Environmentalists have reported a significant increase in the population of wet zone hill country leopards, also known as Panthera Pardus Kotiya, which has expanded their roaming grounds and consequently, posed a threat to humans. However, the death rate of these leopards has also risen due to human activities, with many dying in wire traps. In the past two years alone, 15 leopards died in 2020, eight in 2021, and seven in 2022, according to a representative of the Nuckles Ape Environmental Organisation. Human settlements have encroached upon the roaming grounds of hill country leopards, causing conflicts when they venture into human habitats to prey on dogs and other domestic animals. The expansive roaming grounds of these leopards cover numerous areas, including Sri Pada forest reserve, Hatton, Navalapitiya, Ginigathena, Yaliyantota, Dolosbage, Dedugala, Ihalauduwa, Dampelgoda, Bagawanthalawa, Balangoda, Kotagala, Thalawakele, Bopatthalawa, Nuwara Eliya, Haggala, Pussellawa, Hewaheta, Delthota, Galaha, Peradeniya, and Gampola. Despite the estimated population of 800 leopards in the hill country jungles, formal statistics are not available to confirm the exact number. Environmentalists warn that the hill country leopards are on the verge of extinction.