The Leopard-Human conflict is a real issue, which is serious in rural communities living in the area around Yala National Park. A Decrease in habitat and wild prey has increased the number of leopards’ intrusions in attacking domesticated animals, close to villages, outside the boundaries of the national parks, and protected areas.
The Local population does not appreciate this big predator (the biggest) because of its habit of attacking cattle, which is the livelihood of the locals. Within the First 2 weeks of December 2010, 4 calves had been killed by one leopard in Aluthwewa. Sadly, within the Last 2 years about 5 leopards have been found poisoned by herders who were angry and disgusted, after seeing their cattle/calves attacked in the area.
This project is about organizing an education campaign among farmers, schoolchild and local authorities on the importance of leopards in ecosystems. A leopard warning network will be set up between all the rural communities of the area to increase solidarity and to create a database on the real presence of leopards. Thus, physical solutions to the Human-leopards conflict will be provided: like, establishment of cages to keep calves inside at night to prevent leopards’ attacks; financial help in case of cattle being attacked, promotion of agro tourism in the local leopard territory, communities with responsible leopard watching as a main attraction. The aim will be to develop local economy and increase leopards’ conservation efficiency.

Happy to be fathers !   

On September 27th 2008, Eco Team handed over the first sponsorship payment for a 2 year old baby elephant Kumar, on behalf of donor Mr. Anu Gavini from USA, to the Director General of the Wildlife Department Mr.Ananda Wijesuriya . Kumar had been rescued from deep well in xxxxxx by villagers in 2006 when he was struggling for survival. Newly named as Mahoora, he will be released to the wild in another 2 years or so and this sponsorship under the Foster Parent Scheme will provide enough funds for the Wildlife department to bring him up to be a healthy little wild elephant.  

Our first adopted baby Malathi is now roaming the Udalwawe jungles, well adopted to a herd and no longer a baby.