Adventure Cinema locations across the UK. (Newswire)

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Prince William and The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife programme have launched a groundbreaking new wildlife docuseries titled ‘Guardians’, with an episode on Sri Lanka due to be released Friday, 20 June 2025.

The new docuseries features Sri Lanka, showcasing its veterinary experts who work tirelessly to rehabilitate elephants, leopards, and other wildlife, while balancing patrolling duties and mitigating human-elephant conflicts.

The docuseries seeks to redefine the understanding of rangers and the protectors of nature, driving recognition and pride in their vital yet unseen work to protect the planet.

Guardians will be released on the Diamond Creator Award-winning BBC Earth’s YouTube and social channels from Friday, 23rd May, with a gripping new episode launching each week. As a digital-first series, each 6–10-minute episode offers exclusive access and first-hand accounts of the lives of rangers and nature protectors as they urgently work to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems. 

The series, which was the brainchild of Prince William and to which he has voiced the trailer and individual episode introductions, aims to showcase these unsung heroes and highlight how their work impacts us all.

The six-part series immerses viewers in the unique worlds of the Guardians, whereby we encounter incredible individuals who make huge sacrifices to safeguard the planet’s most threatened environments. From the snowy mountains of the Himalayas to the remote rainforests of Brazil, the series is filmed in some of the most breathtaking yet challenging locations that the Guardians call home, with each episode highlighting the pivotal role of these inspirational individuals.

Prince William said:

“I’ve had the privilege of meeting a number of rangers throughout my life and have seen firsthand the vital work they do. Yet their stories are often overlooked or misunderstood. The reality is that protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. We need to understand and recognise Nature’s Guardians, and the critical work they do.

“The rangers we meet in this series are an inspiration to us all. Every day, they take huge risks as nature’s frontline of defence, standing between poachers and endangered species, supporting sustainable human-animal coexistence and fighting habitat loss.

“As they work to protect our oceans, our forests, our plains, our mountains and biodiversity, they are also educating, community building and furthering science. These are the unsung heroes — the true Guardians of the natural world, defending nature and the future of the planet for all of us.”

Through his decades of work in the nature conservation sector and his ongoing work with United for Wildlife, Prince William has spent a great deal of time understanding and championing the work of rangers. He has seen first-hand the critical work they undertake and the myriad threats they face on a daily basis, with many tragically losing their lives whilst defending nature.

Dr Tom Clements, Executive Director of Nature Conservation, said:

“The role of a ranger stretches far beyond just protecting wildlife. They are educators, community supporters, researchers and scientists, from governments, organisations, local communities and Indigenous Peoples. They preserve cultural heritage, and they help safeguard and regulate the sustainable use of our planet’s most precious natural resources.

“Without the critical work of these guardians, there is no guarantee of the future of thousands of animal and plant species, let alone food security, clean water, or a functioning, stable economy for the human population.”

The series was co-produced with award-winning studio ZANDLAND and will see a new episode released each week, offering exclusive access, interviews and dynamic storytelling. The series follows the remarkable stories from:

• Central African Republic and the breathtaking Dzangha-Sangha protected area, following a reformed poacher who now dedicates his life to protecting the wildlife he once hunted.
• The Himalayas, India, where high in the Spiti Valley, rangers are working to bring co-existence between the snow leopards known as ‘Ghosts of the Himalayas’, and local communities.
• Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, once called ‘the world’s aquarium’ – and the story of a reformed illegal fisherman now working to protect this threatened ecosystem.
• Kruger National Park in South Africa where teams work round the clock to protect, rescue and rehabilitate critically endangered rhinos which face daily poaching threats.
• Sri Lanka where veterinary experts work tirelessly to rehabilitate elephants, leopards, and other wildlife, while balancing patrolling duties and mitigating human-elephant conflicts.
• Caru Indigenous Land, Brazil and the community-led fight to preserve their heritage and protect ancestral lands from environmental destruction.

The series will be distributed by BBC Studios Digital Brands via the BBC Earth YouTube and social channels, which reaches a global audience of over 13 million subscribers. As one of the world’s leading destinations for premium factual content, the channel provides an ideal platform to showcase Guardians and connect viewers with powerful, real-world stories.

Chris Galliers, Chair of the International Ranger Federation, said:

“Rangers, as essential, on-the-ground planetary health professionals, play an indispensable role in securing and maintaining the health of our planet. Although often under-resourced and supported, their tireless work secures our natural and cultural heritage and the stability of global economies, proving that environmental protection is deeply interconnected with human survival.”

Jasmine Dawson, SVP of Digital at BBC Studios, said:

“We are incredibly proud to bring Guardians to audiences globally through our BBC Earth YouTube and social channels. This series reflects BBC Studios Digital Brands’ commitment to making vital, global stories accessible to everyone, and it aligns with our mission to tell meaningful, purpose-driven stories that spark conversation. In partnership with The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife, Guardians shines a light on the extraordinary work of rangers on the frontlines of conservation by sharing their untold stories with the world.” (Newswire)

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has presented several key proposals in Parliament aimed at advancing the environmental and wildlife sectors.

He made the proposals during the budget committee stage debate on the environment sector and related topics.  

Conducting a National Environmental System Assessment

The Opposition Leader emphasized the need for a national environmental system assessment to raise public awareness about the value of biodiversity within the country’s ecosystem. He highlighted the importance of understanding the services ecosystems provide and their role in sustaining human existence. He noted that while short-term solutions are often proposed for environmental issues, conservation targets must be established based on Sri Lanka’s geographical location. He also reaffirmed that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and Samagi Jana Sandhanaya (SJS) are green political parties committed to environmental conservation.

Reference to the Environmental Planning Charter

Describing Sri Lanka as a nation that must implement sustainable development within a naturally rich ecosystem, Premadasa tabled the environmental plan and charter he had introduced during the 2019 presidential election. This charter includes details of three major national projects focused on the conservation of elephants, tigers, and whales.

Need for a National Land Development and Physical Plan

Premadasa stressed the importance of a national land development plan and a national physical plan to strengthen environmental protection. He called for broad consensus on this matter and highlighted the necessity of appreciating biodiversity resources for conservation. He also urged action on issues such as environmental pollution, plastic waste reduction, soil erosion prevention, and unauthorized deforestation.

Emphasizing Sustainable and Community-Centered Conservation

Premadasa underscored that as Sri Lanka moves toward a circular economy, sustainable development and conservation must be prioritized. He stated that community-centered conservation is essential for the success of wildlife conservation efforts. He pointed out that while Sri Lanka has committed to multiple environmental charters over the years, the country has yet to achieve many of its conservation targets.

Developing Eco-Tourism

Premadasa proposed eco-tourism as a means of generating foreign exchange. He referenced India’s 1971-72 tiger conservation program under Indira Gandhi, which led to a thriving tiger-focused tourism industry and a revival of the tiger population. He suggested that Sri Lanka should similarly develop green tourism initiatives centered on elephants, tigers, dolphins, and whales.

Providing Sustainable Solutions to the Human-Elephant Conflict

Addressing the human-elephant conflict, Premadasa acknowledged that past solutions have been ineffective. He pointed out that while successful technological methods exist worldwide to mitigate conflicts between humans and wildlife, Sri Lanka has struggled to implement a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy. He attributed this failure to the lack of a clear long-term plan, inadequate human and physical resources, and frequent policy changes between governments and ministers.

Prioritizing Animal Welfare

Premadasa emphasized the importance of animal welfare, calling for a humanitarian approach to conservation efforts. He proposed establishing an International University for Environmental Studies to leverage global green trends and position Sri Lanka as a leader in environment-centered research. He further suggested transforming Sri Lanka into a global research hub for national parks and wildlife conservation.

Developing Physical and Human Resources in the Wildlife Sector

Premadasa called for the permanent employment of experienced wildlife officers who currently work as volunteers on minimal salaries. He also advocated for the regularization of thousands of employees in the multi-functional department who receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 22,500. Additionally, he stressed the need for an accurate wildlife census and criticized any attempts to undermine its significance.

Through these proposals, Premadasa underscored the urgent need for comprehensive, long-term policies to protect Sri Lanka’s environment and wildlife, ensuring sustainable conservation and economic benefits through eco-tourism and biodiversity preservation. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi-day fishing trawler and apprehended 05 suspects involved in the smuggling of several bird and reptile species. 

In a significant crackdown on wildlife smuggling, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed the Coast Guard ship Suraksha for the operation in the southern waters on Sunday (July 07).

The Sri Lanka Navy and the Coast Guard continuously carry out operations to combat a wide range of smuggling rackets along the country’s seas and coastlines.

According to the Sri Lanka Navy, this operation was conducted based on a comprehensive information analysis by Naval Intelligence over an extended period, focusing on a smuggling racket of birds and reptiles. 

Upon inspection of the suspicious trawler in the southern waters, a variety of 13 pythons, 01 monitor lizard, 01 tortoise and 03 parrots were found, raising concerns over an act of wildlife smuggling. Thus, the fishing trawler, along with 05 suspects, was taken into custody.

The multi-day fishing trawler was escorted to the Galle harbour on Tuesday, where officials of the Department of Wildlife Conservation examined the animals and identified them as non-native species to Sri Lanka. 

The multi-day trawler, which was held on the charges of wildlife smuggling, had left Negombo for fishing activities. The suspects held in this operation were identified as residents of Negombo and Kochchikade, who are from 34 to 67 years of age.

The apprehended suspects along with the trawler and animals were handed over to the Department of Wildlife Conservation – Hikkaduwa for legal action.

The Navy said it is believed that these animals were smuggled, either to be brought into the country from abroad or to be sent to another destination. (Newswire)

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A female elephant that had participated in the annual Esala Perahera of the Mahiyanganaya Rajamaha Viharaya has been injured after being shot by a Wildlife officer.

The officer in question is a Civil Defence Department officer attached to the Mapakada Wewa Wildlife Office.

The Mahiyanganaya Police has arrested the wildlife officer after being notified by the Basnayake Nilame of Sri Sumana Saman Dewalaya. 

According to media reports, the Wildlife officer had fired at the female elephant after it was found with chains on the banks of the Mahaweli River, mistaking it for a wild elephant. 

Issuing a statement on the incident, the Director General of the Wildlife Conservation Department, M.G.C. Sooriyabandara said that one of its officers had mistakenly fired rubber bullets at the female elephant ‘Sita’.

Sooriyabandara  further said that the officer had taken the measure in an attempt to scare off the wild elephants in the vicinity.

The injured elephant is being treated by a veterinary surgeon of the Wildlife Conservation Department. (NewsWire)

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The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) has advised motorists to drive with care and be vigilant of wildlife while travelling during the upcoming festive season. 

The Society has requested those travelling during the long weekend to be mindful of their speed in wildlife-surrounded areas to prevent roadkills and for the safety of motorists. 

Following are a few tips from the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society to help motorists drive with care during the holiday season.

1. Slow down when driving through forested areas. This helps you react quickly if an animal suddenly appears in your path.
2. Pay attention to your surroundings and be alert in known animal zones, such as areas where there are warning signs or crossing structures.
3. Use your headlights to help spot animals on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.
4. Avoid distractions that can take your eyes off the road, such as using your phone.
5. Keep your distance if you see an animal on or near the road. Slow down and give it plenty of space to move. Don’t try to scare it off the road by honking your horn or flashing your headlights. (NewsWire)

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Officials of the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department have rescued a 06-month-old leopard cub and safely returned it to the wild. 

The Wildlife Department stated that the leopard cub had ventured into a house in the Hatton area on 25th February after which the owner of the house had locked it inside a room and informed wildlife officials.

Wildlife officials had safely removed the leopard cub from the room and had made arrangements to keep it out in the wild for its mother to find it.

The leopard cub was placed in a box and left outside in a safe area on 27th February 2023 during which a young leopard had inspected it and left.

The Wildlife Department stated that, however, on 1st March, the mother of the leopard cub had arrived at around 09.00 pm and taken the cub along with her back to the wild. 

The Department confirmed that the mother and cub are safe and together in the wild.

Video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=242244551486521&extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=1YhcI9R&ref=sharing (NewsWire)

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