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DWC head asks visitors, safari drivers to Kumana Park to be cautious following leopard attack
View(s):The Kumana Park is open to the public, except for a 10 km stretch that is out of bounds until further notice.
The restriction comes in the wake of two attacks, one fatal, by a leopard in an area that is considered by wildlife officials to be the territory of the particular leopard. It lies between Babur and Bambaragsthalawa pathways in the park.
Wildlife Conservation Director General Chandana Sooriyabandara has advised tourists and safari vehicle drivers to be cautious when visiting the park.
He said leopard attacks are rare, but they were taking measures to ensure the safety of the leopard as well as visitors to the park.
“We advise tourists not to lean out of safari vehicles or get down from them,” he said.
He said he had instructed Wildlife officials to be vigilant about the behaviour and movements of the leopard.
Park warden Susil Kumara Ratnayake told the Sunday Times they were continuously observing the area where the attacks occurred on Thursday.
He said Wildlife officials believe that the leopard was a male and could be wounded.
Explaining the attacks, Mr Ratnayake said that on Thursday around 3 p.m. five labourers who were engaged in some repair work on the pathways were resting when the leopard had pounced on one of the men from behind and dragged him into the forested area.
The victim was identified as Selvaturei Ramachandaran.
Mr. Ratnayake said the second attack occurred when Wildlife officers returned to the scene to recover the body of the workman. The group had gone in about 700 metres off the pathway and were returning with the body when the leopard suddenly appeared again and attacked the safari jeep driver Chameera Sampath who had accompanied the wildlife officials. The driver who sustained serious injuries was admitted to hospital.