Indian Sloth Bear
Indian Sloth Bear
Indian Sloth Bear
Deep within the forests of the Indian subcontinent lives a peculiar and endearing bear, the Indian sloth bear. With their long claws, shaggy fur, and remarkable ability to demolish anthills, they are the most representative subspecies of sloth bears. Let's explore the fascinating ecology of these bears and uncover their captivating charm.
Indian Sloth Bear Basic Infomation
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melursus ursinus ursinus |
| Taxonomic Status | SUBSPECIES |
| Rank | SUBSPECIES |
| Vernacular Names | Indian sloth bear |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Ursidae |
| Genus | Melursus |
| Habitats | India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable (VU) |
Size
Head and body length range from 55 to 71 inches (140 to 190 centimeters), and tail length is 3 to 7 inches (8 to 17 centimeters). Males weigh 154 to 319 pounds (70 to 145 kilograms), while females weigh 110 to 209 pounds (50 to 95 kilograms). Males are slightly larger than females.
Lifespan
About 20 years in the wild, and up to 30 years in captivity.
Distribution
They are found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests and grasslands. They are especially common in the dry deciduous forests of central India.
Indian Sloth Bear Q&A
What kind of bear is the Indian sloth bear?
The Indian sloth bear is a subspecies of sloth bear, found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
They have long snouts, shaggy fur, and are known for their habit of tearing apart anthills. In English, they are called 'Sloth Bears.' Unlike other bears, they primarily feed on insects such as termites and ants. They also have a fondness for fruit and honey. They are skilled climbers and can often be seen eating fruit or resting high up in trees. They are nocturnal, spending their days resting in tree hollows or bushes and becoming active in the cooler evenings and at night to forage for food and interact with each other.
Why are they called 'sloth bears'?
Indian sloth bears are called 'sloth bears' because, like sloths, they are known for their slow movements.
This is because they primarily feed on insects such as termites and ants, which are slow-moving. They also spend a lot of time in trees, and hanging from branches is probably more comfortable for them than walking on the ground.
What do Indian sloth bears eat?
The favorite food of Indian sloth bears is termites and ants.
They use their long claws to break open anthills and termite mounds, and their long snouts and the gap between their lips to create powerful suction, vacuuming up the insects in an instant! In addition to insects, they also eat fruits, flowers, and honey. Being omnivores, they have the flexibility to eat a variety of things depending on their environment.
[Quiz!] How do Indian sloth bear cubs travel?
Indian sloth bear cubs cling to their mothers' backs to travel.
Even when their mothers climb trees, the cubs hold on tight and don't let go. It's as if they're wearing their mothers' fur coats!
[Quiz!] When are Indian sloth bears most active?
Indian sloth bears are nocturnal.
They rest in the shade of trees or in caves during the day and become active at night. There's something mystical about them as they wander through the darkness searching for anthills.
[Quiz!] Are Indian sloth bears endangered?
Sadly, Indian sloth bears are endangered.
Deforestation, habitat destruction, and poaching are causing their numbers to decline. To protect Indian sloth bears, we need to change our awareness and actively participate in conservation efforts.
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Indian Sloth Bear Type of List
Indian Sloth Bear Ecology
- Nocturnal
- Solitary
- Have a keen sense of smell
- Can climb trees
- Don't hibernate
Information
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Indian Sloth Bear References
Indian Sloth Bear Introduction of media used
Rameshng, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Indian Sloth Bear
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