Sloth Bear
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Sloth bears (Ursus ursinus) live in both dry
and moist tropical forests—what many of us would
call jungles—in India, Sri Lanka, southern Nepal,
and Bhutan. There, they spend their days, but especially
their nights, tearing into termite and ant nests and
licking up the insects with their long tongues. They
also eat figs, mangoes, other forest fruits, and honey.
In the 1970s, Zoo scientists were among the first to study sloth bears in the wild. Now, they are embarking on a thorough set of field studies to map the distribution and abundance of India’s wild sloth bears, study the animals’ favored termite and ant prey, and ascertain how best to reduce conflicts between bears and humans. This work includes training local students and conservation leaders to carry out studies and conservation programs. Zoo scientists and their colleagues also hope to reintroduce sloth bears to areas where they vanished due to hunting or habitat change, and to help curb the capture of young bears for use as dancing performers.
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Planned Sloth Bear Exhibit
Giant pandas will not be the only bears that
will attract zoogoers. The Zoo’s Sloth Bear Habitat
(below) is prominently featured in plans for the upcoming
Asia Trail. This exhibit will be the first encountered
by visitors entering the Zoo’s Connecticut Avenue
gate. From the other side of a clear Plexiglas wall,
visitors will be able to watch as nearby bears turn
over rocks and logs, climb trees, and grub around in
the dirt. The Zoo’s sloth bears currently live
in an antiquated exhibit a bit off the beaten path.
Their new quarters will surely raise public interest
in sloth bears while providing them with more stimulating
surroundings.
Planned sloth bear exhibit for the Asia Trail.
ZooGoer 32(2) 2003.
Copyright 2003 Friends of the National Zoo.
All rights reserved.
