متنزه ويلباتو الوطني
A complete guide to the wildlife of Wilpattu National Park. From the iconic Sri Lankan leopard to the endemic birds found nowhere else on Earth - learn where and when to see each species, with expert viewing tips from our naturalists.
Panthera pardus kotiya
Spot the Sri Lankan leopard on a Wilpattu safari. Best viewing tips, prime locations, and when to visit for the highest sighting success in Wilpattu National Park.
Melursus ursinus
Wilpattu is the best place in Sri Lanka to see the elusive sloth bear. Learn where and when to spot this shaggy, insect-eating bear on your safari.
Elephas maximus maximus
Wilpattu's elephant population is one of Sri Lanka's best-kept secrets. Learn about the park's herds, where they gather, and the best times to see them.
Axis axis
The spotted deer is the most common large mammal in Wilpattu and a key prey species for leopards. Learn where they gather and how they signal predator presence.
Rusa unicolor
The largest deer species in Sri Lanka, the sambar is a key prey animal for Wilpattu's leopards. Learn where and when to see this majestic deer.
Sus scrofa
The wild boar is a common sight in Wilpattu and an important prey species. Learn about their behavior, where to find them, and their role in the ecosystem.
Bubalus arnee
The mighty water buffalo of Wilpattu — one of the park's most impressive large mammals. See where they wallow and graze across the park's villus system.
Canis aureus
The golden jackal is Wilpattu's most vocal predator. Learn about their behavior, social structure, and where to hear their distinctive calls at dusk.
Prionailurus rubiginosus
The world's smallest wild cat lives in Wilpattu. Learn about this elusive, nocturnal predator and how to increase your chances of seeing one.
Macaca sinica
Sri Lanka's endemic toque macaque is common in Wilpattu. Learn about their complex social structure and where to observe them.
Semnopithecus priam
The tufted grey langur is a common arboreal primate in Wilpattu. Their distinctive leaping movements and alarm calls make them a safari favourite.
Manis crassicaudata
The elusive Indian pangolin is a rare sight in Wilpattu. Learn about this scaly, nocturnal insect-eater and how to find it on a night drive.
Prionailurus viverrinus
The fishing cat is a rare wetland predator in Wilpattu. Learn where this elusive cat hunts and how to spot it along the park's villus edges.
Crocodylus palustris
The mugger crocodile is Wilpattu's largest reptile. See these ancient predators basking on villu banks and learn about their hunting strategy.
Varanus bengalensis
The Bengal monitor lizard is a large, powerful reptile commonly seen across Wilpattu. Learn about its impressive climbing and swimming abilities.
Python molurus
The Indian python is Wilpattu's largest snake. Learn where this powerful constrictor lives, what it hunts, and how to see one on your safari.
Chrysopelea taprobanica
The remarkable flying snake of Wilpattu can glide through the air. Learn about this unique reptile and where to spot it in the canopy.
Geochelone elegans
The beautifully patterned star tortoise is found in Wilpattu's dry zone forests. Learn where to find this slow-moving reptile.
Mycteria leucocephala
The painted stork is one of Wilpattu's most spectacular water birds. Learn where to find these striking pink-and-white waders.
Anastomus oscitans
The Asian openbill is a unique stork species found in Wilpattu. Learn about its distinctive bill adaptation and where to see it feeding.
Spilornis cheela
The crested serpent eagle is Wilpattu's most frequently seen raptor. Learn about its distinctive call and hunting behaviour.
Pitta brachyura
The colourful Indian pitta is a migratory gem that visits Wilpattu. Learn where to find this jewel of the forest floor.
Gallus lafayettii
Sri Lanka's national bird thrives in Wilpattu. Learn about the stunning junglefowl and where to see its elaborate courtship displays.
Pavo cristatus
The magnificent peacock is a common sight in Wilpattu. Learn where to see males displaying their spectacular train feathers.
Buceros bicornis
The great hornbill is a rare but spectacular resident of Wilpattu's forests. Learn about its nesting behaviour and where to see it.
Pelecanus philippensis
The spot-billed pelican is a large water bird found at Wilpattu's villus. Watch these expert fishermen in action.
Halcyon smyrnensis
The brilliantly coloured white-breasted kingfisher is a common sight in Wilpattu. Learn about its hunting technique and where to spot it.
Himantopus himantopus
The elegant black-winged stilt is a common wader in Wilpattu. Watch these long-legged birds forage in the shallows.
Phoenicopterus roseus
Greater flamingos visit Wilpattu's villus in winter. Learn where to see these iconic pink birds in the park.
Nisaetus cirrhatus
The changeable hawk-eagle is a powerful forest raptor in Wilpattu. Learn about its hunting technique and where to see it.
Merops philippinus
The colourful blue-tailed bee-eater migrates to Wilpattu. Watch these acrobatic birds catch insects mid-air.
Vanellus malabaricus
The yellow-wattled lapwing is a distinctive ground bird of Wilpattu's open areas. Learn about its clever nest protection strategy.
Sri Lanka's national bird is an endemic species found only in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is one of the best places to see this spectacular bird.
Galloperdix bicalcarata
The elusive Ceylon spurfowl is an endemic bird of Sri Lanka's dry forests. Learn where to find this secretive ground bird in Wilpattu.
Treron pompadora
The beautifully coloured Sri Lankan green pigeon is an endemic bird of the island's forests. Learn where to see this fruit-eating pigeon in Wilpattu.
Gracula ptilogenys
The Sri Lankan myna is an endemic starling with remarkable vocal abilities. Learn where to find this intelligent bird in Wilpattu.
Chrysocolaptes stricklandi
The striking red-backed Ceylon woodpecker is endemic to Sri Lanka. Learn where to hear and see this forest drummer in Wilpattu.
Zoothera dauma
The elusive Sri Lankan scaly thrush is a ground-dwelling endemic bird of Wilpattu's forests. Learn how to spot this secretive species.
The Sri Lankan leopard is an endemic subspecies found only on the island. Wilpattu offers the most authentic leopard viewing experience in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan elephant is the largest of the Asian elephant subspecies. Wilpattu offers intimate, crowd-free elephant viewing experiences.