Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Ursidae
- Genus
- Melursus
- Species
- Melursus ursinus
Habitat
They primarily inhabit dry and wet forests, grasslands, and scrublands in Sri Lanka, often in areas with termite mounds and fruit-bearing trees. These bears prefer elevations up to 1,500 meters and areas near water sources for foraging. They are adaptable but avoid dense urban areas.
Diet
Sri Lankan sloth bears mainly consume termites, ants, and other insects, which they extract using their claws and lips, along with fruits like figs and berries when available. They also eat honey from beehives and occasionally small vertebrates or carrion. Feeding is primarily nocturnal, with bears spending several hours each night foraging.
Behavior
Sri Lankan sloth bears are mostly solitary and nocturnal, spending their days in dens or dense vegetation to avoid the heat. They are territorial, marking areas with scent and vocalizations, and exhibit bluff charges when threatened. Mothers are highly protective of their cubs, carrying them on their backs for the first few months.
Conservation Status
The sloth bear is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and human encroachment. Major threats include poaching for body parts and conflicts with farmers over crops.