STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF MALAYAN SUN BEAR IN NAMDAPHA TIGER RESERVE, ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

The Malayan sun bear Helarctos malayanus, is categorized globally as a Critically Endangered species on the IUCN Red List. However, recent studies have indicated that sun bear have disappeared from large areas, probably as a result of habitat loss, a low prey base and poaching, indicating this species may not be as common in India as previously believed. Our findings indicate that the species has declined dramatically, with confirmation of presence at only some sites in provinces, despite extensive surveys. Current populations are small and fragmented, and occur mainly in tiger reserve. In Namdapha Tiger Reserve, 379 different bear signs were identified along 43 transects. The number of claw marks was found to be highest as compared to number of scats, nests, diggings, dens and footprints. All these bear signs were observed in summer, monsoon and winter months in different forest types in Namdapha Tiger Reserve. The mean signs were highest during the winter months (41.5+/-5.80), followed by monsoon months (31.0+/-6.25) and summer months (22.25+/-3.83) during the study periods. There was a distinct relationship between season, elevation and density of bear signs per unit area (R-2 Linear = 0.81488). The density of bear signs showed an increasing trend with the increasing elevation in the tiger reserve. But from 1500m and above, the density of bear signs decreased drastically. In India, there is no information on the population status, distribution and ecology of sun bear. Our findings are the first reliable estimates of the current distribution and status of the Malayan sun bear in India, and provide valuable information that will help guide the conservation efforts.