Sloth Bear Melursus Ursinus Research Articles

Factors affecting the occupancy of sloth bear and its detection probability in Parsa-Koshi Complex, Nepal.

Understanding factors associated with coexistence of human and wildlife in human-dominated landscapes is crucial for effective species conservation. Among the wildlife species, the sloth bears Melursus ursinus are found both inside and outside the protected areas of Nepal, and with increasing cases of human and bear conflicts in both areas. This highlights the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of anthropogenic and ecological factors that affect the occurrence of sloth bear. The understanding of these factors is important for its coexistence and conservation in human-dominated areas through establishing management and conservation action plan. We studied the sloth bear's occupancy and their coexistence in human-dominated environments with other large predators in the Parsa-Koshi Complex of Nepal using camera traps from December 2022 to March 2023. We identified the occupancy and detection probability of the sloth bear as 0.12 and 0.31, respectively. Our analysis reveals a positive relationship between sloth bear occurrence and the presence of large predators (βpredators = 3.104 ± 0.968), such as tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera pardus), as well as the number of humans detected (βhuman = 1.428 ± 1.216) and canopy cover percentage (βcc = 1.002 ± 0.737). However, the number of livestock detected shows a negative interaction with the occurrence of sloth bears (βlivestock = -2.240 ± 1.467). There was insignificant interaction between sloth bear occupancy and distance to human settlements, roads, and water bodies. These findings underscore the complex dynamics between sloth bears, humans, large predators, and livestock in human-dominated landscapes. To ensure the long-term survival of sloth bear populations and promote species conservation, comprehensive conservation strategies that account for both ecological and socio-economic factors are essential.

Camera trap surveys reveal a wildlife haven: mammal communities in a tropical forest adjacent to a coal mining landscape in India

Having knowledge of the status and distribution of species in a specific geographic area is crucial for creating efficient conservation strategies. In this study, we evaluated the abundance and diversity of medium to large sized mammals in a tropical forest in India that has been greatly impacted by coal mining. Using camera traps between June 2018 and December 2018, we recorded 27 mammal species over 3432 trap-nights in 81 camera trap stations within the study area. The photo-captured species included both common and high conservation value threatened species, such as tiger Panthera tigris, leopard P. pardus, sloth bear Melursus ursinus, Asian elephant Elephas maximus, Gaur Bos gaurus, Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata, and four-horned antelope Tetracerus quadricornis. Wild boar Sus scrofa was found to be the most frequently photo-captured and widespread species. Our study provides valuable data on the species inventory and the relative abundance of species in the area, highlighting its significance for mammal conservation. It also emphasizes the need for effective conservation management strategies to protect the remaining forest fragments containing high diversity of mammals, including several threatened species in India.

Escaping Neobiota: Habitat use and avoidance by sloth bears in Jessore Sloth bear Sanctuary India

Global terrestrial ecosystem is threatened by several factors, such as infestation of invasive plants, which influence the habitat use by wildlife. Prosopis juliflora is such a plant species, sprawled over arid and semiarid ecosystems in India. Under this study, we assumed that intensification of P. juliflora negatively affects the habitat used by sloth bears Melursus ursinus, along with geographical, ecological and anthropogenic predictors in Jessore Sloth bear Sanctuary, Gujarat, India. To inquire so, we conducted sign surveys (1 km trail length in each grid) in three seasons, i.e., winter, summer and monsoon. Further, the presence/absence of species’ signs was logistically modelled with elevation, terrain ruggedness, area proportions of dense forest, open scrub, P. juliflora infested area and human encroachment with respect to the seasons. We found that the area proportion of P. juliflora negatively affects habitat use by sloth bears, while elevation, terrain ruggedness, and area proportions of dense forest and open scrub positively trigger. The proportion of encroachment varied between the seasons. Further, we inferred the human-sloth bear encounter probability from the seasonal models. During summer, followed by winter, we evidenced the relatively high probability of bear occurrence around settlements, which can be advocated by the availability of food items around villages. The current study supports the prescribed ecology of sloth bears in semiarid regions in the Indian subcontinent. The study recommends the appropriate urgent management to arrest the conversion of native forest and scrub covers to P. juliflora dominant cover, thereby avoiding probabilistic human-sloth bear encounters.

A systematic review on the feeding ecology of Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus Shaw, 1791 in its distribution range in the Indian subcontinent

The Sloth Bear being myrmecophagous is specialized to feed on ants, termites, and fleshy food; however, no discernible comparison exists on a diet, seasonal feeding pattern, and factor influence in a different habitat of an Indian sub-continent. A review of available literature suggested the dominance of plant matter in the Sloth Bear diet during the summer season, while an equal quantum of plant & animal matter was recorded in the monsoon & winter seasons. Fleshy fruits, flowers, flower buds, delicate leaves, and sometimes roots are considered plant food items in different studies, while ants, termites, honey, honey wax, and carrion feed are recorded as animal food items. Availability and accessibility of food materials in the different seasons, energy requirements, geographical variations, and human interference are notable factors influencing the feeding strategy of Sloth Bears. Cumulative data on food & feeding behavior of Sloth Bears helps to understand the pivotal role of species across various habitats. A systematic review of all the available studies to understand the diet of Sloth Bears in different seasons across its distribution range is presented in this paper, which can be a holistic approach to know the habitat selection with reference to the availability of food. A better understanding of such behavior also provides a key strategy for the management of large mammals in different geographical areas.

Vulnerable sloth bears are attracted to human food waste: a novel situation in Mount Abu town, India

AbstractHuman–carnivore interactions are on the rise globally, and often take the form of damage to property and livelihoods, human injuries or fatalities, and retaliatory killing of carnivores. Potential conflict situations are rarely recognized early, and circumstances are often complicated by mismatches between people's perceptions and reality. Following media reports of sloth bear Melursus ursinus attacks on people, we evaluated the situation in a tourism-dominated town in southern Rajasthan, India. Using a spatially explicit survey design, we interviewed 241 residents of Mount Abu to record recent bear sightings and attacks, prevailing attitudes towards bears, and respondents’ understanding of bear ecology. We obtained independent secondary information on tourism levels and bear attacks to verify information received during interviews. We used recursive partitioning to identify factors that explained residents’ attitudes towards sloth bears, and multi-model inference to identify land cover and other features that influenced bear presence. Respondents perceived increasing bear presence and attacks, and secondary data supported these perceptions. Respondents’ insights regarding bear ecology, particularly bears being attracted by rubbish bins, were supported by multi-model inferences. Mount Abu's residents, especially women and younger men, had negative attitudes towards bears, independent of their education level or occupation. Our findings suggest a novel situation in Mount Abu, with sloth bears habitually accessing rubbish bins, which leads to increased bear–human interactions and negative attitudes among residents. We recommend immediate action focusing on waste management, which could help prevent an escalation of the situation and reduce attacks by bears that could otherwise lead to retaliatory killings.

Estimating Mammalian Diversity and Relative Abundance Using Camera Traps in a Tropical Deciduous Forest of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern India

Information on the status and distribution of species within a geographical region is vital for designing effective conservation plans. We assessed the diversity and abundance of medium to large sized mammals in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, eastern India by using remotely triggered camera traps from January 2013 to August 2013. A total 916 camera trap days at 65 trap stations were deployed. We recorded 912 independent photographs and identified 20 species of mammals. Based on photographic rate of each mammalian species, the small Indian civet Viverricula indica represented high relative abundance (RAI = 2.07) among the carnivore while the Asian elephant Elephas maximus among the herbivores (RAI = 9.72) and the sloth bear Melursus ursinus among the omnivores (RAI = 2.51). Large carnivores like the leopard Panthera pardus (RAI = 0.55) and the Asiatic wild dog Cuon alpinus (RAI = 0.11) were represented by a relatively low abundance. Frequency of various anthropogenic activities from movement of livestock, feral dogs and human traffic accounted for maximum photo capture (combined RAI = 30.7) and found to be negatively correlated with mammalian relative abundance. So an effective intervention incorporating the social and ecological components is desirable for wildlife conservation in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sloth bear Melursus ursinus maternity denning at the Wildlife SOS Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, India

Little is known about Sloth bear Melursus ursinus birthing behaviour and denning. The Wildlife SOS Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, India, which houses rescued bears, is visited by wild male Sloth bears during the breeding season (April–July). Two female Sloth bears have been impregnated by these wild males, giving researchers the opportunity to observe maternal behaviour closely. One female bear made use of an excavated a den to give birth and raise her cubs. A second bear gave birth in an excavated shallow cavity. Neither mother left the cubs for food or water for weeks (22 and 28 days, respectively). In the first case, the cubs eventually joined their mother leaving the den for food and water 20 days after the mother had initially left the den alone, whereas in the second case, the cub still had not joined the mother on outings for provisions after 68 days, when both were moved from the den area.

Substituting space for time: Empirical evaluation of spatial replication as a surrogate for temporal replication in occupancy modelling

AbstractOccupancy models that account for detection probability are important analytical tools in conservation monitoring. Traditionally, occupancy models relied on detection/non‐detection data generated from temporal replicates for estimating detectability. Due to logistical challenges and financial costs involved, many large‐scale field studies instead use spatial replication as a surrogate. The efficacy of the two approaches and their statistical validity has generally sought support from simulation‐based inferences rather than empirical data.Using the sloth bearMelursus ursinusas an example, we compared estimates of occupancy and detection probabilities obtained from temporal and spatial sampling designs. We carried out temporally replicated camera trap surveys and spatially replicated sign surveys across a 754‐km2area around Bhadra Tiger Reserve in the Western Ghats of India.We sampled along forest/coffee plantation roads in 58 grid cells of 13 km2each, treating these cells as independent sites. We used the standard single‐season model for the camera trap survey data, and the single‐season correlated detections model (with Markovian dependence) for the sign survey data, and incorporated ecological covariates that likely influenced occupancy and detection probabilities.Occupancy estimates from the two surveys and corresponding modelling approaches were similar [ = 0.58 (0.03) for camera trap surveys; = 0.56 (0.03) for sign surveys]. In both cases, the influence of covariates corroborated oura prioripredictions. Site‐level estimates of occupancy from the two methods were highly correlated (r = .78). We generated a combined estimate of sloth bear occupancy in the region as an inverse‐variance weighted average of the two estimates [ = 0.57 (0.02)].Synthesis and applications. Studies that aim to evaluate occupancy models should account for spatial variation in occupancy/detection probabilities, particularly when making inferences on species–habitat relationships. We show that spatial replication can serve as a good surrogate for temporal replication in occupancy studies, which may be useful for distribution assessments of species when field resources are limited or logistical challenges preclude traditional survey approaches that yield temporally replicated data. Our results therefore provide a basis for efficient targeting of funds and field resources, particularly for practitioners involved in monitoring species at large landscape scales.

When, where and whom: assessing wildlife attacks on people in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

AbstractWildlife attacks on people in and around protected areas have become one of the main challenges for wildlife management authorities. We assessed all correlates of wildlife attacks during 2003–2013 in the vicinity of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. We used data from various sources (discussion with stakeholders, field observations, questionnaire surveys). Wildlife attacks were significantly correlated to factors such as site, season and time, activity, gender and awareness. Moreover, 89% of recorded attacks occurred outside the Park. The number of attacks fluctuated widely and patterns of attacks were significantly uneven across seasons and months. Of the 87% of attacks that occurred during the day, 63% occurred in the morning. Most victims were male and c. 45% of attacks occurred when people were collecting forest resources or working on croplands. Attacks were carried out predominantly by rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis (38%), tigers Panthera tigris (21%), sloth bears Melursus ursinus (18%), elephants Elephas maximus (9%) and wild boar Sus scrofa (8%). The people attacked lived close to the Park, depended on farming for their livelihoods, and had little knowledge of animal behaviour. Attacks can be mitigated through proper management of habitats inside the Park and raising awareness of wildlife behaviour among local people. We recommend establishing a participatory emergency rescue team to deal with problematic animals in high-risk areas.

Categorizing species by niche characteristics can clarify conservation planning in rapidly‐developing landscapes

AbstractIn biodiversity‐rich landscapes that are developing rapidly, it is generally impossible to delineate land use and prioritize conservation actions in relation to the full variability of species and their responses to anthropogenic activity. Consequently, conservation policy often focuses on protecting habitat used by a few flagship, indicator or umbrella species like tigers Panthera tigris and Asian elephants Elephas maximus, which potentially leaves out species that do not share these habitat preferences. We demonstrate an empirical approach that clustered 14 mammals into surrogate groups that reflect their unique conservation needs. We surveyed a 787 km2 multiple‐use area in the Shencottah Gap of the Western Ghats, India, using foot surveys and camera‐trap surveys. Using ecological niche factor analysis, we generated indices of species prevalence (marginality and tolerance) and habitat preferences (factor correlations to marginality axis). We then clustered species by both of the above index types to reveal four clusters based on prevalence and four clusters based on habitat preference. Most clusters contained at least one threatened species. Low‐prevalence lion‐tailed macaques Macaca silenus and tigers were strongly associated with closed forests and low human disturbance. But elephants, sloth bears Melursus ursinus and gaur Bos gaurus were more tolerant of anthropogenic impact, and sloth bears and gaur preferred open forests and grasslands. Dhole Cuon alpinus and sambar Rusa unicolor were associated with highly anthropogenic habitat (farmland, cash crop and forestry plantations) with high human use. Thus, reliance on flagship species for conservation planning can both underestimate and overestimate the ability of other species to persist in multiple‐use landscapes; protecting flagship species would only protect species with similar habitat preferences. For species that avoid human impacts more than the flagship species, core habitat must be protected from human disturbance. For more tolerant species, conservation in anthropogenic habitat may hinge on policies that bolster coexistence with humans.

Linking Critical Patches of Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus for their Conservation in Meghamalai Hills, Western Ghats, India

The study examines the distribution and factors regulating the sloth bear in a fragmented hills of Meghamalai in Western Ghats through occupancy framework. Indirect evidences were sought over 133 grids of 4 sq. km size between December 2011 and December 2012. Indirect evidences were recorded in 58 of 133 sampled grids that estimated naїve occupancy of 0.43 (p = 0.3180). Understorey cover negatively affected the detection of indirect evidences. The parsimonious model contained three covariates, viz. tree height, grass cover and anthropogenic disturbance. Overall occupancy of bear was 0.54, which is 25% higher than the naїve occupancy estimate. The study predicted higher proportion of evergreen forests with intermediate grass cover and less extent of disturbance determines the occupancy of bear in these hills. The 'critical link' connecting Periyar-Agastiyamalai hills and Anamalai hills is still active and supports high suitable sites for bears. It is suggested that Ammagajam-Upper Manalar Contiguity and Critical Link needs to be protected by appending with Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Multiscale distribution models for conserving widespread species: the case of sloth bear Melursus ursinus in India

AbstractAimInformation on patterns and determinants of spatial distributions remains poorly available for many widespread species of conservation importance. The sloth bear Melursus ursinus in the Indian subcontinent exemplifies this requirement. We aimed at assessing (1) distribution patterns of sloth bears at two spatial scales, (2) ecological and anthropogenic factors that determine bear occupancy.LocationWe estimated sloth bear habitat occupancy at a nationwide scale across India and at the landscape scale (38, 540 km2) in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India.MethodsWe used a grid‐based occupancy approach to determine sloth bear distribution patterns. At the nationwide scale, we used data from questionnaire surveys of field experts (grid‐cell size ~2818 km2; 1326 cells). At the landscape scale, we conducted field surveys of bear signs (grid‐cell size = 188 km2; 205 cells). Detection/non‐detection data from both surveys were analyzed using occupancy modelling methods that account for imperfect detection. We examined the influence of scale‐specific ecological and social covariates on patterns of occupancy.ResultsNationwide, sloth bears occupied an estimated 67% of plausible bear habitat in contrast to 46% derived from methods that disregard detectability. Bear distribution was positively influenced by deciduous forests, scrub and barren areas, regions with high human densities and cultural tolerance. At the landscape scale, bears occupied 61% of the area versus 54% estimated from methods ignoring detectability. Occupancy probabilities increased with forest cover and topographic heterogeneity, whereas annual precipitation and human disturbance showed negative effects.Main conclusionsOur study underlines the need to integrate human‐modified areas with existing conservation landscapes. Given its widespread nature, functional role, conservation status and relatively benign interactions with humans, we propose recognizing sloth bear as an umbrella species for securing unprotected habitats in India. Protection of widespread species like the sloth bear in other landscapes may complement current conservation strategies for large mammalian communities.

Management of gun-shot wounds in a Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus

Melursus ursinus I. Nath 1, T.K. Pattanaik 2, N. Sahoo 3, V.S.C. Bose 4, J.K. Das 5, Alok Das 6 and Arun Kumar Mishra 7 1,2 Associate Professor, 4 Professor, 5 Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, 3 Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Orissa Veterinary College, Bhubaneswar, Orissa 751003, India; 6 Veterinary Officer, 7 Assistant Director, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Orissa, India Email: 1 indravet@yahoo.co.in plus web supplement of 1 page

Home Ranges and Habitat Use of Sloth Bears Melursus Ursinus Inornatus in Wasgomuwa National Park, Sri Lanka

Abstract We studied home ranges and habitat selection of 10 adult sloth bears Melursus ursinus inornatus at Wasgomuwa National Park, Sri Lanka during 2002-2003. Very little is known about the ecology and behaviour of M. u. inornatus, which is a subspecies found in Sri Lanka. Our study was undertaken to assess space and habitat requirements typical of a viable population of M. u. inornatus to facilitate future conservation efforts. We captured and radio-collared 10 adult sloth bears and used the telemetry data to assess home-range size and habitat use. Mean 95% fixed kernel home ranges were 2.2 km2 (SE = 0.61) and 3.8 km2 (SE = 1.01) for adult females and males, respectively. Although areas outside the national park were accessible to bears, home ranges were almost exclusively situated within the national park boundaries. Within the home ranges, high forests were used more and abandoned agricultural fields (chenas) were used less than expected based on availability. Our estimates of home-range size are...