Wild Encounters, Worn Ecosystems: Challenges and Lessons from Yala National Park

Summary Yala National Park (YNP), Sri Lanka’s most visited protected area, is celebrated for its biodiversity and high leopard density. However, rapid tourism growth has contributed to habitat degradation, overcrowding and challenges in enforcing park regulations such as speed limits, route restrictions, and wildlife viewing guidelines which together weaken its ecological resilience. This case study explores these tensions through interviews with park administrators, highlighting how current management strategies attempt to balance rising tourism demand with conservation goals. Jeep safaris – the park’s flagship attraction – generate essential revenue but also cause congestion, alter wildlife behaviour, and intensify ecological strain. Measures such as speed limits and rest periods for vehicles have seen only partial success due to limited enforcement capacity and institutional constraints. Community-based livelihood initiatives, including bee box projects and aloe vera farming, aim to reduce human-wildlife conflict but remain economically vulnerable without stable market access or long-term institutional support. Additionally, inconsistent reinvestment of tourism revenue into park conservation, coupled with political interference, further undermines regulation and strategic planning. These findings point to the urgent need for institutional reform, transparent revenue allocation, and deeper integration of community engagement into conservation planning. Information © The Authors 2025