Yala Safari in Ruhuna National Park

Yala is famous for the density of ist leopard population in the first place. However, Yala has the most diverse lanscape forms among all national parks in Sri Lanky. That’s why it is home to a large variety of species.

On yesterday’s safari starting at the Katagamuwa gate we had good luck to see lots of wild boars, including both shoats and piglets. A mugger crocodile crossed the way on the embankment of the river. Near the park we saw two pretty star turtoises crossing the road.

wild boar and shoats

wild boars and piglets

The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a threatened species of land turtles inhabiting the dry zone of Sri Lanka and mainland India. Because of its colourful and geometrically shaped shell, star tortoises are  quite popular in illegal exotic pet trade, causing it to be categorized as endangered soecies. The stunning shape of this creature assists it to return to a stable stance after it has been turned over. Females, usually much larger than males, can grow to 25 centimeters long. Indian star tortoises are mostly herbivorous. Only occasionally they eat carrion.