DEHRADUN: For the first time in the country, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is set to undertake a national-level study on all four bear species found in India. The study aims to assess their population, species-wise distribution and geographical range across the country.
It will also identify areas where bears were historically sighted but are no longer recorded, helping scientists understand the reasons behind their disappearance. According to WII, this is the first initiative in India to bring all four bear species under a single study framework.
The exercise holds special significance for Uttarakhand, where rising man-bear conflict is turning fatal. "This will help not only in identifying present habitats but also in tracing areas where bears have vanished over time," an official associated with the project said.
India is home to four bear species - Himalayan brown bear, Asiatic black bear, sloth bear and sun bear. Their ecology, habitat preferences and distribution patterns differ widely, making a unified assessment crucial for conservation.
WII's research documents have earlier highlighted distribution patterns and conflict zones, but a comprehensive national picture is still missing. In Uttarakhand, three species are predominantly found - Himalayan black bear, Himalayan brown bear and sloth bear.
While some studies have been conducted in the past, a country-wide estimate remains unavailable. Older estimates had put the sloth bear population in the Indian subcontinent at around 20,000, but experts say the numbers need fresh scientific validation.
The proposed study will go beyond headcounts. It will examine habitat shifts, whether due to forest degradation or human pressure. Regions that once reported frequent sightings but now show no signs will be flagged for deeper analysis.
Scientists caution that absence of sightings does not mean local extinction. "Systematic surveys and scientific evidence are required. Methods like camera traps, pugmark analysis, scat examination and other indirect signs will be crucial," a researcher said.
For Uttarakhand, the study is critical, as bears near habitations, people entering forests for livelihood and changing habitats have heightened conflict risks.
Better data on species distribution and presence zones can help the forest department identify vulnerable areas, design monitoring strategies and alert locals in advance. "This is the first project of such scale covering all four species nationally. It will also indicate where habitat improvement is needed and where human activities are escalating conflict," an official said.
The behavioural pattern of bears is also changing, experts note. Traditionally, bears go into hibernation during winter, reducing activity. But in recent years, the hibernation period has shortened, leading to increased sightings even in winter and more attacks in hill villages.
Senior veterinarian Dr. Pradeep Mishra told TNIE, "Bear-human conflict incidents in Uttarakhand have been worrying. The study by WII and its subsequent report will help a lot in reducing this conflict."
The findings are expected to aid in habitat restoration, conflict mitigation and long-term conservation planning, especially in the Himalayan states where human-wildlife interface is intensifying.