What kind of animal is a sloth bear? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is a large animal that is commonly seen in India, and is mainly found in South Asia. Although the bear looks very durable and strong, it is actually designated as an endangered species, and there is a possibility that it may become extinct.
What is a sloth bear? About basic status
A sloth bear is a mammal classified in the class Mammalia, order Felidae (order Carnivora), family Carnivora, genus Sloth. The body length is 140-190cm and the weight is 50-100kg. The list of information is as follows. The scientific name is Melursus ursinus, written in kanji as 懶bear.
| Japanese（和名） | ナマケグマ |
| English（英名） | Sloth bear |
| scientific name(学名) | Melursus ursinus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Carnivora、Ursidae、Melursus 哺乳綱、ネコ目、クマ科、ナマケグマ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 140-190cm |
| Weight（体重） | 50-100kg |
About classification
The following subspecies of sloth bear exist:
- Melursus ursinus ursinus
- Melursus ursinus inornatus
About habitat
Sloth bears are distributed in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. In Japan, many people often mistake them for Asiatic black bears. There are obvious differences among bears, such as their eyes, noses, and what they eat.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The sloth bear’s fur is black or reddish-brown, with long body hair and no hair on the soles of its feet. The eyes and ears are small. The front legs turn inwards, and the hind legs are shorter than the front legs and have claws. They can skillfully climb trees using their strong, long claws. They can also hang from trees using their curved claws, which is reminiscent of sloths, hence the name. This bear prefers scrub forests and humid evergreen forests, and is nocturnal.
What is your personality like?
Sloth bears are often alone. Although they are not very large, they are very ferocious and may even attack humans.
What does the ecology look like?
Sloth bears subsist on honey, termites, insects, and bird eggs. After destroying the nest with their strong claws, they eat the prey with their long tongue. The form of coexistence is viviparous. Their gestation period is 6 to 7 months, and they can give birth to 1 to 3 cubs at a time in burrows that they dig themselves or in natural caves. Children become independent after 1 to 3 years. The lifespan is said to be around 30 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Sloth bears have no natural enemies.
Is the sloth bear an endangered species?
Sloth bears were exterminated because they cause damage to crops and sometimes attack people. As a result, their population has declined and they are designated as an endangered species. Furthermore, it is listed in the Washington Convention, and international trade is strictly restricted. Hunting of sloth bears is also a big problem because it is believed that their gallbladders are medicinal.
Can sloth bears be kept as pets?
Sloth bears have the potential to attack humans in the first place, so although it’s not a big deal, they are not suitable for breeding, so you should avoid them.
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