REMARKABLE ANIMALS

MOUSE DEER

The Indian spotted chevrotain, more commonly referred to as the mouse deer, inhabits the undisturbed jungles of the lowland and lower hills. It is remarkable for its size, the male being only 25 cms tall at the shoulder, while the female is slightly larger. The mouse deer has a rounded, mouse-like body atop very thin legs. Neither sex bears antlers. It is an exceedingly shy and solitary animal, and has the ability to scramble up creeper-covered trees to evade enemies. Mainly nocturnal, the mouse deer feeds on grasses, leaves and berries.

INDIAN FISHING CAT

The Indian fishing cat inhabits jungle, scrub jungle and swamp areas, except in the north of the island. It is a little larger than a domestic cat, but its fur is short and coarse. The colour is usually grayish, with drab brown spots, but some specimens are much darker than others. Indian fishing cats are solitary animals, feeding on birds, small animals and fish. They are mainly nocturnal. Beware, for they can be very fierce if cornered.

SRI LANKA JACKAL

The Sri Lanka jackal inhabits the lowlands of the dry zone, but can also be found in many of the wilder areas of the island. It looks much like a fox or even a dog, with brown fur on the lower body and coarser grey and black fur on the back and tail. The Sri Lanka jackal often lives in pairs or small family groups. Although it is nocturnal in areas close to human habitation, in national parks it can be seen during the day.

SRI LANKA BLACK-NAPED HARE

The Sri Lanka black-naped hare, which is the sole hare or rabbit species to inhabit the island, is found everywhere there is scrub jungle and grassland. It has light brown and grey flecked fur, with a distinctive black patch on the nape of the neck. It is mostly nocturnal and solitary, only to be seen in small groups if the grazing thereabouts is exceptional.


INDIAN WILD BOAR

The Indian wild boar inhabits isolated marshy areas, where it loves to wallow and root about for food. A large adult can grow to wallow and root about for food. A large adult can grow to a height of almost 90 cm at the shoulder, while the female is only 60cm. The head is pig-like and the hair remarkable for being very coarse and rather sparse, except for a thick line along the spine. Boards have tushes, or small tusks, around 20cm long. Family groups known as sounders comprise only females and their young because boars usually pursue a solitary existence or form bachelor groups. Although the Indian wild boar is mainly vegetarian, it occasionally feeds on carrion, insects and even snakes and birds.

INDIAN CRESTED PORCUPINE

The Indian crested porcupine inhabits wilderness areas throughout the island. It has a rodent-like body, the front of which is covered with coarse hair and very long bristles, while the rear and tail are covered with quills. It is nocturnal, feeding on fruit, leaves, bark and roots. Their defence is to elevate and rattle their quills, and then to charge backwards at the enemy, impaling them if they do not retreat.

COMMON FLYING FOX

The common flying fox, which is Sri Lanka’s largest species of bat, is found throughout the island apart from the highest hills. The wings, which are formed by flaps of bare skin joining the arms and legs, have a span of around 120 cm. The head and body, however, are covered with a reddish-black fur. Although the common flying fox is nocturnal, it can often be seen roosting during the day by handing upside down from the upper branches of tall trees, in noisy, quarrelsome colonies. One of the most convenient places for visitors to see them like this is at Mawanella, where thy can be seen from the Colombo to Kandy road. The best view of them, however, can be obtained at dusk, when one by one they unfurl their wings and take flight for a night of foraging. They look an awesome sight as they fly overhead, their large bat-wings silhouetted against the darkening sky. Their food consists of the juices of fruits and flower, which they extract by vigorous chewing.

SLENDER LORIES

The slender loris, one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable animals, inhabits forest and jungle areas throughout the island, although it is not common. This species is represented by 4 races, each differing in size (18-25 cm) and colour (shades of brown with white one the head, back and under parts). It is nocturnal and is either solitary or live in pairs. The slender loris has very slow and stealthy movements, which aid it in stalking its prey, such as small birds, lizards and tree frogs.