Wildlife photographer Rohan Fonseka’s safari in Wilpattu National Park took a grim turn after a promising sighting of a rare sloth bear ended in tragedy. The day after photographing the elusive creature, Fonseka and his team discovered the same bear dead near the Maradanmaduwa wildlife bungalow. This incident marked the third sloth bear death in the park within the first quarter of 2025, raising serious concerns among conservationists and wildlife officials.
Disease fears rise as iconic, elusive sloth bears face mounting survival challenges in Sri Lanka
The deaths of two cubs earlier in January and March had already alarmed authorities. While African swine fever (ASF) was previously detected among wild boars, fears of zoonotic transmission to sloth bears have yet to be confirmed. Wildlife veterinarian Chandana Jayasinghe, who conducted postmortem analyses, found heavy tick infestations on the carcasses, indicating the possibility of tick fever—a common but serious threat to wild mammals. Lab results are still awaited for conclusive causes.
Sri Lanka’s Sloth Bears Face Crisis After Third Death in Wilpattu Sparks Fears of Disease Outbreak
Endemic to Sri Lanka, the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus) is a subspecies distinct from its Indian relatives. Smaller in size and more reclusive, these bears play a critical ecological role as dry zone forest specialists. Known for their distinctive appearance and maternal care, they represent a charismatic but poorly understood species, vital to the island’s biodiversity.
Habitat loss, disease, and conflict push Sri Lanka’s sloth bear closer to extinction
Sloth bears primarily feed on termites, ants, and seasonal fruits such as palu, often appearing more frequently during the fruiting season. However, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and human settlements has significantly reduced their historical range. Human-bear conflicts are also a concern, especially when men enter forests alone for honey or hunting, often resulting in fatal encounters.
With its IUCN status as vulnerable and national designation as endangered, the Sri Lankan sloth bear faces mounting threats from habitat loss, disease, and dwindling food sources. The deaths at Wilpattu serve as a stark reminder of the need for robust conservation measures. Experts emphasize improved disease monitoring, habitat protection, and efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict to prevent further loss of this iconic species.
