Leopards of Yala - Males
Male
Kaetegal Wala 2:3 Male (2014) [YM 14/Bahal]
This male cub was first photographed in July 2014, in Jamburagala Road and Kaetegal Wala, showing great confidence in front of the safari jeeps. In November 2014, he was seen near Mahaseelawa.
Male
Kaluwara Bōkkuwa 2:3 Male (2017/18) [YM 43/Steve]
Kaluwara Bōkkuwa 2:3 male was born in late 2017, with his sister. He grew to be well extroverted while his sister was a bit introverted. By mid-2019, this male cub and his mother started to move towards the South of Yāla block 1. In 2020, he was seen exploring a large area including Ūraniya, Welmalkema, and Kotigala.
Male
Jamburagala 4:5 Male [YM 03/Chandare]
He took over the territory of the previous dominant male of the same area, who was the Jamburagala 3:3 male, aka “Ivan” (Eye-One) after he left. He was easily distinguishable due to his highly faded face where patches of fur were missing.
Male
Jamburagala 3:3 Male [YM 02/Pottaya or Eyeone]
Already in his prime when we first saw him in 2009, this impressive male stood out due to his missing left eye. This injury is what caused him to be named Ivan (Eye-One). The southern part of Yāla was run by Ivan and notable areas included the Palatupāna Entrance, Pattiya Wala, Mahaseelawa, Jamburagala, Heen Wewa, Ondaatje Bungalow, Magul Mahā Vihāra, and up to Bambāwa.
Male
Idhdha Gala 2:4 Male (2017/18) [YM 40/Caeser]
Idhdha Gala 2:4 male was first photographed in August 2018, at the Gōnagala Wewa area and at Galalukada Wewa. He has not been seen, since mid-2019.
Male
Heen Wewa 2:3 Male [YM 35/Arnold]
Those scar marks which decorate his face indicate that he is a bruiser. Heen Wewa 2:3 male is one big male and was first photographed in March 2010, near Karawgas Wala. In June 2017, he was found at Heen Wewa, and at that time he was badly injured.
Male
Andhun Oruwa 4:3 Male (2005/06)
Andhun Oruwa 4:3 male was first photographed in 2006 in the Andhun Oruwa Wewa area with his mother and sister. He was seen around Yāla junction, Digan Wala, Gōnalabba Junction, and near Rawum Wala of Medha Pāra.
Male
Andhun Oruwa 3:3 Male (2003-2017) [YM 01/Hāmu]
The undisputed King of Yāla, aptly nicknamed “Hāmu” (meaning leader/chief in Singhalese) has been patrolling the plains of Yala for many moons. He is unlike any male leopard and even at 14 years of age, he still held onto his hard-earned territory and was observed still passing on his regal genes to future generations.
Male
Gōnagala 2:3 Male (2004)
Gonagala 2-3 male was a very bold male leopard who was dominating the Gonagala area in his prime time. Thus, he was known as ‘King of Gonagala’
