A meso-carnivore is a medium sized carnivorous mammal that occupies an intermediate trophic level in the food chain. These animals typically weigh between 1-15 kilos and have a diet consisting of 50-70% animal matter supplemented with plant material, insects or scavenged food. Unlike predators such as leopards, meso-carnivores often have diverse diets and adaptable behaviors, allowing them to thrive in various habitats, including human dominated landscapes. In those habitats they play essential ecological and biodiversity roles across the island.

Sri Lanka’s meso-carnivores are wild cats, wild dogs and mongooses and civets. These species inhabit forests, wetlands, grasslands, farmlands and home gardens.

To read the full story visit https://groundviews.org/2025/03/04/protecting-sri-lankas-carnivorous-mammals/

Photo credits: Chaminda Jayasekara