What Wildlife Can You See in Yala Block 5 and Block 6?

Yala Block 5 and Block 6 have a different wildlife profile from Block 1. This is partly because the habitat is different, and partly because the lower visitor numbers mean animals in these blocks have not been as heavily habituated to vehicles. Here is an honest, specific account of what you are likely to see and what you should not expect.

Elephant

Elephant sightings are occasional in both blocks, not guaranteed on every drive, but among the most memorable when they happen. In Block 5, elephants tend to move in smaller family groups through the denser scrub. In Block 6, the more open terrain means you can sometimes watch larger herds at greater distance.

The tank waterholes in both blocks are worth watching for elephants, particularly in the late afternoon when herds come to drink.

Mugger Crocodile

Mugger crocodiles are common throughout Yala and Blocks 5 and 6 are no exception. They are found in and around the tanks, often basking on banks with extraordinary stillness. Up close, they are remarkable animals.

Sloth Bear

Sloth bear sightings in Block 5 have been notably good in recent seasons. This is one of the wildlife highlights of this block. Sloth bears in Yala are generally found in rocky areas and scrub where fruit-bearing plants grow. They are not easy to find and sightings are far from guaranteed. When they are found, however, the experience is usually excellent, particularly because of the low vehicle numbers in Block 5.

Wild Buffalo

Wild buffalo are present in both blocks in healthy numbers. Large herds use the tanks and waterholes throughout the day. Buffalo in Yala are genuinely wild and their behaviour is very different from domestic cattle. They are worth spending real time with.

Spotted Deer (Chital)

Spotted deer are abundant throughout Yala and found everywhere in Blocks 5 and 6. They move in large herds and are important prey animals. Watching how they behave and respond to potential threats gives real insight into the predator-prey dynamics of the park.

Sri Lankan Leopard

Leopards are present in both blocks but are not commonly seen. Sightings in Blocks 5 and 6 are significantly less frequent than in Block 1, and when they do occur, they are usually quieter encounters with fewer vehicles. Block 6 has very rare leopard sightings. This is stated clearly on this site and we mean it.

Birdlife

The birdlife in Blocks 5 and 6 is exceptional and often overlooked by guests focused on the larger mammals. Painted storks, pelicans, herons, egrets, crested serpent eagle, changeable hawk-eagle, bee-eaters, rollers, and a wide range of waders are all present. The wetland areas in Block 6 are especially worth time and attention.

Other wildlife

Grey langur monkeys, wild boar, and monitor lizards are regularly encountered throughout both blocks. Jackals are present too, though not among the most common sightings — when you do spot them, it is often a pair or small family group. These animals are often overlooked in favour of the larger mammals but are genuinely interesting to observe closely.