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Indika gets lucky with the cats, again! This time

Indika gets lucky with the cats, again!
This time, with a rusty spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus)!

Being one of the smallest of the cat family, an adult rusty weighs in at only roughly 1.5 kilos.

These adorable small wild cats are seldom seen on safaris as they spend most of their time hidden amongst the dense shrub of jungles where they use vegetation as cover to stay clear of their larger cousins and also to ambush small prey.

Indika managed to capture this rare moment on a safari in Yala National Park.

@indika_nettigama
@smallcatadvocacy
@urbanfishingcat

#cats #smallcats #rusty #rustyspottedcat #wildlifephotography #nature #wilderness #wildlife #jungle #forest #saveourforest #canonphotography #photographic #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #bbcearth #wildlifeplanet #animals #capture #safari #encounter #photooftheday #travelblogger #ceylonwildsafaris #artbynature #discovery #explore #experience #destinations

A wilderness experience is more than viewing anima

A wilderness experience is more than viewing animals and taking pictures; it's about digging into the details of animal behaviour and much of this, one can read on the ground.
Through years of experience, the sands of the dry-zone jungles have become the daily "newspaper" for the team at Ceylon Wild Safaris. By reading the scripts printed by paws, our team translates sign into stories.

@arran_sivarajah

#wildlifephotography
#tracking #trackandsign #read #capture #translation #ceylonwildsafaris #nature #raw #story #wilderness #wilderness_culture #photooftheday #animals #travelphotography #experience #wild #wildlife #education #wildlifeplanet #travel #travelblogger #jungle #yala #natural #globetrotter #track #trekking #bushwalk #trail

Can't "bear" the suspense of waiting for your next

Can't "bear" the suspense of waiting for your next exciting escape?

Ceylon Wild Safaris wants to bring you back to the bush to immerse yourself in wild luxury and take you on a nature guided experience.

With wildlife viewing, tracking, educational safaris, photography, bonfire evenings and story telling, we welcome you back to your wilderness home.

May your next adventure begin.

Contact us on 0778888689 to plan your next escape.

www.ceylonwildsafaris.com

#safarisdoneright #wild #luxury #adventure #escape #wilderness #family #holiday #destinations #travelblogger #travelphotography #travel #experience #capture #nature #wildlife #photography #safafis #sustainable #sustainabletravel #ceylonwildsafaris #people #home #experientialtravel #yala #glamping #camping #journey #SriLanka #jungle

"Kleptoparasitism" is a term used to describe how

"Kleptoparasitism" is a term used to describe how some predators or scavengers often get their meals by stealing food from others. The Brahminy kite is a fine example.

Because Brahminy kites are almost always seen in the vicinity of water, many make the mistake in assuming they are masters of fishing; little do most know, they are actually master thieves!

Brahminy kites, keep a close eye on other birds such as egrets and storks whom actually do all the work to catch a fish, then swoop in and steal the kill.

Fascinating and very cunning birds of prey indeed.

Photo taken by @dunyarajasekara

#birds #wildlife #nature #photography #naturephotography #planetearth #natgeoyourshot #bbcearth #canon #canonphotography #camera #ceylonwildsafaris #birders #avian #catch #capture #adventure #safari #travel #travelphotography #experience #travelblogger #experientialtravel #wilderness #animals #animalbattleground #color #light #raptor #kleptoparasitism

Embark on a journey, discovering the secrets of th

Embark on a journey, discovering the secrets of the wilderness with Ceylon Wild Safaris.

Escape the confines of the city and immerse yourself in wild luxury, exploring the jungles of Yala in a modified land cruiser or wallowing in a private plunge pool on the deck of your air conditioned tent.

With our professional field guides and their passion for sharing knowledge and skills in wildlife tracking and nature photography, your wilderness experience awaits.

Contact us to begin your next escape on 0778888689 or email us on info@ceylonwildsafaris.com

www.ceylonwildsafaris.com

#escape #experience #travel #wildlife #nature #wilderness #safari #adventure #ceylonwildsafaris #SriLanka #wild #travelphotography #traveller #explore #discover #naturephotography #planetearth #globetrotter #camping #glamping #wilderness_culture #holiday #destinations #experientialtravel #sustainabletravel #people #home

As night falls, the animals that have quite the op

As night falls, the animals that have quite the opposite sleeping pattern to ours, spring into action and wander the wilderness under the cover of darkness.

Our camera traps have captured some fascinating creatures over time and it reminds us that just because we are oblivious to our surroundings during our sleep, nature is still busy.

With multiple camera traps set up around the camp premises, we are able to take a glance at some of the nocturnal species that frequent the vicinity.

Not only is it incredibly rewarding to know that this wildlife, such as the small wild cats, bears, porcupines, elephants, leopards, and much more, thrive right under our noses, but evidence like this serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the wilderness areas of Sri Lanka.

Forest land in areas outside of national parks is being lost rapidly and that results in the loss of these precious, secretive beings that many forget roam these lands as we sleep.

#wildlife #saveourforest #saveourwildlife #nature #naturephotography #camera #animals #wilderness #night #srilanka #jungle #forest #cats #elephant #conservation #protect #capture #safari #adventure #camping #ceylonwildsafaris #globetrotter #travelphotography #travel #experience #naturelovers #animalcrossing #photography #night #nightphotography

What do you do when encountering a bull elephant i

What do you do when encountering a bull elephant in "musth"?

Make way and respect the elephants' boundaries!

In this short video of a live scenario, Safari Guide, Arran Sivarajah, explains the situation regarding ethical wildlife viewing and safety as Safari Guide, Indika Nettigama, reverses creating a comfortable and respectful distance between the vehicle and the animal.

"Musth" is a term used to describe the hormonal state of an elephant and generally refers to male or "bull" elephants in a state of heightened testosterone whilst in search of an oestrus female. When elephants are in musth, their back legs will be wet from rapid urine and seamen release, they will be leaking fluid from their temporal lobes on either side of their head and will their heads will often be bobbing up and down as they walk, indicating their frustration.

When coming across elephants in musth, or in any circumstance, remember the importance of respecting the boundaries of these magnificent creatures and maintaining ethical wildlife viewing practice.

@arran_sivarajah
@indika_nettigama
#wildlife #elephant #safari #SriLanka #adventure #safariethics #safarisdoneright #ceylonwildsafaris #travel #professional #guide #nature #wild #encounters #science #education #adventure #planetearth #bbcearth #wilderness #wilderness_culture #globetrotter #yala #jungle #photography #naturevideo #videography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #capture #moments

The painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) with t

The painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala) with their flashing pink rumps are one of the most stunning water birds in Sri Lanka and have the strangest method of hunting for fish. They disturb the surroundings with their feet in the water and keep their bills open ready to snap shut when a fish is directed between its bill. This odd adaptation as a hunting method seems to work well for them and crocodiles can be seen following them around hoping to catch the fish that get away.

#birds #waterbirds #avian #fauna #birding #beautiful #yala #pink #nature #wildlifephotography #wildlife #capture #canon #safari #adventure #photography #globetrotter #travelblogger #fishing #amazing_nature #wild #srilanka #tropical #light #bbcearth

Once again, Indika shares a phenomenal capture fro

Once again, Indika shares a phenomenal capture from his days in the wilderness; a young male leopard.

Understandably, leopards are one of the most exceptional predators in the world and the experience of having one walking directly towards you is not justified by a photo. Nonetheless, it's through photography that some like to try and share these special moments with the rest of us, to encourage us to appreciate these magnificent creatures and inspire us help protect them.

Sri Lanka is home to one of the highest leopard densities in the world and although this apex predator, like most cats, are highly adaptable to changes in environment, even adaptability will be challenged when up against the destruction of nature itself. Therefore, we often use the power of the leopard, among others, as an ambassador to inspire the world to protect their natural home.

Thanks, Indika, for sharing this spectacular moment.

#leopard #amazing_nature #savetheearth
#saveourforest #savebigcats #cats #bigcats
#ceylonwildsafaris #photooftheday #photography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlifeplanet #bbcearth #natgeoyourshot #srilanka #canonphotography #travelblogger #travelphotography #conservation #ambassador #nature #naturephotography #planetearth #safari #saveourwildlife #photohub #wilderness #moment

Yesterday was National Wildlife Day. A day to cel

Yesterday was National Wildlife Day.
A day to celebrate sustainability between forest and community. Yesterday was a day to celebrate the positive that is seldom seen, whilst today we share our views on the unfortunate reality with the hopes of spreading the word to the world to "wake up".

How long will wildlife remain for us to celebrate and appreciate? How long will the canopies of trees stand high enough for us to bend our necks and look up in astonishment? How long will their trunks stand vertical before being placed horizontal by the hands of mankind on the fire place?

Sri Lanka is known for its biodiversity, with such altitudinal variation that forest types are diverse and unique, making species diversity and endemism bring Sri Lanka to a map of wildlife hotspots worldwide.
Even though a tiny island, has at least 14 different biomes from deccan scrub and montane forest, to the endemic "villu" biome, known as the great lakes.

Unfortunately, the wonders that nature has gifted "our home" are falling day by day at a rate we must not overlook.

Currently, the forest cover on this wildlife-rich land sits between 18-28%, depending on what look at between protected areas, regenerated forests, proposed (PA's) and forest patches.

The rate at which we are losing this miniature remainder is about 1.5% to 1.7% per year; meaning in less than 30 years, the wildlife we claim to love will be potentially gone, unless we make a change.

Change is possible! Building a bridge between sustainable practice and wilderness is achievable by collectively introducing the concept of communities benefiting from saving our forests. This can be done through many different ways; sustainable tourism, sustainable products trade, minimising forest destruction by education and provision for more sustainable farming and much, much more.

There is a story told by a poacher - become conservationist - in Africa. A notorious elephant poacher was given another chance to approach life differently; he now trains guides and antipoaching units in tracking to make a living.

If one man can make change. As a nation, can't we?

(Photo: www.change.org)

One of the island's most fascinating features is t

One of the island's most fascinating features is the diversity of birds!

Being a tropical island with extensive variations in forest elevations, the tremendous array of vegetation types provides habitats for hundreds of different species of birds.

Some like grasslands, some like canopy forests, some like dry thorn scrub and some like lagoons; these lesser whistling teals, sometimes seen in flocks of over 100 individuals, spend their days on the rims of the natural lakes that are dotted across the lowlands of Sri Lanka.

This spectacular, motion capture was taken by Indika Nettigama.

#birds #birding #birdlife #avian #capture #nature #photography #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #bbcearth #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #ceylonwildsafaris #photooftheday #canon #canonphotography #camera #motion #safari #SriLanka #travelblogger #globetrotter #scenic #amazing_nature #adventure #tropical #animals #birdphotography #travelphotography

Something you may not have known about the Ceylon

Something you may not have known about the Ceylon Wild Safaris camp;

Apart from being primarily solar powered, everything you see in the Ceylon Wild Safaris camp, from the plunge pools to the tents themselves, are designed with locally sourced materials and assembled and upkept by the artistic hands of the local people; employing members of the community from so many different and creative backgrounds.

The thatch structures that shelter the dining area and the lounge at our wilderness home are constructed with damaged or partially burned and discarded wooden beams from the nearby community to ensure that no living trees were fallen for the purpose of our comfort. Open air on all sides, even when it rains there is a soothing and relaxing atmosphere as one dines or simply sips on a fresh cup of tea in the afternoons.

One of many keys to wildlife conservation is building a bridge between sustainable, experiential operations and involving the local community for an alternative and positive outcome.

Allow us to convert your memorable experience to positive change.

#nature #sustainability
#adventure
#green #sustainable #experience #experientialtravel #sustainabletravel #plantbased #home #ceylonwildsafaris #camping #design #destinations #SriLanka #travelphotography #travelblogger #makeithappen #makeachange #makeadifference #community #wildlife #natural #earthfocus #glamping #positivethinking #conservation #protect_nature #saveourwildlife #safari

There are many places one can find peace. One of t

There are many places one can find peace. One of those places is here at Ceylon Wild Safaris where wilderness is appreciated for more than the adrenaline of viewing the island's biggest game.

It's about sometimes sitting, absorbing the golden light that reflects off the limbs of the ebony, tamarind and cassia trees that demarcate the boundaries of the granite outcrop next to the thatch lounge in the early evenings.

It's about watching the natural world go by as the clouds role over and the munias and the silverbills scatter the edges of the waterhole to drink before night falls.

It's about switching off for a few moments when the only sounds you hear are the leaves rustling the shrubs as the wind brushes your back and the sunset rays kiss the skin on your cheeks.

A place of passion, appreciation and love for all things wild and natural, a place we call home.

#home #wilderness #wilderness_culture #wild #wildlife #nature #appreciate #natural #bushlife #natgeotravel #gold #light #photooftheday #jungle #sky #scenic #camping #glamping #love #adventure #travelblogger #globetrotter #moments #passion #outdoors #animals #naturalliving #green #ceylonwildsafaris #travelphotography

"Do bears and leopard get along with one another?"

"Do bears and leopard get along with one another?"

A question often asked during a game drive in Sri Lanka.

We felt that this picture of bear tracks going one way and leopard tracks going the other, depicted the answer quite literally; they generally try to steer in opposite directions.

They do not get along and bears have even been known to raid leopard dens and kill their cubs. Leopards and bears have even been seen in battle over a carcass and a fully grown bear will even steal a leopards' kill.

But, when putting food and infanticide aside, a leopard and a bear would, upon encountering each other by chance, prefer to stay clear of one another.

The "Jungle Book" story in which Baloo, the bear, and Bagheera, the leopard, get along, is actually entirely untrue.

The primary reason for this effort to avoid one another is that bears and leopards are both generally solitary animals which means they need to save all of their strength for their own upkeep.

If a bear was to sustain severe injuries from a leopard then it would be weakened for when the necessity arises to defend itself. Likewise, if a leopard sustained injuries preventing it to hunt efficiently, then it would likely starve and would certainly not be able to defend territory.

Therefore, trotting in opposite directions is often the more beneficial action to take.

#srilanka #nature #relationships #animals #wildlife #bear #leopard #cats #tracks #education #adventure #planetearth #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #safari #tracking #animalbattleground #capture #wilderness #wild #tropical #animalkingdom #natural #bushlife #natgeotravel #discover #explore #wildlifeplanet #photography

Obviously, there was no chance that the Ceylon Wil

Obviously, there was no chance that the Ceylon Wild Safaris family would allow the day to go by without sharing this smiley moment on Indika's birthday!

'Indy" is and has always been the most passionate safari guide of the family, spending every possible day that he can exploring the National parks of Sri Lanka and sharing his wildlife photography. He used his passions as the glue that created the Ceylon Wild Safaris family and we continue to make positive change in the world of wildlife conservation together.

So, Indika, thank you for always being the first to jump behind the wheel, figuratively and literally. Here's to many more years of laughter and incredible wildlife moments!

Happy birthday!
@indika_nettigama

The Ceylon Wild Safaris family.

#family #friends #smiles #happybirthday #moments #wildlife #guides #nature #photography #capture #safari #wild #SriLanka #positive #love #destinations #travelphotography #wildlifephotography #wilderness #wilderness_culture #ceylonwildsafaris #passion #conservation #photooftheday #photographer #adventure #life #light #people #community

Sri Lanka is home to 4 species of wild cats, the l

Sri Lanka is home to 4 species of wild cats, the leopard being the largest, followed by the fishing cat, jungle cat and the rusty spotted cat. As much as we enjoy taking photos of these magnificent creatures, what's really fascinating is there abilities. Leopards are stealthy hunters, staying out of sight until the perfect moment and then finally lunging into action and chasing down it's prey with incredible speed. Finally, they are strong enough to lift over twice their own body weight high up into a tree to protect their prey from scavengers. It's even been recorded that leopards have taken young buffalo up into trees!

#leopard #SriLanka #strength #power #photography #wildlife #nature #cats #bigcats #savebigcats #planetearth #photooftheday #safari #hunter #predator #capture #canon #camera #canonphotography #ceylonwildsafaris #wild #bbcearth #natgeowild #adventure #yala #wilderness #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #animals

Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus, the grey-headed fish eag

Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus, the grey-headed fish eagle is commonly known as the "tank" eagle in Sri Lanka.
They are bulky, strong and powerful raptors, always found in the vicinity of a water source as their diet consists primarily of fish.
The grey-headed fish eagle is one of many fascinating birds of prey found in the dry-zones of Sri Lanka and is often seen on our safari adventures.

Captured by Arran Sivarajah - Ceylon Wild Safaris.

#birds #raptor #eagle #birding #avian #photooftheday #photography #capture #canon #photographic #bbcearth #planetearth #SriLanka #safari #adventure #camping #ceylonwildsafaris #travel #travelblogger #travelphotography #wildlifephotography #wildlife #nature #wilderness #wild #birds #yala #explore #discover

There is nothing quite like dining under the stars

There is nothing quite like dining under the stars, in the wilderness, with the orange hue of lanterns reflecting through the ripples in the water.
A gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the bauhinia tree nearby and jackals whimpering in the distance.
Open air and a clear view of the sparkling sky, away from the chaos; a world, within a world, that you just don't want to return from.

Make your reservations for your safe getaway with a simple phone call; 0778888689 or email us on info@ceylonwildsafaris.com

#ceylonwildsafaris #light #free #peace #tranquility #wilderness #home #world #planetearth #plantbased #lantern #dining #cuisine #design #destinations #getaway #journey #adventure #yala #nature #wilderness_culture #SriLanka #travelphotography #travel #safe #jungle #travelblogger #photography #sky #scenery

When going camping, the food has to be good; becau

When going camping, the food has to be good; because in the wilderness, you've got nowhere else to go!

The greatest and most exciting thing about camping with Sri Lankan cuisine is the diversity of dishes, flavours and fragrances!

A safari spent in search of the island's incredible wildlife is ended by returning to a colourful spread of Sri Lankan culture on a table at our wilderness home.

#food #foodie #camping #cuisine
#SriLanka
#foodphotography #photooftheday #curry #capture #safari #foodsafari #foodstagram #foodblogger #yummy #glamping #ceylonwildsafaris #culture #tasty #travelphotography #traveller #travelblogger #foodporn #island #nature #wilderness #wildlife #people #home #diversity #adventure

Guiding, tracking, wildlife viewing, photography,

Guiding, tracking, wildlife viewing, photography, post-production and then get it all on canvas to take home!

The homely atmosphere at Ceylon Wild Safaris is created by passion for personalization and what better way to physically hold onto a memory of a moment than to have it printed for you on a large canvas, ready for you to frame when you get home?

At our wilderness camp, we bring your experiences to canvas in our "creative hub" where Indika Nettigama shows us about post-production and sits with you while watching your memory roll out of an Epsom printer on a 22×22 inch canvas!

#photography #photohub
#creative #apple #epsom
#wild #wildlifephotography
#ceylonwildsafaris #travel #memories #capture #canon #print #photo #travelphotography #home #wildlife #nature #experience #travelblogger #SriLanka #cats #leopard #bigcats #adventure #planetearth #edit #safari #photographic

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