| Abstrakt: |
Little is known about Sloth bear Melursus ursinusbirthing behaviour and denning. The Wildlife SOSBannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, India, which houses rescued bears, is visited by wild male Sloth bears during the breeding season (April–July). Two female Sloth bears have been impregnated by these wild males, giving researchers the opportunity to observe maternal behaviour closely. One female bear made use of an excavated a den to give birth and raise her cubs. A second bear gave birth in an excavated shallow cavity. Neither mother left the cubs for food or water for weeks (22 and 28 days, respectively). In the first case, the cubs eventually joined their mother leaving the den for food and water 20 days after the mother had initially left the den alone, whereas in the second case, the cub still had not joined the mother on outings for provisions after 68 days, when both were moved from the den area. The Wildlife SOS Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, India, which houses rescued bears, is visited by wild male Sloth bears Melursus ursinusduring the breeding season (April–July). Two female Sloth bears at the Centre have been impregnated by wild males, providing the opportunity to observe maternal behaviour closely. A den previously excavated by a different female was used by one pregnant bear to give birth and rear her cubs. A second bear gave birth in an excavated shallow cavity. In total, three of four cubs were reared to maturity. Recommendations are given for husbandry of Sloth bears in zoos during pregnancy and denning. (Photo: Wildlife SOS) |
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