Today, leopards live in 26 range countries scattered across the African and Asian continents and are subdivided into nine sub-species based on their genetic divergence and distinction. Of these, the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is one of only two sub-species restricted to islands. The other sub-species (Panthera pardus melas) lives on the Indonesian island of Java. The Javan leopard clings precariously to existence in several protected areas and high-altitude forests. Their total number is estimated to be down to 250 adult individuals and it is considered to be critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).To read full story visit: https://ceylontoday.lk/news/apex-predator-in-danger?fbclid=IwAR0VEosUcEtXZyT6VPpi14QztX81ggLnvVS3t9g_knJBcfijDOjDboLK1_M