In celebration of National Leopard Day on August 1st, LOLC Holdings, in partnership with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), has launched new initiatives to strengthen its commitment to conserving the Sri Lankan leopard.
This apex predator, critical to the island’s biodiversity, faces severe threats from habitat loss, wildlife crimes and limited ecological understanding. With fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining, conservation efforts are vital.
LOLC has introduced a new logo under the theme ‘Save the Sri Lankan Leopard’ to raise awareness and engage the public. This logo, featuring a powerful image of the leopard, aims to inspire pride and support for conservation.
Since February 2022, LOLC and WNPS have been executing a five-year project to monitor leopard populations, enhance habitats, and mitigate human-leopard conflicts. Six research stations have been established across key locations in Sri Lanka to support these efforts, using camera traps and collaborations with local wildlife officials to develop effective conservation strategies.
LOLC Holdings PLC Chief Operating Officer Kithsiri Gunawardena stated; “LOLC has always been a group that comes forward in times of need. During times of financial stress, protecting and investing in biodiversity and environmental knowledge becomes challenging for any government, yet crucial. We chose the Sri Lankan leopard, a charismatic and endemic animal, as our conservation icon.”
“Protecting an apex predator like the leopard results in preserving the habitat for a much larger community of species which forms its prey base and an entire eco-system, as these predators play a vital role in maintaining the balance of their habitats. Despite general awareness of leopards in Sri Lanka, our understanding of their population numbers and ecological needs remains speculative. Comprehensive data on leopard density, behaviour and their interactions with human-dominated environments is lacking.”
“To address these critical gaps, we have partnered with WNPS on a five-year project. As a leading conglomerate and major employer, LOLC’s involvement in this project is designed to raise awareness and inspire action among our stakeholders. By spearheading this comprehensive study, we aim to develop effective conservation strategies that ensure a sustainable future for the Sri Lankan leopard, a species vital to both our biodiversity and tourism industry.”
Dr. Jeannie McManus, who has been actively involved in ‘Human-Leopard Coexistence’ forums across international platforms including Sri Lanka, admired the project for its innovative approach to conservation.“This project is ground-breaking in addressing the challenges of coexisting with leopards in a densely populated island. With fewer than 1,000 leopards remaining in the wilds of this island, a science-based conservation strategy is essential for understanding their distribution and ecology. During an era that corporate responsibility plays a crucial role in conservation, initiatives like LOLC’s are essential for fostering ecological literacy and driving positive change,” Jeanie said.
The Sri Lankan leopard (Pantheraparduskotiya), the island’s apex predator, has lost over 60% of its range, now confined mainly to dry zones, low country wet zones, and hill country cloud forests. LOLC and WNPS are uniting researchers, conservationists, and the community in a comprehensive strategy to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species and enhance Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.
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