Hunt on for large leopard in Nuwara Eliya

A fresh operation is under way to capture a large leopard which recently moved into Galway’s national park in the vicinity of Nuwara Eliya town, Wildlife officials said.

They explained the operation is conducted for the safety of the area residents, as the five-hectare bird park is in close proximity to Nuwara Eliya town.

Wildlife and Conservation Director General Chandana Suriyabandara ordered the leopard's ( Panthera pardus kotiya) removal from the park, as leopards have not been in the area previously.

It is suspected that the leopard descended from the Pidurutalagala reserve or from the Sitha Eliya area of the Haggala reserve.

A large leopard had been sighted at the entrance to Galway’s national park at Barrows Road and Havelock Road.

While household dogs have gone missing, CCTV footage at a house showed a large leopard chasing two dogs.

Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Rohana Pushpakumara made a written request for the leopard's removal as it is a threat to the people in the area.

Galway National Park Warden M.G. Wimalaratne requested a trap-door cage from Nallathanniya Wildlife officeto be installed within the park.

Pix by Shelton Hettiarachchi