Earth is home to eight different species of bears, three of which are found in India — the Asiatic Black Bear, the Himalayan Brown Bear and the Sloth Bear. The family of brown bear is large, comprising 16 subspecies, distributed in North America, Eastern and Western Eurasia. Of these, the Himalayan Brown Bear is the smallest in size and in population too.
Habits and traits
“Also known as the Himalayan Red Bear, the colour of these bears varies from reddish brown to light sandy shades. This bear is characterised by the distinctive hump on its shoulders, a slightly dished face and long claws on the front paws,” says Dr. Bipan C. Rathore, who has done research on these animals.
“Winter Dormancy” or hibernation is one interesting feature in the life of a bear. Usually in November, Brown Bears move into natural caves, coming out only in March. During this period their body temperature, heartbeat and other metabolic activities are reduced and hence they have no requirement for food or water.
“Brown bears are solitary animals and are generally seen grazing alone. During the mating season, between May and July, couples are seen together for around two weeks. Baby bears are born during winter and the cubs stay with the mother through the summer. Though Brown Bears are omnivorous, they mainly feed on grass and roots,” adds Dr. Rathore.
In the Red Data Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the brown bear is listed as “vulnerable”. Recently, the Forest Department of Himachal Pradesh proposed establishing a Captive Conservation Breeding Centre for both Brown Bears and the Western Tragopan in Bharmour. With this venture, it is hoped that the declining population of these wonderful creatures will be augmented.
