Three bear species in Manipur at risk of extinction
Environmentalists have warned that three bear species native to Manipur — the Himalayan (Asiatic) Black Bear, the Sloth Bear, and the Malayan Sun Bear — are being pushed to the brink by rampant deforestation and indiscriminate hunting for meat, skin and body parts such as gallbladders. The warning was issued during a one-day wildlife awareness programme in Panchai, Chandel district, organised by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Chandel and attended by tribal chiefs from the area. Authorities noted that these bears are protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act and urged village leaders to spread awareness and help protect remaining populations.
What exactly did the news report?
At a wildlife awareness event held at the community hall of the Maha Area Chiefs Association (MACA) in Panchai, Chandel district, local forest officials and tribal leaders discussed the deteriorating status of bears in the region. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), N Munal Meitei, highlighted that out of the world’s eight bear species, these three—Himalayan Black Bear (also called Asiatic Black Bear), Sloth Bear, and Malayan Sun Bear—are native to Manipur, with the Asiatic Black Bear still being the most numerous in the state. Officials warned that deforestation and relentless hunting have brought these species perilously close to local extinction, and appealed to tribal chiefs to lead conservation awareness in their villages. The event drew representation from 52 tribal chiefs from villages across Chandel.
FAQs
1. Are the Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, and Sun Bear legally protected in Manipur?
Yes. According to the forest department statement at the Chandel awareness programme, all three are listed under Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, which provides the highest level of protection under Indian law. Enforcement, however, remains the challenge.
2. What are the top threats pushing these bears toward extinction locally?
The main threats are rampant deforestation and indiscriminate hunting — for meat, skin, gallbladder, and other body parts — combined with habitat fragmentation and limited enforcement in remote areas
3. How can a village reduce conflict with bears without harming them?
Simple measures work: secure livestock at night, install predator-proof corrals, protect bee boxes and fruit trees with community watches, and report sightings to the forest department so non-lethal deterrents can be used. Community-led patrolling and alternative income sources also reduce the incentive to hunt.
4. Who should I contact if I suspect illegal hunting or find a trapped/badly injured bear?
Contact your local Divisional Forest Office (DFO) or the nearest forest range office immediately. In emergency situations, community leaders or local NGOs working on wildlife should be notified to coordinate a response. The Chandel DFO’s recent outreach emphasises building these local reporting links.
5. Is there hope — have cases like this been reversed anywhere?
Yes. Species recovery stories tend to follow the same script: strong legal backing, community engagement, alternative livelihoods, and sustained habitat protection. While the news highlights how precarious the situation is, the participation of tribal chiefs and forest officials in awareness programmes is a hopeful sign that coordinated action can begin. The outcome depends on turning words into ongoing, financed action plans.
