Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.