Consider the following statements regarding Sloth Bear: More than 50% ...
The Kerala forest department has come under intense criticism after it bungled the rescue of a male sloth bear that had fallen into the well.
About Sloth Bear:
- Sloth bears are one of the eight bear species found across the world.
- Scientific Name: Melursus ursinus
- Distribution:
- Their range includes India, Sri Lanka and southern Nepal.
- 90% of the global Sloth Bear population is found in India.
- Habitat: They live in a variety of dry and moist forests and in some tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter.
- Features:
- They have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest out of any of the bear species.
- They use their claws to excavate termites and ants.
- Size: They grow 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) long, stand 2 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 meters) high at the shoulder, and weigh, on average, 90 to 140 kilograms.
- They have poor senses of sight and hearing but a good sense of smell.
- Sloth bears' nostrils can close completely, protecting the animals from dust or insects when raiding termite nests or beehives.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Vulnerable
- Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
Hence only statement 1 is correct.
Consider the following statements regarding Sloth Bear: More than 50% ...
Overview of Sloth Bear Population
The Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) is a unique species native to the Indian subcontinent. Understanding its population distribution and conservation status is crucial for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
Statement 1: More than 50% of the global Sloth Bear population is found in India
- This statement is correct.
- India is home to a significant portion of the Sloth Bear population, mainly found in forests across central and northern India.
- The habitat includes the dry deciduous forests and scrublands, which are conducive for their survival.
Statement 2: They are classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List
- This statement is incorrect.
- The Sloth Bear is classified as "Vulnerable" rather than "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List.
- The population is facing threats due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching, but it has not yet reached the Endangered category.
Conclusion
Given the assessment of both statements:
- Correct Answer: a) 1 only
- Statement 1 is true, while statement 2 is false. Thus, only the first statement holds true regarding the Sloth Bear's population distribution in India.
Understanding these classifications is vital for ongoing conservation efforts and policy-making to protect this unique species.