Sloth Bear: Features, Habitat and Conservation Status

Context: The Puliyancholai eco-tourism site in Tamil Nadu was temporarily closed after a sloth bear wandered into the area, prompting safety concerns and a halt to visitor access.

About Sloth Bear

• Global Presence: One of eight bear species found worldwide.
• Diet: Myrmecophagous — mainly eat ants, termites, and other insects.
• Habitat: Occupies dry and moist forests, as well as tall grasslands, often using boulders, shrubs, and trees for shelter.
• Geographical Range: Found mainly in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and possibly Bhutan.

Physical Traits

• Long, shaggy, dark brown or black fur.
• Long, curved claws — the longest among bear species.

Behaviour

Mostly nocturnal — forage at night, rest in secluded areas during the day.

Key Sanctuaries in India

• Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Karnataka).
• Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Gujarat).

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
• CITES: Appendix I.

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