TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: In a significant milestone for wildlife conservation, India has recorded its first-ever confirmed sighting of the rare Tibetan brown bear in Northern Sikkim.
EXPLANATION:
- The discovery adds a new subspecies, Ursus arctos pruinosus, to India’s diverse mammal population.
- The sighting was made possible through camera traps set up by the Sikkim Forest Department in collaboration with WWF-India.
- The camera traps, strategically placed in the high altitudes of Mangan district, captured images of the elusive Tibetan brown bear in December 2023.
- The shared images highlight the distinctive yellowish scarf-like collar of the bear that broadens from the shoulders to the chest.
Historical Context and Folklore:
- The Tibetan brown bear has been a subject of folklore in the high-altitude areas of Tso Lhamo plateau and Muguthanga in Sikkim.
- Nomadic herders known as Dokpas have shared tales of unidentified animals stealing sugar and oil from their camps.
- Over the years, the folklore of the elusive Yeti gained prominence in the Himalayas.
- The recent confirmation of the Tibetan brown bear sighting dispels the mythical aura and brings a scientific understanding to the region’s rich biodiversity.
Distinctive Features and Rarity:
- Also known as the Tibetan blue bear, this subspecies stands out as one of the rarest bears globally.
- Adapted to the harsh conditions of the Tibetan Plateau, it is seldom encountered in the wild.
- Previous records from Nepal, Bhutan, and the Tibetan plateau affirm its existence, with the latest sighting in Sikkim.
- The Tibetan brown bear differs in appearance from the more commonly found Himalayan Black Bear.
Conservation Status and Protection Measures:
- The Tibetan brown bear holds the highest protection status under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, being listed under Schedule-I.
- Additionally, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) recognizes and protects this species.
- The documented sighting emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to preserve and safeguard the habitats of rare and endangered species.
Parallel Discoveries in Indian Wildlife:
- The discovery of the Tibetan brown bear in Sikkim adds to a series of rare wildlife observations in India.
- Recent instances include the sighting of two rare white owls in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun and the presence of a tiger in one of the highest altitude regions in the country.
- These findings underscore the significance of preserving diverse ecosystems and conducting vigilant wildlife monitoring initiatives.
Conclusion:
- The confirmation of the Tibetan brown bear in Sikkim signifies a breakthrough in wildlife observation and highlights the invaluable role of collaborative efforts between government agencies and conservation organizations.
- As India continues to unravel the secrets of its rich biodiversity, it reinforces the importance of sustainable conservation practices to ensure the survival of rare and endangered species.