Learning about Leopards: Island-wide School Awareness Programmes Conducted by WNPS and LOLC

The Multi-Regional Monitoring System for the Sri Lankan Leopard commenced in early 2022 with the overarching ambition of monitoring and safeguarding the future of the Sri Lankan leopard, with a particular focus on understanding the distribution and ecology of this elusive species. This five-year project constitutes three key pillars: ecological research, public awareness campaigns, and the execution of conservation initiatives.

“We believe that in addition to science-based research and conservation initiatives, the process of creating awareness, especially among the youth, is a key imperative in any act of conservation. In doing so, we can be certain that these principles are integrated practically into the lifestyles of the impacted communities and ensure that our efforts reap tangible results well into the future,” stated Prof. Enoka Kudavidanage, representing the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society.

In line with this ambition, 92 awareness programmes were conducted across regions in the last 12 months, recording a history of negative human-leopard interactions, encompassing the Eastern, Northern, North Central, Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. Accordingly, a collective 7,990 students participated in these programmes, hailing from areas surrounding Panama, Kilinochchi, Sigiriya, Kotagala, BelihulOya, and Kalawana, to name a few. Sixty of the aforementioned programmes took place in August 2023, in celebration of Sri Lankan Leopard Day, which falls on August 1.

The programmes were conducted in Sinhala/Tamil languages, and covered a range of topics that would serve to build a solid foundation for conservation, by raising awareness on the nation’s biodiversity and its wild cat species, in addition to disclosing environmentally sensitive areas in the study region and outlining leopard ecology and threats faced by the Sri Lankan leopard. All students were given a comprehensive understanding on the ecological and economical importance of leopards and educated on the underlying reasons for leopards approaching residential areas, with practical knowledge on how to respond should such an incident occur, supported by real-life case studies.

Accordingly, the emergency contact/hotline of the DWC and the contact number of regional DWC office were provided, and the students were given guidelines on avoiding leopards from approaching residential zones. They were further informed that leopards are a strictly protected species under law, and that killing/injuring or possessing any body part is a punishable offense.

All programmes displayed multi-stakeholder participation, with the WNPS and LOLC partnering with Grama Niladhari officers, and Beat/Range officers of the Department of Wildlife Conservation to deliver effective and impactful outcomes. Posters were distributed among the schools to be displayed on the notice boards, thereby continuing to reinforce the importance of conserving and protecting this integral species.

“We are heartened to note that together, we are able to work towards achieving our key objectives of raising awareness among the school community and encouraging active participation in conservation efforts, while building up a long-term network to organize and carry out biodiversity conservation-related projects. Our gratitude goes out to every individual who was instrumental in making these programmes a success, and we look forward to building on these efforts in 2024,” stated Mr. Kithsiri Gunawardena, the Chief Operating Officer of LOLC.