Status of Bears in Bangladesh: Going, Going, Gone?
Status of bears in Bangladesh: going, going, gone? Mohammed Anwarul Islam1,2, Mayeen Uddin2, Mohammad Abdul Aziz2,3, Sabir Bin Muzaffar4,6, Suprio Chakma2, Sayam U. Chowdhury2, Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury1,2, Mohammed Abdur Rashid1, Samiul Mohsanin2, Israt Jahan2, Samia Saif2, Mohammed Baharul Hossain1, Dibendu Chakma5, Mohammed Kamruzzaman3, and Rezvin Akter2 1Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh 2WildTeam (formerly WildlifeTrust of Bangladesh), Cosmos Centre, 69/1 New Circular Road, Malibagh, Dhaka 1217, Bangladesh 3Department of Zoology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar 1342, Dhaka 4Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates 5Taungya, Rangamati, Bangladesh Abstract: Three species of bears occur in Bangladesh, but most populations have declined to very low numbers or disappeared completely. No systematic surveys have been conducted to determine status and distribution of the remnant populations. Therefore, we conducted surveys at 87 sites with historical records of bears. Footprints, claw marks, and other signs were used to identify bears to species level. In addition, semi-structured interviews were carried out targeting local community members to determine the status of bears. Bear signs were documented in 26 sites in the northeast, 42 sites in the southeast, and 1 site in the north-central region of Bangladesh. With the exception of a single sign that presumably came from a sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), all were identified as Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus). Additionally, we documented one recent occurrence of a captive sun bear captured in the southeastern region of Bangladesh not covered in our survey. We conclude that the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus)is possibly extinct in Bangladesh.
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