Status and distribution of Malayan Sun bear in North-eastern states, India
Chauhan,N.P.S.; Lalthanpuia
Indian Forester 134(10): 1339-1348
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-4816 Document Number: 234387
Sun bear is the least known bear species and one of the most neglected large mammals in India. No information is available on its status, distribution, ecology and population threats from India. These surveys were conducted in the northeastern region during 2002-08, and information on status and distribution of Sun bear was collected in well designed questionnaire formats. In Arunachal Pradesh, direct and indirect evidences of Sun bear confirmed its presence in Namdapha Tiger Reserve and Murlen National Park. The probability of its occurrence was shown in few protected areas. They were also present in Fakim WLS and Intanki WLS in Nagaland. In Mizoram, Sun bears occurred in many protected areas including Dampa Tiger Reserve. The presence of Sun bears had been confirmed in the Chandel and Ukhrul districts of Manipur, but it showed a patchy distribution. This paper presented its legal status and discussed conservation problems like population threats, habitat threats and human-bear interactions. Recommendations for conservation and management of Sun bear were also made.