GREEN MINUTE NEWS:
India’s four native bear species face serious threat due to habitat loss and human-bear conflict in many states. Out of the four species, which include Himalayan brown bear, sloth bear, and sun bear, the Asiatic Black Bears are facing escalating threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching for its body parts.
The state forest departments and many a leading wildlife conservation organization, have been actively involved in the protection and rehabilitation of sloth bears, Asiatic black bears and Himalayan brown bears through formation of exclusive protected areas, rescue operations, scientific research, and human-bear conflict mitigation efforts.
Wildlife SOS started its journey 30 years ago with the aim of resolving the ‘dancing’ bear trade, and its efforts to conserve sloth bears is far and wide known. However, it’s time to highlight a much less talked about species found in India, the Asiatic Black Bears.
The organization has expanded its efforts to mitigate human-bear conflict in Jammu & Kashmir, where the Asiatic black bear population faces increasing threats.
The establishment of Wildlife SOS Dachigam and Pahalgam Rescue Centres has provided a crucial intervention, enabling the safe rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of distressed bears. Aaliya Mir, head of the J&K programme, has been instrumental in addressing these conflicts by reuniting cubs with their mothers and facilitating their return to the wild.
VULNERABLE ON IUCN RED LIST
The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), commonly known as the ‘moon bear’ due to the distinctive V-shaped chest marking, inhabits the Himalayan forests and the hills of north-east India. Living in close proximity to humans, they are actively involved in raiding of orchards and agricultural fields which has resulted in rising human-bear conflict.
Despite being protected under CITES Appendix I and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, the species continues to face threats from habitat destruction, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.
EXTENSIVE EFFORTS
Dr. Arun A. Shah, Director of Veterinary and Research Operations at Wildlife SOS, said, “Our extensive efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating Asiatic black bears have led to significant advancements in their conservation. Through dedicated research at our rescue centres and rehabilitation facilities, we are enhancing veterinary care, improving treatment protocols, and ensuring a better future for these vulnerable bears in the wild.”
Wildlife SOS is actively involved in its conservation, conducting rescues, habitat preservation initiatives, and community awareness programmes to reduce conflict and poaching incidents.
RESTORATION OF BEAR HABITAT
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS says, “Through advanced tracking techniques, such as radio-collaring, we are enhancing our understanding of bear behaviour and conflict mitigation. Additionally, habitat conservation projects have successfully helped restore natural bear habitats, marking a major achievement.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary, Wildlife SOS said, “Our work to end the dancing bear trade was only the beginning. Since then, we have expanded our efforts to conserve the keystone bear species in the Himalayan region.”
In the decades of its existence, the organization reaffirms its commitment to expanding its bear conservation efforts ensuring a future where these incredible animals can thrive in their natural habitats, free from human-induced threats.
(PHOTO CREDIT: ALL FOUR IMAGES FROM WILDLIFE SOS)