Leopard kills man inside Kumana National Park

Colombo (News 1st): One man was reportedly killed and another seriously wounded in a leopard attack inside the Kumana National Park. A 45-year-old labourer employed in renovating the park road in the Bagure area was mauled to death by the leopard, just 7 kilometres away from the main gate. Thereafter, the leopard had attacked the driver of a Safari Jeep who visited the location with Wildlife Officers to remove the body of the first victim. The driver is currently being treated in the ICU of the Ampara General Hospital. Outsiders have been temporarily barred from visiting the Bagure area where the tragedy took place, however, according to park sources, the other areas are open for the public. Meanwhile, the Environmental Organizations say five Sri Lankan leopards scientifically known as Panthera pardus kotiya died as a result of the human activity so far this year. Environmentalist Nayanaka Ranwella said the figure needs to be taken seriously considering the leopard population in Sri Lanka, adding there are many unreported leopard deaths in the country. Director General of the Department of Wildlife - Chandana Sooriyabandara speaking to News 1st said the law is enforced on such reported incidents and locals in respective areas are informed about the situation. Environmentalists say there could be over 1000 leopards in the country, and proper count or census is yet to be carried out. Leopards are a protected species under Sri Lanka's Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of Sri Lanka.