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[CULTURE] · India · 5 sources

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Wildlife Institute of India to conduct national bear census

Wildlife Institute of India bear census human-wildlife conflict conservation sloth bear

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is launching a national-level study to estimate the populations, distribution, and geographical ranges of all four bear species found in the country: the Himalayan brown bear, Asiatic black bear, sloth bear, and sun bear.

This initiative marks the first time all four species will be brought under a single study framework in India. The research aims to identify current habitats and trace areas where bears were historically sighted but have since disappeared, helping scientists understand if habitat shifts are due to forest degradation or human pressure.

A primary focus of the exercise will be investigating human-sloth bear conflicts in protected areas, as these encounters are particularly frequent across much of India. The study also holds significance for regions like Uttarakhand, where man-bear conflicts have become fatal. Final population numbers are expected to be available in five years.

Entities

Dehradun · India · Uttarakhand · Wildlife Institute of India

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Sources

Wildlife Institute of India to estimate numbers of all 4 bear species in India: Official [desitalkchicago.com]
Wildlife Institute of India to estimate numbers of all 4 bear species in India: Official | Headlines [www.devdiscourse.com]
Wildlife Institute of India to estimate numbers of all 4 bear species in India: Official [kalingatv.com]
India to estimate population of its four bear species for first time [newsable.asianetnews.com]
Wildlife body to conduct bear census, focus on habitat shift, human conflict [www.newindianexpress.com]