CNN —Having endured a bloody civil war from 1983 until 2009, Sri Lanka is now at peace and developing rapidly. ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/AFP via Getty Images Sri Lankan leopards each have a unique pattern of spots. Courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism Sri Lankan spotted deer are important prey for leopards. Courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism Tea plantations cloak Sri Lanka's hill country. Courtesy Sri Lanka Tourism Sri Lanka's incredible wildlife Prev NextAs Sri Lanka’s top predator, and its only big cat, the leopard “plays a key role” in Sri Lanka’s ecosystem, says Watson.