Blocks I and II closed 14 September – 15 October 2026 (DWC drought closure). Blocks IV and V are open and unaffected. Full details →

Field notes

Wildlife of Yala: The Complete Species Guide

Every mammal and reptile species we've written a real field note on, from Block I's leopards to the water monitors nobody looks at twice.

Yala holds one of the highest wild leopard densities on Earth alongside sloth bears, elephants, and a long list of species most visitors walk past. Here's every species we've covered in depth so far. Looking for birds specifically? See our birdwatching guide.