Himalayan Brown Bear

June 1, 2023

A Himalayan brown bear was recently captured by the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Department, at Rajwara in the North Kashmir district of Handwara.

About Himalayan Brown Bear:

  • It is a large carnivore found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas
  • Scientific Name: Ursus arctos isabellinus
  • Distribution:
    • They are found in North-western and central Himalaya, including Pakistan, India, Nepal, the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China and Bhutan
    • They are found above the timberline, between 3,000 and 5,500 meters (9,800 and 18,000 feet) above sea level.
    • In India, this species exists in small isolated populations in the fragmented alpine and subalpine habitats of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. 
  • Features:
    • It is the largest mammal in the region, males reaching up to 2.2 m (7 ft) long, while females are a little smaller.
    • The bears are omnivorousand hibernate in dens during the winter
    • It has thick fur which is most often sandy or reddish-brown in colour. 
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES - Appendix I