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Sariska Un'bear'able! Sloth Bear Programme Falters In Tiger Reserve

The sloth bear reintroduction in Sariska Tiger Reserve failed as SB-2, after traveling 240 km to Mandrayal in Karauli district, couldn't adapt. IUCN 'vulnerable' sloth bears, extinct for 100 years, faced failure due to selection from human-acclimated regions like Sirohi, Jalore, Mount Abu, and Sunda Mata. SB-1 and SB-3 faced issues; SB-3 threatened areas like Khairthal, Kishangarh, Bandikui, and Dausa. No reproduction was reported, with SB-2 separating from the female. Experts like Dinesh Durani emphasized improper selection. Officials and wildlife watchers saw experiments as futile, aiming to sustain the ecosystem, lacking food and water sources contributing to concerns.

JAIPUR: A sloth bear relocated to Sariska Tiger Reserve under the state's first sloth bear reintroduction programme is not adjusting well to the new landscape.According to the forest department, the male bear, SB-2, has travelled nearly 240 km and reached Mandrayal in Karauli district. The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), a key species of the hills and mountains of the semi-arid region of western India and listed in the 'vulnerable' category by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), was relocated under this programme. However, experiments to reintroduce these omnivores last year after they became extinct from the landscape nearly 100 years ago are proving to be futile.A senior official said, "The last location of the sloth bear SB-2 was recorded near Mandrayal in Karauli district on Wednesday. A total of three sloth bears (SB-1, SB-2, SB-3) were reintroduced to the STR after being collared last year. Since reintroduction, none have stayed inside the park."Earlier, the forest department was forced to relocate SB-3 because the animal, since its reintroduction to STR, never stayed inside the park. It frequently ventured close to human settlements in nearby places, including Khairthal, Kishangarh, Bandikui, and Dausa, causing man-animal conflicts.According to experts, the reintroduction of sloth bears at STR failed due to the selection of animals from the wrong region.Founder of Sariska Tiger Foundation, Dinesh Durani, said, "Areas from where the three sloth bears were brought to STR—Sirohi and Jalore districts, including Mount Abu and Sunda Mata areas—have these animals accustomed to living near human settlements as they easily find food and water. The forest department should have identified animals from regions like Karauli and Ranthambore." Adding to the forest department's concerns, the sloth bears have not reproduced since their reintroduction to STR. "It has been more than a year and a half, and yet no cubs have been reported. There was hope, but SB-2 also travelled to a different area, leaving the female behind. The department claimed the reintroduction of sloth bears was to maintain the ecosystem, but the experiment has entirely failed," said a wildlife watcher.

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Two Sloth Bears Found Dead On Rail Tracks In Maharashtra's Gondia District

In Gondia, Maharashtra, a female sloth bear and her sub-adult cub were found dead on railway tracks near a tunnel in Arjuni Morgaon forest range. Discovered by railway staff on the Gondia-Balharshah route, they were likely killed in an accident. Following Union Ministry guidelines, the carcasses were disposed of.

NEW DELHI: A female sloth bear and her sub-adult cub were found dead on railway tracks in Gondia district, Maharashtra on Thursday.This incident occurred on the Gondia-Balharshah route near a small tunnel within the Arjuni Morgaon forest range, according to the state forest department.Preliminary investigations indicate that the animals were killed in an accident. The carcasses were discovered by a railway staffer. Forest department officer Sadashiv Awghan commented on the situation, stating, "Preliminary probe suggests the animals were killed in an accident."The remains were subsequently disposed of in accordance with guidelines set by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.Sloth bears are classified as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List of threatened species and are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

PHOTOS: Brookfield Zoo Welcomes New Animal Residents

CHICAGO - Brookfield Zoo has announced the addition of several new animals, which includes emus, a sloth bear, and a puggle.

In late June, three 3-month-old emus arrived at the Zoo. The one male and two females are adjusting to their outdoor habitat alongside kangaroos at Australia House. Emus, the second-largest birds in the world, are flightless and can sprint up to 30 mph, according to the zoo. The young emus have already gained 25% of their body weight in the past month.

Earlier this spring, Lila, a 2-year-old sloth bear, joined Brookfield Zoo. She was introduced to her new mate, Kartik, a 15-year-old male sloth bear. Lila's transfer was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Sloth Bear Species Survival Plan to help conserve the vulnerable species, which faces threats from poaching and habitat loss.

The Zoo also celebrated the hatching of a puggle on June 9. This short-beaked echidna baby is only the second to hatch at Brookfield Zoo. The puggle, currently bonding with its mother, Waddles, will be viewable by guests in late fall at Australia House.

For more information, visit the Brookfield Zoo's website.

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