GANGTOK,: In a ground-breaking revelation, wildlife enthusiasts and
conservationists are celebrating the discovery of the rare Tibetan Brown Bear
in the pristine landscape of Sikkim. This awe-inspiring find not only marks a
significant moment for biodiversity in the region but also underscores the
importance of preserving and protecting the State’s precious wildlife, states a
press release from the State Forest department on Sunday.
In the
first-ever confirmed record of the Tibetan brown bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus)
in India, camera traps installed by the Sikkim Forest department and WWF-India
recorded this rare species in the high-altitudes of North Sikkim. The Lachen
Dzumsa also supported the team in the discovery that has now shed new light on
the distribution and conservation of this elusive bear. This discovery adds a
new subspecies to the mammal diversity of the country, said the Forest
department.
Over the
last many decades during interactions with the Dokpas - the nomadic herders
from the high-altitude areas of Tso Lhamo plateau and Muguthang, there was
always a mention of a large unidentified animal stealing sugar and oil stored
in the herder camps. This creature, due to its elusive nature, has also
inspired the folklore of the Yeti across the Himalayas.
Many
surveys were conducted in the past to discover this elusive animal but were
unsuccessful.
This
breakthrough came through an extensive camera trap exercise conducted by a
joint team of experts from WWF-India and the Sikkim Forest fepartment. The
camera traps that recorded the bear were placed by Phuchung Lachenpa, Tashi
Palden Lachenpa and Palden Lepcha in the high altitudes of Mangan district and
caught this elusive bear in December 2023.
“These
photos highlight the characteristic yellowish scarf-like collar of this bear
that broadens from the shoulders to the chest. It is an omnivore with its diet
generally consisting of marmots and alpine vegetation. This rare bear is very
different from the more commonly found Himalayan Black Bear in terms of its
appearance, habitat and behaviour. It inhabits high-altitude alpine forests,
meadows and steppe above 4000 m. Also, it is very shy of human contact and therefore
very seldom observed. In contrast, the Himalayan Black Bear has a distinctive
‘V’ shaped white chest mark, inhabits temperate forests below 4000 m and comes
in frequent contact with humans often resulting in conflict.”
The
Tibetan brown bear also known as the Tibetan blue bear is one of the rarest
subspecies of bears in the world, and is rarely sighted in the wild. It is
uniquely adapted to the harsh conditions of the Tibetan Plateau.
Until
now, there were only a few confirmed records from Nepal, Bhutan and the Tibetan
plateau. Consequently, it has been accorded the highest protection status under
the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by listing it under Schedule-I. It is also
listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
(CITES) as a protected species.
“This
record underscores the ecological richness and diversity of the Sikkim region,
where even now major wildlife discoveries are being made. The presence of the
Tibetan Brown Bear adds a new dimension to the rich tapestry of the region's
ecological diversity. Believed to be a previously undocumented population, this
discovery has ignited excitement among researchers and nature lovers alike.
This finding also highlights the concerted and renewed efforts of the Forest and
Environment department to conserve and safeguard the state’s rich wildlife and
their habitat,” the release mentions.
