Foliage in Horton Plains Sri Lanka

On my 2022 trip to Sri Lanka, I visited Horton Plains, the Cloud Forest in Nuwara Eliya. While I didn't get to see a cloud forest leopard, I did see several sambars and other exotic animals, including reptiles, fish, and birds. I noticed this foliage as we traced the 8 km trail, and this photo is the result.

Locals in the tank

"Hey, American!" Calls out from the lake This is one of my favourite photos from my trip to Sri Lanka in March of 2022. These locals are bathing in the village tank. Stoned and out for a peaceful walk to photograph birds, I hear "Hey, American" and some words in Sinhala. What they were calling out was for me to take their picture. I obliged, and I am glad I did. The lighting condition was challenging as the young men were backlit by the fast-setting sun. This is Sri Lanka to me. So warm and friendly.

BMine

The "Engagement" sculpture is a public artwork installed on English Bay Beach in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 2014. Created by a local artist, Dennis Oppenheim, the sculpture is made of steel and stands 21 feet tall. It consists of two massive rings, one vertical and one horizontal, interlocked at a 45-degree angle. The horizontal ring is suspended in the air, while the vertical ring sits on the ground. The sculpture is designed to be interactive, and visitors are encouraged to walk through the rings and explore the space within. The artwork was commissioned as part of the City of Vancouver's public art program and was funded by a nearby residential building developer. The artist stated that the sculpture was intended to represent the union of two people, symbolizing the act of engagement and the connection between land and sea. Since its installation, the "Engagement" sculpture has become a famous landmark and photo opportunity for visitors to English Bay Beach. However, it has also generated controversy, with some locals expressing concerns about its cost and artistic merit. Nonetheless, it remains a notable piece of public art in Vancouver's urban landscape.

Female Leopard Yala National Park Sri Lanka

Not even in Yala National Park for 10 minutes, and we encounter this queen. This is why it is essential to be the first in with an organized tracker like Cylon Wild Safaris. She gave us 10 minutes and then she went off where we could not follow. Femail Leopard Yala National Park Sri Lanka March 2022 The Sri Lankan leopard is a subspecies of the Indian leopard found only on the island of Sri Lanka. These majestic cats are known for their distinctive spotted coats and are revered as top predators in the island's ecosystems. However, the Sri Lankan leopard faces several threats to its survival, including habitat loss and poaching. Historically, leopards were found throughout Sri Lanka, from the dry zone to the wet zone and even in the highlands. However, habitat loss due to deforestation, human settlement, and infrastructure development has caused the leopard's range to shrink. Today, the Sri Lankan leopard is primarily found in protected areas such as Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, and Horton Plains National Park. Poaching is also a significant threat to the survival of the Sri Lankan leopard. The demand for leopard skins and body parts for traditional medicine and other purposes has increased poaching activity. The Sri Lankan government has taken steps to crack down on the illegal wildlife trade, but the problem persists. Another issue facing the Sri Lankan leopard is the decreasing regularity of sightings. While leopards are notoriously difficult to spot in the wild, the frequency of sightings has declined in recent years. This could be due to a combination of factors, including changes in leopard behaviour, habitat fragmentation, and reduced prey populations. Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of the Sri Lankan leopard. Several organizations, including the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, are working to protect and conserve leopard populations in the country. These efforts include anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and education programs for local communities. The Sri Lankan leopard is an important species for its role as a top predator and its cultural and economic significance. Leopards symbolize power and strength in Sri Lankan folklore and are often featured in traditional art and literature. In addition, leopard tourism is an essential source of revenue for local communities, with visitors coming from all over the world to see these elusive cats in the wild. In conclusion, the Sri Lankan leopard is a fascinating and essential species facing numerous threats to its survival. Habitat loss, poaching, and decreasing regularity of sightings are just some of the challenges facing these majestic cats. However, with increased conservation efforts and public awareness, protecting and conserving the Sri Lankan leopard for future generations is possible.