Unwavering commitment to conservation: LOLC-WNPS Leopard Research and Conservation Project

• Safeguarding Sri Lanka’s iconic predator

Sri Lanka’s jungles echo with the silent yet commanding presence of an apex predator—the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya). This elusive and majestic feline is not only the island’s top predator but also a vital player in maintaining ecological balance by regulating prey populations. Beyond its ecological significance, the Sri Lankan leopard stands as a major draw for eco-tourism, reinforcing the nation’s global reputation as a biodiversity hotspot.

However, despite its critical role in nature, the species faces a looming crisis. With a dwindling population estimated at just 700–800 mature individuals in the wild, the Sri Lankan leopard is classified as “vulnerable” (Kittle and Watson, 2020). The primary threats to its survival include habitat loss, fragmentation, snaring, poaching, and retaliatory killings due to livestock predation. Additionally, road accidents and the illegal wildlife trade continue to endanger this rare subspecies, underscoring the urgency for conservation efforts.

Leading the charge: The LOLC-WNPS Leopard Research and Conservation Project

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), one of the world’s oldest conservation organisations, has long championed the cause of protecting Sri Lanka’s wildlife. In partnership with LOLC Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerate, WNPS launched the LOLC-WNPS Leopard Research and Conservation Project (LRCP) in 2022. This multi-regional, five-year initiative is the most comprehensive and pioneering effort to safeguard leopards beyond protected areas, where human-wildlife conflict is at its peak.

With six dedicated research centres spanning the island—from Panama, Sigiriya, Kotagala, Belihuloya, Kilinochchi, to Kalawana—the project’s island-wide approach is unprecedented. The LRCP operates under three core pillars: Research, Conservation, and Awareness, ensuring a well-rounded strategy for long-term impact. By engaging diverse stakeholders, from government agencies to grassroots communities, the project has already established itself as the leading initiative in Sri Lankan leopard conservation.

Breakthrough achievements in 2024

This year has seen remarkable progress under the LRCP, solidifying its position as the most effective conservation initiative of its kind.

Scientific research and data collection

Over 1,000 field surveys were conducted with local communities and government officers, providing critical baseline data on leopard distribution, human-leopard interactions, and key conservation challenges outside protected areas. Advanced camera trapping studies were initiated to validate leopard presence in identified regions, offering invaluable insights into their movement, behaviour, and population dynamics.

Partnerships with leading Sri Lankan and international researchers have facilitated cutting-edge studies, including ecological modelling and behavioural analysis.

Sri Lanka Leopard Day 2024: Global collaboration for conservation

To mark Sri Lanka Leopard Day on 1 August, WNPS hosted Dr. Jeannine McManus, a renowned conservationist specialising in human-wildlife conflict.

Her engagements with Government agencies, conservationists, and the plantation sector paved the way for international collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Public awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and workshops amplified conservation efforts, driving momentum for future projects.

Community engagement and awareness

Over 7500 individuals across Sri Lanka have been directly engaged through 92 awareness programs and 15 environmental safeguarding initiatives, such as snare-removal drives and reforestation efforts.

Dedicated education sessions were conducted for school students, estate workers, and local government officers, ensuring that conservation messages reached all levels of society.

The fourth quarter of 2023 witnessed an extensive media outreach campaign, featuring coverage by Sirasa TV, LOLC representatives, and conservation experts, broadening the project’s reach.

A sustainable future for leopards

The LOLC-WNPS Leopard Research and Conservation Project is not merely a short-term intervention – it is a blueprint for sustained conservation impact. By fostering partnerships with corporations, universities, and global conservation bodies, the project ensures a collaborative and well-supported approach to leopard conservation.

The project’s next phase aims to integrate GPS collaring and AI-powered tracking systems, enabling real-time monitoring of leopard movements. Additionally, community-based conservation programs will be further strengthened to mitigate human-leopard conflict and promote coexistence.

Conclusion: A call to action

As the World Wildlife Day is celebrated on 3 March, the story of the Sri Lankan leopard serves as both an urgent warning and a testament to the power of conservation. The LOLC-WNPS Leopard Research and Conservation Project stands as a beacon of hope, proving that strategic, science-backed, and community-driven efforts can turn the tide for one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic species.

The world is watching, and the time to act is now. By supporting initiatives like the LRCP, it is  ensured that future generations inherit a Sri Lanka where leopards roam free, where biodiversity thrives, and where conservation is not just a mission but a national commitment.