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News: Recently, the Uttarakhand government ordered shoot-at-sight action against Himalayan black bears in Pauri district after a surge in attacks.
About Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger)
- The Himalayan black bear is a forest-dwelling bear species of the Himalayan region.
- Habitat: It lives in broadleaf and coniferous forests between altitudes of 1,200 and 3,300 metres.
- Distribution:
- It occurs along the Himalayas from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh and in some foothill and northeastern forests.
- It also occurs in warmer forests below the Himalayas, from Rajaji National Park and Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand to Mizoram.
- Keystone species: It is a keystone species that acts as a primary seed disperser, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of the Himalayan ecosystem.
- Physical characteristics: It has a glossy black coat and a distinctive white V-shaped patch on its chest.
- Diet: It is omnivorous and eats a variety of plant material and insects, feeding heavily before winter to build body fat.
- Behaviour: It is largely solitary and nocturnal, is an excellent climber and swimmer and does not hibernate in warmer areas.
- Protection status
- It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- It is added in the CITES Appendix I
- It is mentioned in Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Threat: It faces habitat loss from human activities and climate-change-driven changes in hibernation, which are increasing human–bear conflict.
