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<p>Sloth bears are still one of the least studied bear species among the eight bear species in the world. Being a myrmecophagous animal they specifically feed on fleshy fruits, ants, termites and honey. Although no specific studies on their diet have been conducted in the central part of Gujarat which harbours significant population of sloth bears. This study focuses on the seasonal and elevational influences on sloth bear (<i>Melursus ursinus</i>) diet in non-protected areas of central Gujarat, India during 2021 to 2023.A total 262 scat samples were collected across three seasons and elevations ranging from 94 to 338&#xa0;m. 15 plant species and 8 animal matter types were found in the scats, with <i>Ziziphus</i> sp. (62%) and black ants (73.2%) being the most frequently consumed items. Redundancy analysis revealed that both season and elevation significantly influenced sloth bear diet, with lower elevations associated with higher food availability. Significant seasonal variations were observed in plant matter consumption (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05), while animal matter showed no significant seasonal differences. In winter they prefer black ants (37.66%), in summer termites (21.1%) and <i>Cordia dichotoma</i> (22.95%) in monsoon. Ivlev’s selectivity index indicated preferences for some fruits, while <i>Madhuca indica</i> was abundant but consumed less than its availability. The study also noted the presence of plastic in scats, highlighting anthropogenic pressure on sloth bear diet. Our findings provide crucial insights into sloth bear feeding patterns differ seasonally and across elevations, highlighting the need to maintain fruiting tree availability. Ensuring habitat continuity, reducing disturbance in key foraging areas, and promoting community-based conflict mitigation can significantly support sloth bear persistence outside protected areas.</p>

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Altitudinal and temporal variations in sloth bear diet: insights from non-protected habitats of central Gujarat, India

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月12日

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  • Pratikkumar Desai,
  • Sarthak Chaudhary,
  • Nishith Dharaiya

摘要

Sloth bears are still one of the least studied bear species among the eight bear species in the world. Being a myrmecophagous animal they specifically feed on fleshy fruits, ants, termites and honey. Although no specific studies on their diet have been conducted in the central part of Gujarat which harbours significant population of sloth bears. This study focuses on the seasonal and elevational influences on sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) diet in non-protected areas of central Gujarat, India during 2021 to 2023.A total 262 scat samples were collected across three seasons and elevations ranging from 94 to 338 m. 15 plant species and 8 animal matter types were found in the scats, with Ziziphus sp. (62%) and black ants (73.2%) being the most frequently consumed items. Redundancy analysis revealed that both season and elevation significantly influenced sloth bear diet, with lower elevations associated with higher food availability. Significant seasonal variations were observed in plant matter consumption (P < 0.05), while animal matter showed no significant seasonal differences. In winter they prefer black ants (37.66%), in summer termites (21.1%) and Cordia dichotoma (22.95%) in monsoon. Ivlev’s selectivity index indicated preferences for some fruits, while Madhuca indica was abundant but consumed less than its availability. The study also noted the presence of plastic in scats, highlighting anthropogenic pressure on sloth bear diet. Our findings provide crucial insights into sloth bear feeding patterns differ seasonally and across elevations, highlighting the need to maintain fruiting tree availability. Ensuring habitat continuity, reducing disturbance in key foraging areas, and promoting community-based conflict mitigation can significantly support sloth bear persistence outside protected areas.