Protected leopards under threat in Sri Lanka Greed and superstition are causing the demise of the island's endangered big cats Trending A leopard in Yala National Park in Sri Lanka, which has fewer than 1,000 leopards. (Photo: YouTube) Leopards are roaming Sri Lanka because their habitat has been destroyed and they must search for food in villages. In 2020, 13 leopards were reported killed in the island nation, mostly in Nuwara Eliya district. The leopards enter villages and kill domestic dogs and even cats. A villager was killed in a leopard attack on Dec. 30 and another attack was reported on Jan. 1. Subscribe to your daily free newsletter from UCA News