The Wildlife Field Journal of Udawalawe

Naturalist’s Field Guide to Udawalawe Biodiversity

Authored by HAWK EYE lead naturalist guides, this field guide catalogues the keystone wildlife species of Udawalawe National Park, including behaviour observations, prime spotting habitats, and photography ethics.

Featured Keystone Species

• Sri Lankan Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus): Udawalawe is home to over 600 wild elephants. Best observed grazing in open savannahs during morning drives or bathing at waterholes at dusk.
• Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela): Formidable raptor perched atop deadwood snags scanning grasslands for reptiles and frogs.
• Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya): Shy and elusive apex predator inhabiting dense scrubland and rocky outcrops in southern buffer zones.
• Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris): Prehistoric freshwater reptiles basking on muddy banks along the Walawe River and reservoir shallows.
• Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee): Massive horned herbivores cooling off in wetland wallows.
• Endemic Birdlife: Sri Lankan Junglefowl, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Blue-faced Malkohas, and colorful Little Green Bee-eaters.

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