River Valley 2:1 Female first appeared in the northern region of Yala Block 1 in August 2022, shortly after the untimely death of Kotabendi Wewa 1:2 (YF 24/Sage) Female. Following this event, River Valley female successfully claimed the vacant territory. Based on her lack of prior sightings, we speculate that she was likely born beyond the river in Block 2.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, she was occasionally observed in the company of two dominant males, Lolugas Wala 4:3 Male (YM 44/Jerry), and Modharagala 3:4 Male (YM27/Michael). Over time, she established herself in the areas around Thalgasmankada and Kotabendi Wewa. However, sightings of her remained infrequent for two reasons. First, she is skittish around vehicles, and second, it is believed that part of her territory extends beyond the river into Block 2.
In May 2023, she was spotted with her first recorded litter, a single male cub, near the Kotabendi Wewa area. This cub grew into a strong and promising young male, later named River Valley 3:4 Male (YM 76/Chello).
In July 2024, an intriguing behavior was observed when River Valley 2:1 Female was seen mating with the dominant Lolugas Wala Male at Kotabendi Wewa, with her cub present. This rare sighting provides valuable insight into the dynamics of leopard behavior in this region.
Yala Leopard Diary database – YF 67/Cherry
