Rare Tibetan bear spotted in India, forest official shares 1st ever pictures from Sikkim
Rare Tibetan bear spotted in India, forest official shares 1st ever pictures from Sikkim
In a groundbreaking development, a rare Tibetan brown bear has been observed in India, marking the first sighting of this species in the country. Camera traps set up by the Sikkim Forest Department and WWF-India captured images of this elusive bear in the high altitudes of North Sikkim. Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan shared these significant pictures, highlighting the addition of another sub-species to India’s biodiversity.
The Tibetan brown bear, distinct from the more commonly found Himalayan black bear in terms of appearance, habitat, and behavior, was documented in the elevated regions of Sikkim through collaborative efforts between the Sikkim Forest Department and WWF. This omnivorous bear thrives in high-altitude alpine forests, meadows, and steppe areas above 4000 m, sustaining itself on marmots and alpine vegetation.
Renowned as one of the rarest subspecies globally, the Tibetan brown bear, also known as the Tibetan blue bear, has limited sightings in the wild, primarily reported from Nepal, Bhutan, and the Tibetan plateau. The discovery has sparked awe and appreciation, with enthusiasts marveling at the bear’s thick and beautiful fur coat. Recognized as a species deserving the highest protection, the Tibetan brown bear holds a prominent place in India’s wildlife conservation efforts, listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and receiving protection from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
