Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Ursidae
- Genus
- Melursus
Habitat
Sloth bears primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and scrublands in the Indian subcontinent, including parts of India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and access to termite mounds or fruit trees, often found in hilly or mountainous terrain up to 1,500 meters elevation. Human-modified landscapes like agricultural edges can also support them if food sources are available.
Diet
Sloth bears mainly feed on insects such as termites and ants, which they extract from mounds using their long claws and powerful suction. They also consume fruits, honey from beehives, and occasionally small vertebrates like rodents or birds eggs. Feeding is primarily nocturnal, with bears using their keen sense of smell to locate food sources.
Behavior
Sloth bears are mostly nocturnal and solitary, except during mating or when females are with cubs, often marking territories with scent. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, frequently standing on their hind legs to intimidate threats or reach food. Territorial disputes can occur, but they generally avoid confrontation unless provoked, and they are known for their loud vocalizations during interactions.
Conservation Status
The IUCN lists the sloth bear as Vulnerable, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Major threats include poaching for body parts and human-wildlife conflicts.