Funday Times

The leopard
The leopard is the largest wild cat in Sri Lanka. A molecular genetic analysis of leopards of the world has confirmed the Sri Lankan leopard to be a distinct sub species Panthera pardus kotiya. Although the leopard roamed throughout the country about 100 years ago, it is believed that the numbers have fallen by 75% since the turn of the last century. Today, it is believed that there may be about 500 individuals, restricted mainly to protected areas (PAs). Recent reports of sightings in the Horton Plains and Yala, however, provide cause for hope that healthy populations exist in these areas. The leopard is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO) administered by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

Studies on food habits of the leopard in Sri Lanka have shown that the populations in the lowlands prey mainly on spotted deer, while the sambur is the major prey of those in the highlands. The average litter size in Sri Lanka is two to three cubs.

The leopards in Sri Lanka are under threat due to habitat loss and poaching. It is unfortunate that the leopard is exploited for commercial purposes and is hunted for its skin and bones. Each year, at least five leopard kills are recorded by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Snares and noose traps set for other wild animals have caused several leopard mortalities during the recent past in several areas in the country.
In order to conserve our leopard population, it is necessary to learn more about their general ecology and population status through research.

Common Names:
Leopard (E), Diviya (S)
Scientific Name:
Panthera pardus kotiya
Status:
Nationally Threatened

Sloth bears are small with a black shaggy coat, especially over the shoulders. A white/ cream coloured “U” or “Y” usually marks their chests. Their nostrils can close, thus protecting them from dust or insects when raiding termite nests or bee hives. A gap in their teeth helps them suck up ants, termites, and other insects. They also have long, curved claws that are used in excavating insect mounds.

Sloth bears grow to about six feet long, and stand two to three feet at the shoulder. Adults weigh between 120 pounds (small females) to 310 pounds (large males). Their diet consist of an interesting mix of fruits, vegetation, termites, ants, eggs, honeycomb as well as carrion. During the months of May and June, in Sri Lanka, sloth bears feed extensively on fruits of the “Palu” (Manilkara hexandra) trees.

The average litter size of the Sloth bear is one or two cubs. Cubs are born in dry dens or caves and they remain with the mother until nearly two to three years old. Sometimes, the mother bear can be met with a cub riding on her shoulders.

The sloth bear is found in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, whilst there have been sightings in Bhutan and Bangladesh. They have a preference for dry zone forest areas as well as rocky outcrops. In Sri Lanka, they can be seen in several protected areas such as the Yala, Wasgomuwa and Wilpattu National Parks. The sloth bear is the only bear species found in Sri Lanka.

The sloth bear is an important species, as it is a potential draw for eco-tourists, who visit Sri Lanka’s protected areas hoping to see keystone mammal species such as elephant, leopard and bear.

Sloth Bear
Common Names:
Sloth Bear (E)
Walaha (S)
Karadee (T)
Scientific Name: Melursus ursinus
Status: Globally Threatened

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