Sloth Bear
Melursus ursinus
Local name: Aswal / रीछ
lightbulbInspiration for Kipling’s Baloo; uses a vacuum-like snout on termite mounds.
Identification
The Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) is part of the WRK FO field reference used for incident intake and ground reports. Local names include Aswal / रीछ.
Habitat. Dry and moist deciduous forest, boulder country and grassland
Diet. Termites, ants, honey, fruit; opportunistic on crops
Field notes. Nocturnal insectivore. Cubs ride on the mother’s back. Defensive charges are a known field risk. Listed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act as Schedule I.
Habitat
Dry and moist deciduous forest, boulder country and grassland
Diet
Termites, ants, honey, fruit; opportunistic on crops
Behavior
Nocturnal insectivore. Cubs ride on the mother’s back. Defensive charges are a known field risk.
