The Carnivore Project

Sri Lanka’s carnivores are under threat, yet many still remain unstudied in the Wasgamuwa area. Our Sri Lankan Carnivore Project is changing that.

Project Overview

The GPS Satellite Tracking of Sri Lankan Leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) and Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus inornatus) by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) is the first study of its kind in Sri Lanka to use GPS satellite collars to monitor these elusive and endangered species. Launched in 2023, the project tracks animal movements across the Wasgamuwa Region—including Wasgamuwa National Park, Victoria Randenigala Sanctuary, and nearby human-dominated landscapes—to understand movement patterns, home ranges, habitat preferences, and behavior.

By revealing critical habitats, wildlife corridors, and points of interaction with people, the initiative provides the science needed to guide a shift from a strictly protected-area focus to a broader, landscape-level conservation approach. The project also engages closely with local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict, promote sustainable livelihoods, and build grassroots support for the long-term conservation of leopards and sloth bears.

Summary

The Carnivore Project is a groundbreaking initiative. It is the first GPS satellite collar study of Sri Lankan leopards and sloth bears, designed to gather critical ecological and behavioral data to guide science-based conservation strategies. By tracking individual animals across both protected areas and surrounding human-dominated landscapes, the project examines movement patterns, home ranges, habitat preferences, and species interactions. The research also addresses the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict by identifying wildlife corridors, high-risk encounter zones, and sustainable coexistence solutions. In partnership with local communities, the project promotes awareness, sustainable livelihoods, and long-term conservation support.

Stakeholders & Collaborators:

Partners/Funders:

Objectives

To create the first comprehensive ecological and behavioral dataset on Sri Lankan leopards and sloth bears, enabling targeted conservation actions that safeguard both species and their habitats.

Movement Ecology

Study seasonal variations in movement patterns of Sri Lankan leopards and sloth bears.
Investigate home range sizes, territory boundaries, and spatial overlap between individuals.
Document reproductive, feeding, and social behaviors, as well as inter- and intra-species competition.

Habitat and Resource Use

Assess habitat selection and utilization in both protected areas and human-dominated landscapes.
Examine niche partitioning among different age and sex classes.
Analyze foraging patterns and resource use to understand ecological requirements.

Long-Term Conservation Objectives

Identify key ecological and anthropogenic factors affecting species occupancy and activity, including habitat suitability, human disturbance, prey availability, and competition.
Estimate population densities across landscapes with varying land-use practices and protection levels.
Assess the type, frequency, and severity of human-carnivore conflicts.
Develop predictive distribution models and conflict risk maps for both species.
Build local capacity for long-term wildlife monitoring, data analysis, and conflict mitigation.
Provide findings, datasets, and recommendations to the Department of Wildlife Conservation to inform and strengthen national wildlife management policies.

Outcomes and Results

Advances in Movement Ecology

Successfully deployed GPS satellite collars on three sloth bears in Wasgamuwa National Park, providing the first GPS-based data on the species in Sri Lanka. Initial findings indicate a home range size of approximately 4 km², offering valuable insights into spatial ecology and movement behavior.
Fitted a rehabilitated leopard—rescued from snare injuries and released in the Central Hills—with a GPS collar. This is the first documented case in Sri Lanka of post-rehabilitation movement monitoring for a leopard, yielding critical data on habitat use and adaptation following release.

Habitat and Resource Use Insights

Preliminary GPS data is already revealing patterns of habitat selection, foraging behavior, and movement corridors used by both species across protected areas and human-dominated landscapes.
Early evidence of spatial overlap and potential competition between individuals is informing future analyses of niche partitioning and resource use.

Progress Toward Long-Term Conservation Goals

Data collection has begun to identify critical habitats, potential wildlife corridors, and high-conflict zones.
Insights gained are shaping the development of predictive distribution and conflict risk models to support proactive management interventions.
Close collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Conservation ensures that emerging findings can be integrated into national wildlife management policies.

Broader Impact

The project represents a major milestone for Sri Lankan carnivore conservation by generating the first GPS-based ecological dataset for sloth bears and rehabilitated leopards.
Findings are already being applied to improve conservation planning, enhance coexistence strategies, and guide resource allocation for habitat protection.
The initiative is strengthening local conservation capacity through hands-on training in advanced wildlife monitoring, collaring techniques, and conflict mitigation.
By identifying high-risk human-wildlife interaction areas, the project supports community-based solutions that safeguard both livelihoods and biodiversity.

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We offer individuals and families a rare opportunity to work alongside scientists, conservationists, educators, community partners, and local villagers deep within the heart of beautiful Sri Lanka. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, for fun or for business, our programs offer a wide variety of options to meet your needs and fulfill your interests while helping to support our critical conservation and research work.

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