Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) reconnoitoring, Ranthambore Forest, India
Exposure was difficult due to the forest gloom and early morning light. The sloth bear is a unique species of bear found in the forests of the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka. Their distinctive appearance and behaviour sets them apart from other bears.
They have shaggy, black fur, which often appears matted and untidy. The fur is longer around the neck, giving them a scruffy, mane-like look. They have a shambolic gait. There is a white chest patch, often V-shaped. Sloth bears have large, powerful jaws, but they do not primarily take larger animal prey. They use their claws for digging and pulling apart rotting logs to find insects, especially termites and ants.
Sloth bears are generally solitary and are largely nocturnal, foraging at night when they can find more insect activity. They are shy and avoid human contact. They are not aggressive unless provoked.
The species is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Populations are declining due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and poaching for their body parts.
Sloth bears are known for their loud vocalisations, which include grunts, growls and roars. They are also adept climbers.
250128 013
Lippenbär
Губач
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All images are the property of the photographer and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded, transmitted or used in any way without the written permission of the photographer who may be contacted by registering with flickr and using flickrmail
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) reconnoitoring, Ranthambore Forest, India
Exposure was difficult due to the forest gloom and early morning light. The sloth bear is a unique species of bear found in the forests of the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka. Their distinctive appearance and behaviour sets them apart from other bears.
They have shaggy, black fur, which often appears matted and untidy. The fur is longer around the neck, giving them a scruffy, mane-like look. They have a shambolic gait. There is a white chest patch, often V-shaped. Sloth bears have large, powerful jaws, but they do not primarily take larger animal prey. They use their claws for digging and pulling apart rotting logs to find insects, especially termites and ants.
Sloth bears are generally solitary and are largely nocturnal, foraging at night when they can find more insect activity. They are shy and avoid human contact. They are not aggressive unless provoked.
The species is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Populations are declining due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and poaching for their body parts.
Sloth bears are known for their loud vocalisations, which include grunts, growls and roars. They are also adept climbers.
250128 013
Lippenbär
Губач
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All images are the property of the photographer and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded, transmitted or used in any way without the written permission of the photographer who may be contacted by registering with flickr and using flickrmail
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------