Sloth bear
Why it Matters?
The 21st Steering Committee meeting of Project Elephant reviewed elephant conservation efforts, including population estimation, railway collision mitigation, and inclusion of sloth bear and gharial in the Species Recovery Programme.
What You Should Know?
Sloth bears are distinguished by their long, shaggy coat, white V- or Y-shaped chest marking, and hairless muzzle.
They are adapted to feed on termites and ants, with long digging claws and reduced upper incisors for sucking insects.
Known for their loud feeding sounds, sloth bears are unlike any other bear species in behavior and morphology.
Body length ranges from 140 to 190 cm.
Average weight:
Males: 80 to 175 kg (176 to 386 lbs)
Females: 55 to 95 kg (121 to 209 lbs)
Lifespan:
In the wild: 25 to 28 years
In captivity: Up to 40 years
Geographic distribution includes India, Sri Lanka, and southern Nepal, and is rare in Bhutan.
Conservation status:
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I