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First annual World Sloth Bear Day
Photos (C) International Animal Rescue/Roger Allen.
Conservationists mark the occasion. 

The first annual World Sloth Bear Day, which takes place today – 12 October – is being celebrated by conservations worldwide, as organisations come together to call for greater measures to protect the species.

'Sloth bears', or Melursus ursinus are native to the Indian subcontinent, and are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature)  Red List. 

The bears, identifiable by their long, shaggy dark fur, V-shaped chest patch and long curved claws, have dropped in population by 40 to 50 per cent over the last 30 years.

This population drop is attributed to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, poaching and increased human-bear conflict. 

Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of Wildlife SOS, said: “Sloth Bears have inhabited the Indian subcontinent for nearly 2 million years. They are the least researched bears in the world and we have a lot of mysteries to uncover about this unique species. 

“It is our hope that 12 October every year will stand as a day to focus on sloth bear conservation worldwide.”

Suggested to the IUCN by Wildlife SOS, World Sloth Bear Day intends to promote the conservation of sloth bears and their habitats, encourage and accelerate research into the species, and increase public awareness of the bears and their plight.

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder of Wildlife SOS, discussed the purpose of the international day: “This day is a rallying call for people around the world to learn about this little known species and promote the conservation of sloth bears so we never see a day without this species. 

“The public can help conserve India’s sloth bears by learning about their habitats and supporting organisations actively working to protect them.”

President of International Animal Rescue (IAR) Alan Knight OBE, added: “Since working with our partners Wildlife SOS to rescue dancing bears off the streets of India, I have come to appreciate what remarkable creatures sloth bears are. 

“In spite of their resilience and adaptability, their population in the wild is declining owing to human activity, habitat loss, poaching for body parts and human-bear conflict. At International Animal Rescue we are extremely proud of the work we do with Wildlife SOS to protect and conserve sloth bears in India. 

'We will certainly be marking 12 October as a special day for sloth bears and using it to increase awareness of the species and the many threats it currently faces.

“With only 6,000 to 11,000 sloth bears left in the wild in India, it is imperative to take action to conserve remaining populations.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.