Animals of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants in their natural habitat, along with a diverse range of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Home to over 400 elephants, 43 mammal species, and 184 bird species, the park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors can spot Sri Lankan leopards, water buffalo, deer species, jackals, mugger crocodiles, and rare birds like the Sri Lanka junglefowl and grey hornbill. Whether you’re on a safari for elephants or hoping to catch a glimpse of a sloth bear or fishing cat, Udawalawe offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. You can gain a comprehensive understanding of the animals of Udawalawe National Park by reading this article.

Mammals of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is home to various mammals, from the majestic Sri Lankan elephant to the elusive leopard and sloth bear. With 43 recorded mammal species, the park offers incredible wildlife sightings for safari-goers.

Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus Maximus)

Udawalawe is one of the best places in the world to see wild elephants up close. The park has over 400 resident elephants, making sightings almost guaranteed. These gentle giants roam in herds and often gather near the Udawalawe Reservoir to drink and bathe. Unlike elephants in some other regions, Udawalawe’s elephants are not domesticated, allowing visitors to witness their natural behaviours, such as mud bathing, foraging, and social interactions.

📍 Best Place to See: Near the Udawalawe Reservoir and open grasslands.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Guaranteed

Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya)

The Sri Lankan leopard is one of the top predators in Udawalawe National Park. Unlike other big cats, it does not have to compete with tigers, making it the apex predator here. These leopards are solitary and mostly hunt at dawn and dusk, preying on deer, monkeys, and wild boar. Though they prefer dense forest cover, they are sometimes seen resting on rocks or walking across open trails. With patience and a bit of luck, visitors have a good chance of spotting one during a safari.

📍 Best Place to See: Rocky outcrops and forest edges.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Medium

Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus)

This shaggy coated bear is a rare yet fascinating resident of Udawalawe. The sloth bear is nocturnal and mostly seen at night, making daytime sightings uncommon. They feed on insects, fruits, and honey, using their long claws to break open termite mounds. Unlike other bears, sloth bears carry their cubs on their backs for protection.

📍 Best Place to See: Dense forest areas, particularly in early mornings or late evenings.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Very Low

Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

These large, horned mammals are commonly found wading in Udawalawe’s lakes and marshlands. They play an important role in the park’s ecosystem by creating muddy wallows, which help regulate the temperature for other animals. Unlike domesticated buffalo, these wild ones are more aggressive and often travel in herds for protection.

📍 Best Place to See: Near water sources, especially the reservoir.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Guaranteed

Golden Jackal (Canis aureus naria)

The golden jackal is an opportunistic predator and scavenger, often seen hunting small mammals or feeding on carcasses left behind by larger predators. These highly adaptable animals travel in pairs or small packs and are mostly active at dawn and dusk. Their eerie howls can often be heard echoing through the park at night.

📍 Best Place to See: Open grasslands, early mornings or late afternoons.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Medium

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

A common sight in Udawalawe, wild boars are omnivorous scavengers that feed on roots, fruits, and even small animals. They are fast runners and can be aggressive if threatened, especially when protecting their young. Their sharp tusks are used for digging and self defense.

📍 Best Place to See: Open areas and near water sources.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: High

Rusty Spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus) & Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus)

These small wild cats are rarely seen due to their nocturnal nature. The rusty-spotted cat, one of the world’s smallest wild cats, prefers dense vegetation, while the fishing cat is adapted to wetlands and marshy areas, feeding on fish and amphibians. Spotting these felines requires a lot of luck and patience.

📍 Best Place to See: Dense vegetation and near water bodies.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Very Low

Mongoose Species

Udawalawe is home to multiple mongoose species, including the ruddy mongoose, stripe-necked mongoose, and Indian grey mongoose. They are often seen darting across the safari trails, searching for rodents, snakes, and bird eggs. The mongoose is well known for its ability to kill venomous snakes, including cobras.

📍 Best Place to See: Bushy areas and open terrain.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Medium

Deer and Other Hoofed Mammals of Udawalawe

Udawalawe National Park is home to several species of deer and hoofed mammals, which play a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem. These herbivores are essential prey for predators like leopards and provide balance to the vegetation by grazing.

Sri Lankan Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor unicolor)

The largest deer species in Sri Lanka, the Sambar deer is a powerful and muscular animal with a dark brown coat. Males have large, rugged antlers, while females lack them. They are mostly active at dawn and dusk, often seen grazing near water sources or resting in the shade during the day. Sambar deer are excellent swimmers and frequently wade into lakes to cool off.

📍 Best Place to See: Forest edges and near water sources.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Medium

Sri Lankan Axis Deer (Axis axis ceylonensis)

Also called the spotted deer, the Sri Lankan Axis Deer is one of the most commonly seen deer species in Udawalawe. These deer have a reddish-brown coat with white spots, making them easy to identify. They often form large herds, moving together for protection against predators. Their sharp senses and speed help them escape threats quickly.

📍 Best Place to See: Open grasslands and near forested areas.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: High

Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak)

The Indian Muntjac, also known as the barking deer, is a small, shy deer species found in Udawalawe. It gets its name from the dog-like barking sound it makes when alarmed. Unlike other deer, males have small, sharp antlers and long canine teeth, giving them a unique appearance. Muntjacs prefer dense undergrowth, making them harder to spot.

📍 Best Place to See: Bushy areas and forest edges.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Medium

Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotain (Moschiola meminna)

The smallest hoofed mammal in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Spotted Chevrotain, is also known as the mouse deer due to its tiny size. These nocturnal creatures are very shy and rarely seen during daytime safaris. Unlike true deer, they lack antlers and have sharp fang like teeth, which they use for self defense.

📍 Best Place to See: Dense forest areas at night.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Low

Birds of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 180 bird species, including both resident and migratory birds. The park’s mix of grasslands, wetlands, and forests creates the perfect habitat for a wide variety of birds, from majestic raptors to colorful songbirds.

Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii) – The National Bird of Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Junglefowl is endemic to Sri Lanka and closely related to the domestic chicken. Males have a bright red comb, golden plumage, and blue-black tail feathers, while females are smaller and brownish for camouflage. This bird is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud crowing sound.

📍 Best Place to See: Scrublands and forest edges.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: High

Crested Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus)

This powerful bird of prey is easily recognized by its tall crest of feathers, sharp talons, and piercing yellow eyes. The Crested Hawk-Eagle hunts small mammals, reptiles, and birds, often spotted perched on treetops, scanning for prey.

📍 Best Place to See: Tall trees near open areas.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: High

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)

One of the most iconic birds in Udawalawe, the Indian Peafowl, is famous for its vibrant blue and green plumage and long, iridescent tail feathers. Males use their spectacular fan-shaped tail displays to attract females. Peafowls are often seen foraging for seeds and insects along safari trails.

📍 Best Place to See: Open grasslands and near forest edges.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Guaranteed

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala)

The Painted Stork is a large wading bird with a long yellow beak, pink legs, and striking black-and-white plumage. These storks are often seen wading through shallow waters, using their sensitive beaks to catch fish and frogs.

📍 Best Place to See: Wetlands and near lakes.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: High

Black winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus)

This small raptor is known for its white, gray, and black plumage, red eyes, and ability to hover mid-air while hunting. Black-winged Kites feed mainly on small rodents and insects and are often seen gliding gracefully across the sky.

📍 Best Place to See: Open grasslands.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Medium

Red faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus)

This rare and elusive bird is endemic to Sri Lanka, making it a special sighting in Udawalawe. It has a distinctive red face, long tail, and dark green body. Unlike other cuckoos, it does not lay its eggs in other birds’ nests but raises its own young.

📍 Best Place to See: Dense forested areas.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Medium

Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis)

This large owl species is mostly active at night but can sometimes be seen perched near water bodies during the day. The Brown Fish Owl has striking yellow eyes, a powerful hooked beak, and ear tufts. It hunts fish, frogs, and small mammals.

📍 Best Place to See: Near lakes and rivers.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Low

Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)

The Eurasian Hoopoe is a striking bird with cinnamon colored plumage, black and white wings, and a tall, fan like crest that it raises when excited. It feeds on insects and small reptiles, often seen probing the ground with its long, curved bill.

📍 Best Place to See: Open grasslands.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Medium

Reptiles and Amphibians of Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe is home to a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians, thriving in its wetlands, grasslands, and forests. From stealthy crocodiles to vibrant lizards and elusive snakes, these cold-blooded creatures play a vital role in the park’s ecosystem.

Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)

The Mugger Crocodile, also known as the Marsh Crocodile, is one of Sri Lanka’s largest reptiles. It has a broad snout, powerful jaws, and armored scales. These crocodiles are ambush predators, patiently waiting in shallow waters before lunging at their prey, which includes fish, birds, and even large mammals like deer.

📍 Best Place to See: Lakes, rivers, and marshes.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: High

Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis)

The Bengal Monitor is a large, muscular lizard, reaching up to 175 cm in length. Despite its size, it is surprisingly agile, often climbing trees or burrowing into the ground. It feeds on insects, rodents, and small reptiles and is known for its keen sense of smell.

📍 Best Place to See: Near water bodies and dry forest floors.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: High

Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

Named for the star-like patterns on its shell, the Indian Star Tortoise is a slow-moving herbivore that thrives in dry grasslands and scrub forests. These tortoises are most active during the monsoon season and feed on grass, fruits, and flowers.

📍 Best Place to See: Dry scrublands.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Low

Long nosed Vine Snake (Ahaetulla oxyrhyncha)

The Long nosed Vine Snake is a slender, bright green snake that blends seamlessly with tree branches. It is mildly venomous and preys on small reptiles and amphibians. This snake is rarely seen due to its excellent camouflage and preference for dense vegetation.

📍 Best Place to See: Dense jungle areas.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Low

Sri Lankan Flying Snake (Chrysopelea taprobanica)

This incredible snake species can glide between trees by flattening its body and using air resistance to move through the air. It is harmless to humans and primarily preys on geckos and small birds.

📍 Best Place to See: Forested areas.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Very Low

Sri Lanka Kangaroo Lizard (Otocryptis wiegmanni)

This small lizard is known for its incredible speed, using its long hind legs to sprint on two legs when escaping predators. It prefers shady forest floors and feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

📍 Best Place to See: Shady forested areas.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: Medium

Common Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus)

The Common Toad is one of the most widespread amphibians in Udawalawe. It has warty skin, powerful hind legs, and a loud, croaking call. This toad plays a vital role in controlling insect populations within the park.

📍 Best Place to See: Near water bodies and damp areas.
🎯 Chance of Spotting: High

What is the Best Safari Service for Udawalawe Wildlife Safari?

For the best Udawalawe safari experience, A Visitor is your top choice. We connect you with trusted safari providers who offer expert-guided tours, ensuring you see the park’s incredible wildlife up close.

Why Choose “A Visitor” for Your Udawalawe Safari?

• Experienced Safari Guides – Knowledgeable guides who understand animal behavior and the best spots for sightings.
• Customized Safari Options – Choose from morning, evening, or full day safaris to maximize your wildlife encounters.
• Comfortable 4×4 Jeeps – Well-maintained vehicles for a smooth and safe ride through the park.
• Affordable & Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees, just reliable and budget friendly safari experiences.
• Easy Online Booking – Plan your Udawalawe adventure hassle-free.

Whether you’re eager to see elephants, leopards, rare birds, or crocodiles, A Visitor ensures you have the best safari experience possible. Book your Udawalawe safari today and explore the wild with confidence!

FAQs – Animals of Udawalawe National Park

01. What animals are at Udawalawe National Park?

Udawalawe National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including:

• Mammals: Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, golden jackals, wild boar, and several species of deer.
• Birds: Over 180 bird species, including the Sri Lanka junglefowl, crested hawk-eagle, and painted stork.
• Reptiles: Mugger crocodiles, Bengal monitor lizards, and the Indian star tortoise.
• Insects: 135 species of butterflies and many other invertebrates.

It’s one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants in their natural habitat.

02. Are there leopards in Udawalawe?

Yes, Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) live in Udawalawe National Park. Although they are elusive, visitors have a medium chance of spotting one, especially during early morning or late afternoon safaris. Leopards prefer forest edges and rocky areas, where they hunt deer and other prey.

03. What is Udawalawe National Park famous for?

Udawalawe is best known for its large population of wild Sri Lankan elephants. It’s one of the top safari destinations in Sri Lanka, where visitors can see elephants year-round. The park is also famous for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, water buffalo, and over 180 species of birds.

04. What is the best time to visit Udawalawe for wildlife spotting?

The best time to visit Udawalawe for wildlife is during the dry season (from October to March), when animals gather around water sources. Early morning (06:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and late afternoon (02:00 PM – 06:00 PM) safaris offer the highest chances of spotting elephants, leopards, and other animals.

05. How many animal species are in Udawalawe National Park?

Udawalawe National Park hosts an impressive range of wildlife:

• Mammals: 43 species, including elephants, leopards, and deer.
• Birds: 184 species, including 33 migratory birds.
• Reptiles: 33 species, including crocodiles and snakes.
• Fish: 21 species.
• Insects: 135 species of butterflies.

Conclusion of Udawalawe Animals

Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s top wildlife destinations, offering guaranteed elephant sightings, diverse bird species, elusive predators, and a thriving ecosystem of mammals, reptiles, and insects. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or first-time safari-goer, Udawalawe provides a once in a lifetime wildlife experience.

By visiting at the right time, following expert tips, and appreciating both the big and small creatures, you can make the most of your safari adventure. From the majestic Sri Lankan Elephant to the tiny yet fascinating butterflies, Udawalawe is proof of Sri Lanka’s incredible biodiversity.

Plan your safari, respect the wildlife, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the wild!