not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), an endemic subspecies and the apex predator, meets significant conservation uncertainties stemming from habitat degradation and intensifying human-leopard interactions in unprotected regions. This study examines the preying patterns of leopards residing in the human dominated tea estate landscapes of the Upper Kelani River Basin (UKRB), in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka to evaluate prey composition, diversity, and the balance between wild and domestic prey. Analysis of 107 scat samples indicated a wide-ranging diet of the Sri Lankan leopard consisting of 17 prey species, primarily wild animals, with the black-naped hare (Lepus nigricollis) being the most commonly ingested prey. Biomass research revealed the significant prey biomass contribution from medium-sized prey, such as barking deer (Muntiacus malabaricus), whereas domestic species comprised less than 15% of the diet. Analysis of prey selectivity utilizing Jacob’s Index indicated a predilection for specific prey species such as the large-sized prey of sambar (Rusa unicolor), and the small and easy prey of domestic cats (Felis catus), underscoring the leopards’ adaptation to available resources. These findings highlight the leopards’ ecological adaptability and the necessity of preserving prey diversity to facilitate coexistence in anthropogenically transformed environments. Conservation proposals comprise habitat restoration, educational initiatives, and integrated management measures to reduce conflict and promote leopard survival in fragmented habitats.