Sloth bear

Aug. 2, 2024

Scientists suggested that a careful study of sloth bear behaviour during its encounters with tigers can help people across South Asia avert deadly attacks.

About Sloth bears:

  • They are one of the eight bear species found 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 forests and in some tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter.
  • Distribution:They mainly inhabit the region of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and presumably Bhutan.
  • Appearance:They have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest out of any of the bear species.
  • These bears are mostly nocturnal, foraging for food at night and resting in secluded locations
  • Sloth Bear Sanctuaries in India: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Karnataka), Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Gujarat).
  • Conservation Status
    • IUCN:Vulnerable
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:Schedule 1
    • CITES:Appendix I