Amid heightened efforts to curb poaching and the illegal bush meat trade in Arugambay, wildlife authorities have confirmed that the leopard Ritta, whose whereabouts had been uncertain following a February 7 incident, was spotted on the morning of February 15 and is in good health.
Kumana Park Warden Buddhika Vidanage said that the confirmation of Ritta’s presence comes as Special Task Force (STF) officers continue operations against individuals involved in illegal wildlife activities. “The leopard is well and alive,” he stated, alleviating fears among conservationists and local residents.
The announcement follows the arrest of six suspects on Wednesday (18) in connection with bush meat trading. Authorities seized turtle eggs, venison, buffalo meat, and a fiber boat allegedly used for transporting the meat. All suspects and seized items were handed over to the Lahugala Wildlife Office for further investigation.
Warden Vidanage emphasized that the poaching arrests appear linked to an organized network and that authorities are taking all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future, while continuing to monitor wildlife in the region closely.
