Located in the south east part of the Island, the total protected area cover 98,000 hectares. Certain parts are strict natural reserves. Yala west with its scrub jungle, rock outcrops, tanks and lagoons is the area for Jeep safari's. Wild Elephant, sloth Bear, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Monkey, Porcupine and Jackal can be sighted here. Many migratory Birds frequent this area, over 135 species have been recorded in Yala. The remains of an ancient settlement is also evident in its vicinity with ruins dating back as far as 1st century BC.