SLOTH BEAR
SLOTH BEAR Scientific Name: Melursus ursinus Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Physical Adaptations: A long, light colored, hairless snout which it uses, with the help of it’s lips to form a tube to suck up termites and ants Long claws, an aid in breaking open termite mounds Long tuft of hair near the shoulders; cubs cling to
Primary Diet: Behavioral Adaptations: Solitary, except mothers with cubs Vocalization; loud sound drawing air in and out Not territorial Will adjust activity patterns to circumstances Cubs remain with mother for several years
Wild: termites & other insects, honey combs, eggs, meat& vegetation Omnivore
Fun Facts: The sloth bears fur is very long A primary food is termites
Habitat/Biome: forests and grasslands Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan
Status: Listed as common to rare; status dependent on area. In many areas, population information does not exist. Special Notes: IUCN Category: Vulnerable CITIES Listing: Appendix I Threats include: Poaching, human conflict, loss of habitat, trade of bears & bear parts
Females carry cubs on their backs for most of the cub’s first year
Additional Notes: Gestation: 180 to 210 days Weight: males: 175 to 310 lbs. females: 120 to 210 lbs. Life span: 25 to 30 years in captivity
Information Sources (03/2007): Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animal Facts World Conservation Red List BEARS, Status and Conservation Action Plan IUCN
Primary Diet: Behavioral Adaptations: Solitary, except mothers with cubs Vocalization; loud sound drawing air in and out Not territorial Will adjust activity patterns to circumstances Cubs remain with mother for several years
Wild: termites & other insects, honey combs, eggs, meat& vegetation Omnivore
Fun Facts: The sloth bears fur is very long A primary food is termites
Habitat/Biome: forests and grasslands Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan
Status: Listed as common to rare; status dependent on area. In many areas, population information does not exist. Special Notes: IUCN Category: Vulnerable CITIES Listing: Appendix I Threats include: Poaching, human conflict, loss of habitat, trade of bears & bear parts
Females carry cubs on their backs for most of the cub’s first year
Additional Notes: Gestation: 180 to 210 days Weight: males: 175 to 310 lbs. females: 120 to 210 lbs. Life span: 25 to 30 years in captivity
Information Sources (03/2007): Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animal Facts World Conservation Red List BEARS, Status and Conservation Action Plan IUCN
