[Thal = Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer), Gas = trees, mankada = corridor/track]
Thalgasmankada 5:4 male was power personified. His immense territory stretched all the way from Warahana in the North of the park down to Patanangala in the South of the park. This was one of the largest territories of any leopard we have observed.
He got nicknamed “Scarface” not because of his shady dealings (like in the movie) but because of the multitude of scars that adorned his face. They stood as a testament to the conflict that came with the territory. He was also fondly known as “Kan Kotā” which means “One with the Short Ears” in Sinhalese. His massive head and muscle-bound neck made his ears appear smaller.
Last seen in 2015, this male is said to have been fallen by a poacher, but no amount of firepower will suppress his legacy which will forever live among all those who love all things wild.