There are 26 reserves in Ceylan, spanning an area of 5700 km2. This represents almost 10% of the surface of the island - the equivalent of the entire North of France. Among these 26 reserves, all differ in the wildlife they offer. While Sinharaja is proud of its forests, Horton Plains is proud of its cloud-covered coppices. All are home to animals of various sizes. From here on, cross your fingers and hope luck is on your side…

It seems that some people have all the luck, those who annoyingly always spot the rarest species. It is true that it depends on the periods. In the rainy season, visibility is poor, the vegetation profuse, and the animals are rarely compelled to venture out in search of water. The various essential needs of animals dictate their lives and draw them out of their hiding places. For instance, they sometimes must cover long distances in order to drink, hunt, eat, mate or fight!

But let’s get back to our lucky devils, the ones  animals seem drawn towards: they always have a few things in common. More than luck, they possess certain characteristics: they are silent, they are patient, and they are observant - even if it means looking behind themselves. They use some hunter's tricks: they don't wear perfume or sunscreen, which can be detected from a distance. They also know that you have to walk against the wind so as not to be noticed by scent. They also remember to position themselves near the waterholes. And lastly, they get up early.

Large mammals

If you don't want to be disappointed, you should make peace with the fact that you will not see a leopard. Even in Yala National Park, the leopard is difficult to spot. This does not mean that it is not there, as it is possible that the sneaky, sly animal is watching you while you are focused on something else. And all the better if you see one, despite the odds! If not, you can console yourself with the more modest, long-legged wildcat or the widespread but elegant sambar - the species of deer that has several mating seasons.

One of the most common mammals is the monkey. There are three species on the island: the highly aggressive toque macaque, the placid whitish semnopithecus, and the grey langur. They live in perfect harmony within the villages, always circling the temples to compete for the priests’ offerings of fruit and flowers. The langur is also sacred, being linked to the simian god Hanuman.

Even more common are the wild elephants. The island has the highest concentration of wild elephants, with a population estimated at 6000. They sometimes cross the road in small herds in these wetlands where there is plenty of grass or reeds for their insatiable appetite. Farmers sometimes even set up shelters in the trees to cope with stampedes.. They are also found in the Vilpattu and Yala reserves.

Another typical animal is the honey bear, also known as the sloth bear, which is the only type of bear in the area. It has long, black fur and thick ears. They are fond of termites, fruit, nuts and, of course, honey.  It is rather gentle, which is why it was formerly sought after by circus trainers and tamers.

The right spot for bird watchers

With more than 400 species of birds, including bee-eaters, hornbills and crested falcons, Sri Lanka is a haven for ornithologists and bird watching enthusiasts. You will often see crows: Hinduism considers them to be linked with their ancestors. They are said to possess knowledge and carry omens. Another bird associated with knowledge is the wild peacock, a symbol of the goddess of Sarasvati arts. It is also one of the incarnations of the Buddha.

It will be hard to miss the immaculate white feathers of the egrets, as they sit on top of the buffaloes and nibble on their parasites. The heron often sits on the dikes of the rice fields, occasionally gobbling up a fish or a snail. 

A cautious approach recommended

Reptiles are everywhere. Geckos with their piercing metallic calls sometimes keep you awake at night, and there are some very elusive crocodiles. Monitor lizards love to hang around the beaches where fishermen return from their catch, eager to devour the scraps. The monitor lizard is intimidating but does not attack humans. There are also nearly a hundred species of snakes on the island. Half of them you won't find anywhere else. The most dangerous is the legendary cobra, which you will see presented by the legendary snake charmers. There are also members of the larger viper family. These include sea snakes and the Ceylon viper, which is recognisable by its emerald green colour. 

Dangerous or not, it is important to keep one's distance from animals, and not adopt the habit of feeding wild animals. This creates a dependency on humans, and a tameness that exposes them to poachers and endangers the beauty of their wild nature.