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In the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, there’s a special bear called the Sri Lankan sloth bear. This bear, known scientifically as Melursus ursinus inornatus, lives in the dry forests of the island. Unlike some picky eaters, this bear is quite versatile – it munches on nuts, berries, roots, carrion (dead animals), and even meat. But what makes its diet unique is its love for insects, which it skillfully extracts from old tree stumps using its long, hairless snout.
This bear shares its home with the powerful leopard, both navigating the diverse environments of Sri Lanka. However, the sloth bear faces a tough situation. Its population is dropping fast, and in some areas, there might be as few as 500 bears left.
The main reason? People are destroying the natural forests the bears rely on for food. As if that’s not enough, there’s another problem: more and more encounters between these bears and people. With less than 1000 sloth bears left, conflicts are on the rise. These clashes bring various troubles, from people getting hurt or even killed to the loss of livestock, damage to homes, and the sad possibility of people killing the bears out of fear.
In the ongoing struggle for survival, the Sri Lankan sloth bear finds itself at a critical point. It’s not just a bear trying to survive; it’s a symbol of the delicate balance between nature and human life on this beautiful island.
Human – Bear Conflicts
Analyzing trends in Sri Lanka, sloth bear attacks doubled approximately every five years between 1990 and 2004, correlating with the rural human population size increase and encroachments into bear habitats. reported 271 human casualties and three deaths from sloth bear attacks, with 226 of those records from 1980 to 2004. Most victims were male subsistence farmers who utilized local forests for various purposes. Notably, attacks occurred predominantly in remote forests, with bears rarely entering human settlements.
The characteristics of sloth bear attacks revealed that the majority involved a single adult bear, often a female with cubs. Attacks were marked by loud barks and a rapid charge, resulting in injuries primarily from bites and claw lacerations. Victims attempting to run faced pursuit, and in prolonged encounters, broken bones and severe injuries were reported. The fate of the bear varied, with some fleeing unhurt, others being wounded, and some unfortunately losing their lives.
In some instances, victims who climbed trees during attacks sustained injuries, but the bear typically left the scene. Notably, playing dead emerged as a survival strategy in some cases, leading the bear to cease the attack and depart. These intricate details underscore the complex dynamics of human-sloth bear interactions and highlight the urgent need for strategies to enhance human safety in areas shared with these remarkable yet formidable creatures.
The study reveals that nearly 80% of bear attacks occurred when individuals unexpectedly encountered bears at close range, often within 10 meters, hindered by obstacles like boulders and thickets that obstructed a clear view of the bears. This element of surprise rendered self-defense with weapons challenging for many victims. Some attacks were triggered by encounters involving hunting dogs that inadvertently led bears back to their owners, placing individuals directly in the path of agitated bears. Surprisingly, a few attacks resulted from humans shooting at bears in an attempt to prevent potential attacks. The majority of incidents (78%) transpired between 0900 and 1600 hours, with 17% occurring at dawn or dusk, and the remaining 5% at night. The study suggests that human-bear conflicts often arise during daylight hours, possibly due to unintentional proximity to sleeping bears, as sloth bears are least active during the hottest parts of the day. Additionally, disturbances such as approaching humans may prompt bears to seek temporary cover rather than immediately fleeing the area.
A significant trend in bear attacks, indicating that a majority of instances resulting in severe injuries occurred when individuals were alone. Conversely, in 63% of attacks leading to relatively minor injuries, victims were accompanied by one or more companions. These companions often responded by shouting or physically confronting the bear, with the bear frequently retreating when companions approached. However, in 10 attacks resulting in serious injuries, the presence of companions did not guarantee safety; in one case, a companion lost their life while attempting to fend off the bear. This emphasizes the swift and potentially lethal nature of sloth bear attacks, cautioning that intervening in such situations carries substantial risk. Additionally, the study notes the possibility of multiple bears participating in an attack, with variations in aggressiveness among individual bears.
How climate change impact Sloth Bear diversity in South Asian Region?
Climate change can have indirect effects on sloth bears and their ecosystems, which may in turn influence their diversity and populations. Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are primarily found in the Indian subcontinent, and their habitats include tropical forests, grasslands, and scrublands.
Climate change poses a longer-term but significant threat to sloth bears and their habitats. The impact is notably observed in shifts in vegetation patterns, directly influencing the availability of food sources for sloth bears. Altered rainfall patterns and temperatures contribute to changes in the distribution of plants and insects crucial to the bears’ diet. The potential decrease in availability of specific fruits, ants, and termites, essential components of their sustenance, may prompt behavioral and distributional changes among sloth bears. Projections suggest that by 2070, in south Asia the habitat suitability for sloth bears could diminish by 23–35% as a consequence of climate change, highlighting the enduring ecological consequences on this species.
Also Sloth bears confront a critical threat in the form of habitat loss, primarily driven by swift urbanization, agricultural expansion, and deforestation in South Asia. The resulting degradation and fragmentation of forests have significantly diminished the natural spaces available to sloth bears. Rapid clearance of forests for human settlements and developmental projects has led to a reduction in both the size and connectivity of the bears’ habitats. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) notes that sloth bears favor habitats such as dry forests, grasslands, and tropical deciduous forests, all of which face intense pressures due to ongoing human activities. This habitat loss poses a severe challenge to the survival and well-being of sloth bear populations.
It’s important to note that the impacts of climate change on sloth bears are complex and interconnected with various ecological factors. Conservation efforts and habitat protection are crucial for the long-term survival of sloth bears, especially in the face of changing environmental conditions. Additionally, addressing broader climate change issues is essential for the conservation of numerous species and their ecosystems worldwide.
Conclusion
In the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, the unique Sri Lankan sloth bear, Melursus ursinus inornatus, faces a critical juncture in its survival. With a versatile diet that includes nuts, berries, carrion, and a love for insects, these bears navigate the challenges of dwindling habitats and increasing encounters with humans. As human populations encroach on their territory, conflicts escalate, leading to casualties and threats to both bears and people. Furthermore, climate change poses a long-term threat, altering vegetation patterns and diminishing food sources. The intricate dynamics of human-sloth bear interactions underscore the urgent need for conservation strategies. With less than 1000 bears remaining and their habitats under constant pressure, the Sri Lankan sloth bear symbolizes the delicate balance between nature and human life on this beautiful island, emphasizing the crucial role of conservation efforts and sustainable coexistence.
- With inputs from Dinesh Balasri –
