Quick answer
Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus) are listed in our guides as Vulnerable. That IUCN-style label describes global extinction risk and can differ from national lists — habitat loss and human pressure still decide local survival.
Key takeaway
Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus) are listed in our guides as Vulnerable. That IUCN-style label describes global extinction risk and can differ from national lists — habitat loss and human pressure still decide local survival.
Sloth Bear conservation status
Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) is recorded here as Vulnerable. Global categories summarise extinction risk; regional populations can be safer or worse than the headline label.
Threats facing sloth bears
Habitat loss around Dry and moist forests, grasslands, and scrub of the Indian subcontinent, hunting or persecution, climate pressure, and conflict with people are common drivers. Exact ranking of threats varies by region.
Outlook for Sloth Bear populations
Where monitoring exists, trends track protected-area quality and enforcement. Fragmented groups need corridors and genetic exchange to avoid local extinction.
What actually helps
Support verified conservation programmes, cut demand for illegal wildlife products, and protect habitat. Tourism helps only when operators follow ethical wildlife standards.
Nocturnal forager
Sloth bears are largely nocturnal in areas with human activity, foraging alone except when females travel with cubs. They communicate with snorts, screams, and lip-popping sounds when feeding on insects across forests from Sri Lanka to the Himalayan foothills.
Conservation and conflict
Habitat fragmentation and retaliation for crop raiding threaten sloth bears across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. 'Dancing bear' traditions that exploited cubs have been largely banned, but road kills, poaching, and forest loss continue to reduce populations.
Sources
Sloth Bear FAQs
Are sloth bears endangered?
Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus) are listed in our guides as Vulnerable. That IUCN-style label describes global extinction risk and can differ from national lists — habitat loss and human pressure still decide local survival.
What is the scientific name of the sloth bear?
Melursus ursinus — used in research and conservation listings for sloth bears.
What do sloth bears eat?
Sloth Bears eat termites, ants, fruit, and honey, with seasonal and regional variation in Dry and moist forests, grasslands, and scrub of the Indian subcontinent.
Where do sloth bears live?
They are associated with Dry and moist forests, grasslands, and scrub of the Indian subcontinent. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of sloth bears?
Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.