Sloth bear

This ant & termite eater is native to the Indian subcontinent with two subspecies

Sourabh Bharti


Sloth bear

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This ant & termite eater is native to the Indian subcontinent with two subspecies

Population 20,000
30 – 49% decline in the last 30 years

Native to the Indian subcontinent, it is a distinctive member of the bear family, Ursidae, primarily due to its unique dietary preferences, physical characteristics, and behaviors. Unlike other bear species that exhibit omnivorous diets, the Sloth bear has specialized in myrmecophagy – the consumption of ants and termites – which significantly influences its physical adaptations and ecological niche.

Sloth bears possess several unique adaptations that facilitate their insectivorous diet. Notably, adult Sloth Bears lack the upper incisors, creating a gap that, along with their long, flexible lips, allows them to effectively suck up ants, termites, and other insects in a manner akin to a vacuum cleaner. This efficient feeding mechanism is further supported by their ability to close their nostrils voluntarily, protecting them from insect bites and dust while raiding termite mounds or beehives.

Another distinctive feature of Sloth Bears is their shaggy coat, which ranges from black to rust-brown, with a characteristic “V” or “Y” shaped white or yellow chest mark. They have a mane around the face, giving them a somewhat lion-like appearance, and long, curved claws for digging into termite mounds.

Sloth bears exhibit remarkable parental care, most notably in their habit of carrying their young on their backs, a behavior not commonly observed in other bear species. This mode of transport provides the cubs with safety from ground-based threats and allows them to learn by observing their mothers’ foraging behaviors up close.

Despite their adaptability and specialized niche, Sloth bears face several threats that have led to a decline in their populations. Habitat loss due to deforestation and the expansion of agricultural land significantly impacts their living spaces and food sources. Additionally, Sloth bears sometimes come into conflict with humans due to their aggressive behavior when surprised or threatened, leading to them being hunted or captured for performance purposes in circuses and road shows, despite legal protections against such practices.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Bangladesh
Official estimate
EX
Last seen 1970s
Bhutan
2016
Possibly Extant, Origin Uncertain
India
2016
Nepal
2016
Sri Lanka
2016

Recent updates

Feb 2022: The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department in India launched a project to protect sloth bears by planting fruit trees in areas where the bears are known to live. The initiative aims to provide a sustainable food source for the bears and reduce their reliance on human-populated areas for food.

Nov 2021: The Sloth Bear Foundation launched a new program in Nepal to reduce human-bear conflicts and promote coexistence. The initiative involves working with local communities to implement measures such as building fences, installing motion sensor cameras, and conducting educational workshops.

Sep 2021: The Indian government announced that it would establish a new sloth bear sanctuary in the western state of Gujarat. The sanctuary will provide a protected habitat for sloth bears, as well as other wildlife species.

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No