Sloth Bear Deaths in Wilpattu National Park: A Growing Concern
A Sad Discovery
Rohan Fonseka, a wildlife photographer, and his team were thrilled to spot a full-grown sloth bear in Wilpattu National Park. But their excitement turned into shock when they found the same bear dead near the Maradanmaduwa wildlife circuit bungalow the next day.
This incident marked the second sloth bear death in March, with another cub found dead earlier that month. In January, a cub had also been discovered dead, bringing the total number of sloth bear deaths in the park to three in just one quarter.
Conservation Worries
These deaths have alarmed conservationists, as sloth bears (Melursus ursinus inornatus) are rare and elusive in Sri Lanka. The Department of Wildlife Conservation had warned about an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak among wild boars in December 2024. Sloth bears, known to scavenge carrion, could be at risk of contracting the disease.
Although there is no evidence of ASF transmission to other species, wildlife veterinarian Chandana Jayasinghe noted that the bear carcasses were heavily infested with ticks, suggesting possible infection of tick fever, a common ailment among wild mammals.
The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear
The Sri Lankan sloth bear is a dry zone forest specialist, found only on the island and smaller than its Indian counterpart by up to 20%. It is recognized by its shaggy black coat and distinctive white chest patch. This nocturnal and reclusive animal is a subspecies of the Indian sloth bear (M. ursinus).
Sloth bears are known for their maternal care, with mothers carrying their cubs on their backs for the first few months. They primarily feed on insects, especially termites and ants, using their powerful forelimbs and long, curved claws to suck insects from nests.
Favorite Foods
Sloth bears also enjoy seasonal fruits, particularly those of the Ceylon ironwood tree (Manilkara hexandra), known locally as palu. The palu fruiting season, from May to July, is the best time to observe sloth bears in the wild.
Habitat Loss
The sloth bear is one of Sri Lanka’s “Big Five” species, alongside the elephant and leopard. However, its survival is increasingly at risk due to habitat loss from deforestation for agriculture, settlements, and infrastructure development. Research by biologist Shyamala Ratnayeke found that only 43% of the bear’s historical range remained viable two decades ago.
Urgent Conservation Needs
The Sri Lankan sloth bear is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and nationally considered endangered. Its limited range, low population, and specific habitat requirements make it particularly susceptible to extinction. The recent deaths in Wilpattu highlight the need for closer monitoring of bear populations, improved disease surveillance, and better management of human-wildlife interactions.
