Feeding ecology of the vulnerable sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) in and around Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Feeding ecology of sloth bears was studied in semi-evergreen forests in Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary, western India from May 2014 to April 2015. We examined 192 scats (70 in summer, 49 in monsoon, 73 in winter) for frequency of occurrence, percentage of dry weight and importance value index of food items. Four insect orders (Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera) and 47 plants were identified in the diet. No significant seasonal difference (p = 0.11) in the frequency of occurrence in overall diet was observed, but plant parts and number of plant species in diet varied seasonally (p = 0.014). Diet during summer and monsoon exhibited no significant difference (p = 0.65) and showed much similarity (Cs = 0.54), but it was significantly different in other seasons (p < 0.05). The sloth bear consumes more plant parts during summer and monsoon but more insects during winter.