Wilpattu National Park

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka

🐆 Leopards Rest Beside the Villus
🌍 #40 Global · 4.7 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ #5 in Asia #10 in Tropical Forest
Indian Subcontinent, Sri Lanka 662 spp. recorded

Wilpattu National Park is a protected tropical dry forest situated on the northwest coast of Sri Lanka. The landscape differs from neighboring reserves through its network of natural, sand-rimmed water basins called *villus*, which fill with rainwater and sustain the surrounding dense woodland and scrub.

8.386° N   80.021° E

Wildlife

SIGHTING PROBABILITY Share of citizen-science records from the park that report this species
<5%
Rare5–20%
With luck20–40%
Possible40–70%
Likely>70%
Very likely
ACTIVITY PATTERN
☀️ Diurnal 🌙 Nocturnal 🌅 Crepuscular ☀️🌙 Day & Night

⭐ Iconic Species

Leopard ★
VU Endemic

Leopard

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Panthera pardus

70–80% · Very likely
Axis Deer ★
LC Endemic

Axis Deer

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Axis axis

80–90% · Very likely
Mugger Crocodile ★
VU

Mugger Crocodile

🌅 Crepuscular Reptile

Crocodylus palustris

70–80% · Very likely
Asian Elephant ★
EN Endemic

Asian Elephant

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Elephas maximus

70–80% · Very likely

📊 Most Spotted

Common Peafowl
LC

Common Peafowl

☀️ Diurnal Bird

Pavo cristatus

80–90% · Very likely
Pearl-necked Dove
LC Endemic

Pearl-necked Dove

☀️ Diurnal Bird

Spilopelia chinensis

80–90% · Very likely
Bengal Monitor
NT

Bengal Monitor

🌅 Crepuscular Reptile

Varanus bengalensis

80–90% · Very likely
White-throated Kingfisher
LC

White-throated Kingfisher

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Halcyon smyrnensis

80–90% · Very likely
Asian Green Bee-eater
LC Endemic

Asian Green Bee-eater

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Merops orientalis

80–90% · Very likely
Toque Macaque
EN

Toque Macaque

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Macaca sinica

70–80% · Very likely
Red-wattled Lapwing
LC Endemic

Red-wattled Lapwing

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Vanellus indicus

70–80% · Very likely
Sri Lanka Junglefowl
LC

Sri Lanka Junglefowl

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Gallus lafayettii

70–80% · Very likely
Ruddy Mongoose

Ruddy Mongoose

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Herpestes smithii

70–80% · Very likely
Sloth Bear
VU Endemic

Sloth Bear

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Melursus ursinus

70–80% · Very likely
Rose-ringed Parakeet

Rose-ringed Parakeet

☀️ Diurnal Bird

Psittacula krameri

70–80% · Very likely
Malabar Pied Hornbill
NT

Malabar Pied Hornbill

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Anthracoceros coronatus

60–70% · Likely

⭐ Iconic Species

Leopard ★
VU Endemic

Leopard

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Panthera pardus

70–80% · Very likely
Axis Deer ★
LC Endemic

Axis Deer

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Axis axis

80–90% · Very likely
Asian Elephant ★
EN Endemic

Asian Elephant

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Elephas maximus

70–80% · Very likely

📊 Most Spotted

Toque Macaque
EN

Toque Macaque

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Macaca sinica

70–80% · Very likely
Ruddy Mongoose

Ruddy Mongoose

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Herpestes smithii

70–80% · Very likely
Sloth Bear
VU Endemic

Sloth Bear

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Melursus ursinus

70–80% · Very likely
Tufted Langur
NT Endemic

Tufted Langur

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Semnopithecus priam

60–70% · Likely
Asian Jackal
LC

Asian Jackal

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Canis aureus

60–70% · Likely
Wild Water Buffalo
EN

Wild Water Buffalo

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Bubalus arnee

60–70% · Likely
Sambar
VU Endemic

Sambar

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Rusa unicolor

60–70% · Likely
Wild Boar
LC Endemic

Wild Boar

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Sus scrofa

50–60% · Likely
Indian Hare
LC

Indian Hare

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Lepus nigricollis

50–60% · Likely
Indian Palm Squirrel
LC

Indian Palm Squirrel

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Funambulus palmarum

50–60% · Likely
Indian Muntjac
LC

Indian Muntjac

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Muntiacus muntjak

40–50% · Likely
Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel
NT

Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel

🌅 Crepuscular Mammal

Ratufa macroura

40–50% · Likely

📊 Most Spotted

Common Peafowl
LC

Common Peafowl

☀️ Diurnal Bird

Pavo cristatus

80–90% · Very likely
Pearl-necked Dove
LC Endemic

Pearl-necked Dove

☀️ Diurnal Bird

Spilopelia chinensis

80–90% · Very likely
White-throated Kingfisher
LC

White-throated Kingfisher

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Halcyon smyrnensis

80–90% · Very likely
Asian Green Bee-eater
LC Endemic

Asian Green Bee-eater

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Merops orientalis

80–90% · Very likely
Red-wattled Lapwing
LC Endemic

Red-wattled Lapwing

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Vanellus indicus

70–80% · Very likely
Sri Lanka Junglefowl
LC

Sri Lanka Junglefowl

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Gallus lafayettii

70–80% · Very likely
Rose-ringed Parakeet

Rose-ringed Parakeet

☀️ Diurnal Bird

Psittacula krameri

70–80% · Very likely
Malabar Pied Hornbill
NT

Malabar Pied Hornbill

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Anthracoceros coronatus

60–70% · Likely
Oriental Darter
LC

Oriental Darter

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Anhinga melanogaster

60–70% · Likely
Indian Pond Heron
LC

Indian Pond Heron

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Ardeola grayii

60–70% · Likely
Brahminy Kite
LC

Brahminy Kite

☀️ Diurnal Bird

Haliastur indus

60–70% · Likely
Painted Stork
LC

Painted Stork

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Mycteria leucocephala

60–70% · Likely

⭐ Iconic Species

Mugger Crocodile ★
VU

Mugger Crocodile

🌅 Crepuscular Reptile

Crocodylus palustris

70–80% · Very likely

📊 Most Spotted

Bengal Monitor
NT

Bengal Monitor

🌅 Crepuscular Reptile

Varanus bengalensis

80–90% · Very likely
Oriental Garden Lizard
LC

Oriental Garden Lizard

☀️ Diurnal Reptile

Calotes versicolor

60–70% · Likely
Indian Star Tortoise
VU

Indian Star Tortoise

☀️ Diurnal Reptile

Geochelone elegans

60–70% · Likely
Sri Lankan Flapshell Turtle
VU

Sri Lankan Flapshell Turtle

☀️ Diurnal Reptile

Lissemys ceylonensis

50–60% · Likely
Bark Gecko
LC

Bark Gecko

☀️ Diurnal Reptile

Hemidactylus leschenaultii

50–60% · Likely
Indian Black Turtle
LC

Indian Black Turtle

🌅 Crepuscular Reptile

Melanochelys trijuga

40–50% · Likely
Ceylon Bloodsucker
LC

Ceylon Bloodsucker

🌅 Crepuscular Reptile

Calotes ceylonensis

30–40% · Possible
Common House Gecko
LC Endemic

Common House Gecko

☀️🌙 Day & Night Reptile

Hemidactylus frenatus

30–40% · Possible
Common Green Forest Lizard
LC

Common Green Forest Lizard

☀️ Diurnal Reptile

Calotes calotes

30–40% · Possible
Devaka’s Fan-throated Lizard
VU

Devaka’s Fan-throated Lizard

🌅 Crepuscular Reptile

Sitana devakai

20–30% · Possible
Hambegamuwa Sun Skink

Hambegamuwa Sun Skink

🌅 Crepuscular Reptile

Eutropis lankae

20–30% · Possible
Green Vine Snake
LC Endemic

Green Vine Snake

☀️ Diurnal Reptile

Ahaetulla nasuta

20–30% · Possible

📊 Most Spotted

Chunam Tree Frog
LC

Chunam Tree Frog

🌅 Crepuscular Amphibian

Polypedates maculatus

40–50% · Likely
Common skittering frog
LC

Common skittering frog

☀️ Diurnal Amphibian

Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis

40–50% · Likely
Indian Five-Fingered Frog

Indian Five-Fingered Frog

🌅 Crepuscular Amphibian

Euphlyctis hexadactylus

30–40% · Possible
Rohan's Globular Frog
LC

Rohan's Globular Frog

🌅 Crepuscular Amphibian

Uperodon rohani

30–40% · Possible
Common Indian Cricket Frog
LC

Common Indian Cricket Frog

☀️ Diurnal Amphibian

Minervarya agricola

20–30% · Possible
Common Hourglass Tree Frog
LC

Common Hourglass Tree Frog

☀️ Diurnal Amphibian

Polypedates cruciger

20–30% · Possible
Common Indian Toad
LC

Common Indian Toad

☀️ Diurnal Amphibian

Duttaphrynus melanostictus

Insufficient data
Sri Lanka wood frog

Sri Lanka wood frog

☀️ Diurnal Amphibian

Hydrophylax gracilis

20–30% · Possible
Jerdon's Bullfrog
LC

Jerdon's Bullfrog

☀️ Diurnal Amphibian

Hoplobatrachus crassus

20–30% · Possible
Sri Lankan Bullfrog
LC

Sri Lankan Bullfrog

🌅 Crepuscular Amphibian

Uperodon taprobanicus

10–20% · With luck
Ornate Narrow-mouthed Toad
LC

Ornate Narrow-mouthed Toad

Amphibian

Microhyla ornata

Insufficient data
Schneider's Toad
LC Endemic

Schneider's Toad

Amphibian

Duttaphrynus scaber

Insufficient data

Animal Events

🦌

Leopard Tracking Safaris

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Wilpattu offers one of the highest leopard sighting probabilities in Sri Lanka, with frequent sightings near natural waterholes ('Villu') and dense scrublands.

Leopard
VU Endemic

Leopard

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Panthera pardus

70–80% · Very likely
🦌

Monsoon Wildlife Spectacle

JunJulAug

The southwest monsoon transforms Wilpattu into a lush, vibrant landscape, attracting herds of Asian elephants and increasing leopard activity near water sources.

Asian Elephant
EN Endemic

Asian Elephant

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Elephas maximus

70–80% · Very likely
Toque Macaque
EN

Toque Macaque

☀️ Diurnal Mammal

Macaca sinica

70–80% · Very likely
🐦

Villu Birdwatching Extravaganza

JanFebMarAprMayOctNov

The park's natural lakes ('Villu') become bustling hubs for migratory and resident birds, including rare species like the Painted Stork and Oriental Darter.

Oriental Darter
LC

Oriental Darter

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Anhinga melanogaster

60–70% · Likely
Painted Stork
LC

Painted Stork

🌅 Crepuscular Bird

Mycteria leucocephala

60–70% · Likely

Sighting Calendar

Chance of spotting each species, month by month

Months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Species Total
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
80–90
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
Leopard
60–70
70–80
80–90
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
80–90
80–90
70–80
70–80
70–80
Axis Deer
70–80
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
Mugger Crocodile
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
40–50
60–70
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
70–80
Asian Elephant
70–80
60–70
70–80
60–70
70–80
60–70
70–80
80–90
70–80
50–60
50–60
50–60
Common Peafowl
80–90
80–90
90–100
80–90
90–100
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
Pearl-necked Dove
80–90
60–70
70–80
80–90
80–90
80–90
70–80
70–80
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
Bengal Monitor
70–80
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
70–80
70–80
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
White-throated Kingfisher
80–90
60–70
70–80
60–70
80–90
70–80
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
80–90
70–80
Asian Green Bee-eater
80–90
70–80
70–80
80–90
80–90
80–90
70–80
80–90
80–90
70–80
70–80
70–80
Toque Macaque
40–50
70–80
80–90
70–80
70–80
50–60
80–90
80–90
70–80
60–70
80–90
70–80
Red-wattled Lapwing
70–80
70–80
70–80
60–70
80–90
80–90
70–80
60–70
70–80
70–80
80–90
70–80
Sri Lanka Junglefowl
70–80
70–80
80–90
70–80
70–80
70–80
60–70
70–80
60–70
60–70
80–90
80–90
Ruddy Mongoose
60–70
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
50–60
Sloth Bear
70–80
50–60
60–70
60–70
70–80
80–90
80–90
60–70
70–80
50–60
70–80
50–60
Rose-ringed Parakeet
70–80
60–70
60–70
70–80
60–70
50–60
70–80
60–70
70–80
70–80
70–80
60–70
Malabar Pied Hornbill
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
70–80
60–70
60–70
70–80
60–70
Animal Events
🦌 Leopard Tracking Safaris
🦌 Monsoon Wildlife Spectacle
🐦 Villu Birdwatching Extravaganza

Sighting Zones

Warm areas are where all species together are recorded most, so they track where people go as much as where animals are. For one species, see the map on its own page.

0.0 ★★★★★ ★★★★★ World-class
🐆 Leopards Rest Beside the Villus

Where Wildlife Score

How good is this park for seeing wildlife?
🦜

Biodiversity

Good

How rich is the wildlife?

4.3 Global avg
3.9 ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Species by taxon
🦅 Birds
402
🐒 Mammals
118
🦎 Reptiles
114
🐸 Amphibians
28
662 Total Species
850 Global average across 296 parks
52 Threatened 4 Endemic
🔭

Sighting

Excellent

How likely to see animals?

3.6 Global avg
5.0 ★★★★★ ★★★★★
🎯
Top-12 Avg Probability
62% Global avg
79%
📊
Coverage (224 species at ≥5% of 662 in the inventory)
24% Global avg
34%
🔀
Taxon variety in top 12 (6 bird, 4 mammal, 2 reptile)
46% Global avg
81%
🔭
Species per 10 outings (distinct species a visitor would meet over 10 outings — effort held equal across parks)
134 Global avg
142
🌟
Iconic-group species (≥15%) (every species from the 19 iconic groups — monkeys, cats, toucans, macaws, sloths, crocodilians… — not just the 4 highlighted above)
15 Global avg
27
⭐
High-prob species (>40%)
27 Global avg
67

Quick answers

What animals can you see in Wilpattu National Park?

The most likely sightings are Axis Deer (seen by 80–90% of wildlife watchers), Common Peafowl (seen by 80–90% of wildlife watchers), Pearl-necked Dove (seen by 80–90% of wildlife watchers), Bengal Monitor (seen by 80–90% of wildlife watchers), White-throated Kingfisher (seen by 80–90% of wildlife watchers) — among 662 recorded vertebrate species, based on citizen-science data from GBIF.

When is the best time to visit Wilpattu National Park for wildlife?

May has the highest combined sighting rate for the park's top species in our month-by-month GBIF data. The full sighting calendar on this page shows each species' best months.

Can you see Leopard in Wilpattu National Park?

Yes — about 76% of wildlife watchers report a Leopard sighting in Wilpattu National Park, based on 79 days of visitor records from GBIF citizen-science data.

Can you see Axis Deer in Wilpattu National Park?

Yes — about 85% of wildlife watchers report a Axis Deer sighting in Wilpattu National Park, based on 122 days of visitor records from GBIF citizen-science data.

Can you see Mugger Crocodile in Wilpattu National Park?

Yes — about 76% of wildlife watchers report a Mugger Crocodile sighting in Wilpattu National Park, based on 80 days of visitor records from GBIF citizen-science data.

Can you see Asian Elephant in Wilpattu National Park?

Yes — about 70% of wildlife watchers report a Asian Elephant sighting in Wilpattu National Park, based on 63 days of visitor records from GBIF citizen-science data.

⚖️

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