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Roar & Rove

Sri Lankan Sloth Bear

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Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (VU)

LIFE SPAN
  • In the Wild: Typically 20-25 years
  • In Captivity: Can live up to 30 years
Body size
  • Length: Approximately 140-190 cm (4.6-6.2 feet)
  • Weight: Males: 80-140 kg (176-308 lbs), Females: 55-95 kg (121-209 lbs)
Native habitat
  • Geographical Range: Endemic to Sri Lanka
  • Habitat: Prefers dry forests, moist evergreen forests, and scrublands, particularly in protected areas such as national parks and wildlife reserves.
Diet
  • Insects: Termites and ants, which they extract using their long, flexible snouts and lips.
  • Fruits: Such as mangoes, berries, and other seasonal fruits.
  • Honey: They are known for their fondness for honey, often raiding beehives.
  • Flowers: Particularly those of the Mahua tree.
  • Small Vertebrates: Occasionally consume small mammals and bird
Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus)

The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is a unique and fascinating mammal native to the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka. It is known for its shaggy black coat, long, curved claws, and distinctive white V-shaped marking on its chest.

Physical Characteristics: The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear measures about 140-190 cm (4.6-6.2 feet) in length and weighs between 55-140 kg (121-308 lbs), with males being larger than females. Its long, coarse fur and curved claws are well-adapted for climbing and digging. The bear’s long, flexible snout and lips are specialized for extracting insects, a primary component of its diet.

Habitat: This bear thrives in dry forests, moist evergreen forests, and scrublands. It is often found in protected areas such as national parks and wildlife reserves. Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems provide an ideal habitat for the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, allowing it to forage and find shelter.

Diet: The diet of the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is diverse, primarily consisting of:

  • Insects: Termites and ants, which they extract using their long snouts and flexible lips.
  • Fruits: Such as mangoes, berries, and other seasonal fruits.
  • Honey: They are known for raiding beehives to consume honey.
  • Flowers: Particularly those of the Mahua tree.
  • Small Vertebrates: Occasionally small mammals and birds.

 

Behavior: The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is primarily nocturnal and solitary, foraging at night and resting in caves or dense vegetation during the day. It is known for its loud snuffling and sucking sounds when feeding on insects. These bears are excellent climbers, often scaling trees to access food or escape threats. Communication among sloth bears includes vocalizations, scent marking, and body language.

Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is classified as Vulnerable (VU), facing threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, reducing human-bear conflicts, and raising awareness about their ecological importance.

Lifespan: In the wild, the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear typically lives between 20-25 years, but it can live up to 30 years in captivity under optimal care.