In Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, the tragic deaths of three leopards in 2024 highlight the devastating effects of illegal snaring, a widespread issue in the region.
These leopards, including ‘Ozzie,’ who had been part of a long-term monitoring study, were killed by snares intended for wild boar or bush meat.
The leopards’ suffering was prolonged as they struggled in the snares, ultimately leading to a slow and agonizing death.
Despite efforts to patrol for snares and raise awareness, the loss of these animals is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address this illegal practice.
Snaring, which is widely used for crop protection and hunting, is a major threat to Sri Lanka’s leopard population, which is already vulnerable with only around 550-1,050 mature individuals left.
Conservationists are calling for a stronger focus on alternative crop protection methods, public education, and stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws to combat this deadly practice and ensure the survival of these iconic animals.
