Sri Lanka Sloth Bear (Melursus Ursinus Inornatus)

Sinhalese: Walaha, walahinna

Tamil: Karadee

Description: The average height of the adult male is about 90 cm at the shoulder, and the female 60 cm. They weight about 75 to 100 kgs. They have strong, powerful, fore-quarters, with long inwardly curved claws on the fore-feet which gives them a rather shuffling walk. They can, however move very fast when the need arises. Their black fur is particularly long and shaggy on the shoulders.

Distribution: Bears are found in the forested areas of the low country dry zone. They have, however, been known to wander further afield during severe droughts, looking for water.

Habits: Bears are normally found solitary, in pairs, or family groups of female with her cubs, and in captivity have been known to live for 21 years. They are extremely dangerous, attacking on sight, and this is probably due to their poor eye-sight and hearing which causes aggression at the sudden appearance of an imagined enemy. However, the sense of smell is acute. The bear is omnivorous, feeding on fruit, flowers, roots, honey, insects and carrion, and will climb trees in search of its food. They are particularly fond of termites and dig holes in anthills to reach these delicacies.

Breeding: The gestation period lasts for 7 months and usually 2 cubs are born; sometimes one. The female usually chooses a cave amongst rocky outcrops for the birth, and the new born are blind and naked. As they grow older they accompany their mother on foraging expeditions, often riding on her back, and they will remain with her until full-grown at 2-3 years.