Where does the sloth bear live?
The sloth bear lives on the Indian subcontinent: in India, the Terai of Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. It occurs in a wide range of habitats: moist and dry tropical forests, savannas, scrublands and grasslands, below 1,500 m on the Indian subcontinent and below 300 m in Sri Lanka's dry forests. It occasionally climbs to feed and rest, but not to escape enemies, as it prefers to stand its ground.
What does the sloth bear eat?
The sloth bear eats fruits, ants and termites. Its long lower lip and palate are used to suck up insects, hence its name. It has long, shaggy fur, a mane around the face and long, sickle-shaped claws. It is lankier than the brown bear and the Asian black bear. It breeds in spring and early summer, and gives birth near the beginning of winter.
Is the sloth bear endangered?
Yes: the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable, mainly because of habitat loss and degradation. Humans have also reduced its population by hunting it for food and for products such as its claws. When humans encroach on its territory, it sometimes attacks them. The cubs can be threatened by tigers, leopards and other bears.
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