Protecting Sri Lanka's Leopard - A Call for Urgent Action

The tragic death of another Sri Lankan leopard caught in a snare in Maskeliya highlights the growing crisis for this critically important species. As Sri Lanka’s only apex predator, the leopard plays a crucial role in balancing the ecosystem, controlling populations of crop-raiding animals like wild boar, which benefit agriculture, and drawing wildlife tourism that supports the economy. Despite their importance, the number of leopards falling victim to human-induced threats, such as illegal snares, continues to rise. Nine leopards have already died this year under similar circumstances, a situation made worse by the insufficient resources, delayed response times, and limited number of wildlife veterinarians available to save them.

The challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s wildlife officers and veterinarians are severe, with staff often overworked, underpaid, and poorly equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. The country’s Department of Wildlife Conservation has failed to expand veterinary services or provide adequate financial support for field officers, leaving them to patrol dangerous forests with minimal resources. Without immediate action to improve their working conditions, recruit more officers, and strengthen enforcement of wildlife protection laws, Sri Lanka risks further loss of its keystone species. Protecting the leopard, and supporting those who safeguard it, is essential not only for wildlife conservation but also for the nation's agricultural and tourism-driven economy.

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