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Source- This post on Sloth Bear has been created based on the article “How can people across the Indian Subcontinent prevent fatal encounters with sloth bears? Learn from species’ behaviour towards tigers, advise scientists” published in Down to earth on 3 August 2024.
Why in News?
Scientists suggest that studying sloth bear behavior during encounters with tigers can help prevent deadly attacks across South Asia.
About Sloth Bear
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. Sloth bears are one of the eight bear species found globally. 2. These bears have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest among bear species. 3. Sloth bears are mostly nocturnal, foraging for food at night and resting in secluded locations during the day. |
| Habitat | Sloth bears live in a variety of dry and moist forests and tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs, and trees provide shelter. |
| Distribution | They mainly inhabit regions of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and presumably Bhutan. |
| Diet | They are myrmecophagous, meaning they primarily consume bugs and termites. |
| Conservation effort | Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Karnataka and the Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Gujarat are dedicated sanctuary for sloth bears. |
| Conservation status | 1. IUCN: Sloth bears are listed as Vulnerable. 2. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: They are included in Schedule I. 3. CITES: Sloth bears are listed in Appendix I. |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
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