Sloth Bear | 02 May 2022

Why in the News?

Recently, two sloth bears were rescued by forest officials from a village in Jharkhand by the People for Animals group.

• The People for Animals (PFA) is an animal welfare organization founded by Maneka Gandhi.
• The PFA was informed by Madaris. Madaris is a nomadic community that earns a living by performing street acts with animals.

What is a Sloth bear?

• About: Sloth bears are found in Sri Lanka, India, Bhutan and Nepal, predominantly in lowland areas.
  • Sloth bears primarily eat termites and ants, and unlike other bear species, they routinely carry their cubs on their backs.
  • They are also very fond of honey, hence their alternative name of “honey bear”.
  • Sloth bears do not hibernate.
• Scientific Name: Melursus ursinus
• Habitat: It is a forest-dwelling member of the family Ursidae (comprises 8 species of bears) that inhabits tropical or subtropical regions of India and Sri Lanka.

• Protection Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable’
  • CITES listing: Appendix I
  • Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• Threats: Habitat loss, poaching for body parts and are sometimes captured for use in performances or hunted because of their aggressive behavior and destruction of crops.

Source: IE