Yala Wild Area

Yala national park is the most visited & second largest national park in Sri Lanka.Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater & marine wetlands.It is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region of Sri Lanka, extending from Hambantota to Trincomolee.

 

MAMMALS

More than 44 mammal species have been recorded in Yala National Park.It has one of the highest leopard densities in the world giving the visitors a remarkable chance to have an unforgettable  experiance to observe leopards in their live habitats.Around 25 individual leopards are estimated to roam in a block.

Elephant herd of Yala contains around 300-350 individuals, including both flocks and individuals. Sri Lankan south bear , wild water buffalo, toque macaque, golden palm civet, fishing cat, spotted deer are some other mammals you can observe there.

 

BIRDS

Yala is one of the 70 IBAs (Important Bird Areas) in Sri Lanka. It has 215 bird species including seven endemic species. Sri Lanka grey hornbill,  Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka wood pigeon are among them.

More than 90 waterbird species are inhabiting yala wetlands and around half of them are migrants.
Other than these, Yala is a hot spot to observe the variety of species of reptiles, amphibians etc.