[Medha = central, Para = road]
Truly a force to be reckoned with, this fine specimen of a leopard was first sighted by our team in early 2013 (he was about four years old at the time). Even at that time, it was evident to us that he would in time grow to be a massive, powerful individual.
He gradually made his way north, towards Thalgasmankada, and eventually made it to the Mōdharagala area of the park. By 2019, he was observed expanding his territory. He was sighted in the areas of Sathmaga, Pemdas Vila, and New Road (The previous Lord of Sathmaga, the Sathmaga 3:4 male, wasn’t sighted in 2019. Therefore we have come to believe that the Medha Para 2:3 male overthrew him or killed him to take over his territory).
By 2020 he had expanded his territory considerably around Kotasiyabale, Komā Wewa, Karuwala Bōkkuwa, Kotābendi Wewa, Thalgasmankada, Mōdharagala, Darshana Wewa, Pemdas Vila (in Sathmaga), New Road, Warahana, and Ākāsa Chetiya Road. The extent of his current territory speaks volumes about his capabilities.
Owning prime real estate has its obvious perks and this male was seen mating with an impressive array of females over a five-year period spanning from 2015 to 2020. Notable partners include Kotābendi Wewa 1:2 female, Thalgasmankada 2:3 female, Alikatupalassa 2:1 female, Modhara Gala 2:3 female, Sathmaga 2:2 female, and the Warahana 2:2 female 2.
With all these impressive achievements, there is not a shadow of a doubt that the Medha Paara 2:3 male is the one true “King of the North”
In April 2021, the fierce Pemdas Vila 3:4 male emerged at Modhara Gala, deep within the prime territory of the venerable Medha Para male. The confrontation was imminent, a looming challenge to the aging ruler. Yet, despite this threat, Medha Para male continued to reign supreme until the twilight of 2021. The old king was seen mating with Thalgasmankada 2:3 Female (YF11/Sara) around Warahana area. Amidst this tension, a new player entered the stage. A young male, known as Lolugas Wala 4:3 (YM 44 Jerry), born in the southern reaches of Yala Block 1, began to encroach upon Medha Para male’s territory (who succeeded as the new king of the North eventually). However, Medha Para male, seasoned by years of battles and conquests, chose not to expend his waning energy on the young upstart. The king had seen many challengers come and go, and this one, it seemed, was not worth the fight.
In the twilight of his life, the venerable old king, Medha Para male, stood as a shadow of his former self. By April 2022, time had worn him down, leaving him frail and weak. His last known sighting was in the Pemdavila area, a place where he once roamed with majesty. Now, he could barely control his own tongue, rendering the simple act of drinking water an arduous task.
Eyewitnesses recount a haunting final image: the old king, struggling to maintain his regal stride, dragging his weary body toward a nearby thicket. As he disappeared into the underbrush, an air of finality settled over the land. No one saw him again.
Thus ended an era, with the last sight of the once-great king fading into the annals of history.
