Exotic Animals in Yala

Yala is home to 215 species of birds making it one of the 70 Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka. Out of these the Sri Lanka jungle fowl, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, crimson fronted barbet, brown capped babbler and black capped bulbul are endemic to the island. Rare species of water birds such as black necked stork, purple heron, night heron, egrets, oriental darter and lesser adjutant are also spotted in the wetlands of Yala. Among the raptors that are common in the park, the crested serpent eagle and white bellied sea eagles are prominent.

Needless to say, Yala is quite famous for its leopards. The area has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. About 25 leopards are estimated to be residing in the territories of the national park. The Sri Lankan leopard is a subspecies native to the island, that has been classified as endangered by IUCN. You can easily arrange a safari tour to have your chance of witnessing the grandeur of these majestic beings as you stay at hotels in Yala Sri Lanka such as the exclusive Chena Huts.
Sri Lankan elephants are also quite easy to spot during a safari trip in Yala. It is estimated that the herd here includes close to 350 elephants. Quite unfortunately, these graceful giants have also been included in the IUCN list of endangered species.
Other interesting species of mammals that are common in the park include Sri Lankan sloth bear, wild water buffalo, golden palm civet, red slender loris, fishing cat and toque macaque.

There are 46 species of reptiles recorded in Yala. Among these Sri Lankan kraits, Boulenger's keelbacks, Sri Lankan flying snakes, painted lip lizards and Wiegmann's agamas are endemic to Sri Lanka. Indian cobras and Russell's vipers also thrive in the park.
Yala is a treasure trove for the lovers of sea turtles as the coast that lines the park is visited by all five globally endangered species of sea turtles found in the island, namely olive ridley, leatherback turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, hawksbill turtle and green turtle.

In Yala you will find 18 species of amphibians out of which two, namely Bufo atukoralei and Adenomus kelaarti are endemic to Sri Lanka.

In the waters of this paradise destination colourful species of fish such as blackspot barb, olive barb and orange chromide are quite easy to spot. The stone sucker and Esomus thermicos are endemic species that you will find in the national park.

Colourful butterflies can also be seen throughout Yala National Park as they gaily add colour and beauty to the stunning landscape. Common bluebottle, common lime butterfly, common jezebel, common mormon and crimson rose are favourites among visitors. Crabs and prawns that thrive in the lagoons of the national park are also included in the list of invertebrates in Yala.