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Global Animal Guide

Where Do Sloth Bears Live?

Quick answer

Sloth Bears are native to Asia. Dry and moist forests, grasslands, and scrub of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, with strongholds in central and western India.

By the Global Animal Guide editorial team Last reviewed How we research & review

Native range

Dry and moist forests, grasslands, and scrub of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, with strongholds in central and western India.

Continents and countries

Sloth Bears occur across Asia. Local populations depend on intact habitat, prey or food plants, and freedom from persecution.

Habitat types

Dry and moist forests, grasslands, and scrub of the Indian subcontinent provide shelter and feeding grounds. Seasonal movement may follow rains, prey migrations, or breeding cycles.

Range changes

Historic range may exceed current distribution. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate shifts continue to affect where sloth bears persist today.

FAQs

Where do sloth bears live in the wild?

Dry and moist forests, grasslands, and scrub of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, with strongholds in central and western India.

What do sloth bears eat?

They feed on omnivore — termites, ants, fruit, and honey, varying by season and local habitat.

Are sloth bears endangered?

Sloth Bears are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

How big is a sloth bear?

Adults weigh about 90 kg and reach roughly 1.7 m long.

Sources

← Back to Sloth Bear guide