Sloth bear

About Sloth bear:

• Scientific Name: Melursus ursinus
• Sloth bears are one of the eight bear speciesfound across the world.
• They are myrmecophagous, meaning, they find bugs and termites to be their most sought-after meal.
• Habitat: They live in a variety of dry and moist forestsand in some tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter.
• Appearance: They have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest out of any of the bear species.
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
• Key to mitigate human-sloth bear confrontations: Enhancing habitat connectivity, minimising human-wildlife interaction zones, and implementing responsible waste management practices.
• Sloth Bear Sanctuaries in India: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Karnataka), Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Gujarat).