Sloth bear
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.
- 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.
