11th November, 2023: Classic Wild is Sri Lankas premier wildlife travel brand which is specialized in curated, expert led wildlife experiences from photo safaris to birding and herpetology expeditions . With a deep bond with nature and the land, has further extended its commitment to the island’s flora and fauna by supporting and sponsoring a ground breaking scientific research initiative that will leverage on advanced technology tools with an aim to protect and conserve large carnivores in the greater Yala landscape. The research study will be focused on the Sri Lankan Leopard and the Sloth Bear. Globally there is an alarming decline of large carnivore species across continents due to habitat loss, hunting, disease and illegal trade, and this is particularly important on islands like Sri Lanka that have a finite land surface area. As a sustainability-minded travel company, by supporting this project, Classic Wild is championing the importance of conserving the habitat of large carnivores. Besides conserving these species, the research study will gain insights into population dynamics, threats, and human-carnivore interactions in the region.
Yala National Park was chosen because it is a vital conservation site with diverse ecosystems and high biodiversity. With its neighboring protected areas, the broader Yala region is the largest contiguous protected area in the country. Leopards and sloth bears are umbrella and keystone carnivore species and have roles to play in maintaining a balance in the ecosystem and their extinction could create a serious imbalance in the ecosystem.
This study relies on novel technology to estimate population density, abundance, and other key population parameters with the use of data obtained by camera traps and contributions made by local safari jeep drivers, local tour operators, game rangers and wildlife enthusiasts. The study has already garnered immense support from all stakeholders. This study is unique in that it works against a lot of the insularity in carnivore conservation and aims to bring conservation stakeholders together through the unified activity of conservation monitoring.
The study aims to develop a framework for a long-term monitoring protocol to monitor populations of leopards in Yala National Park and provide information on important population ecological parameters for leopards: sex ratios, sex-specific movement, and activity ranges. It will also provide an understanding into local communities’ knowledge, attitudes and practices toward leopards and sloth bears through interviews with community members, including victims of conflict and those engaged in related livelihoods.
The findings of the study will propel the development of a comprehensive carnivore conservation plan for Yala National Park, which is a globally renowned tourist destination. Additionally, the findings will also be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at global conferences.
The study is conducted by a team lead by Dinal Samarasinghe, Dr Eric Wikramanayake, Dr Alexander Braczkowski, Dr Arjun Gopalaswamy, Prof Jan Venter, and Mr Rukshan Jayewardene. It is a collaboration between the Environmental Foundation (guaranteed) Ltd, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa, Department of Wildlife Conservation of Sri Lanka, ‘For the Leopard Trust, Sri Lanka and Griffith University, Australia. The key logistics supplier for the project is Kulu Safaris Pvt Ltd, a luxury camping and guided safari operation in Yala National Park.
Classic Wild has it’s a dedicated in-house team of expert naturalist guides who are some of the most seasoned and experienced field operators in the industry, with a deep knowledge of biology,ecology, animal behavior and field craft. Classic Wild believes in creating unique travel experiences which bring out the joy, awe and wonder that Sri Lanka’s amazing biodiversity has to offer.