Sloth Bear Movement Near Tamil Nadu Villages: KMTR Faces Growing Challenge

Managers of Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tamil Nadu are confronting a growing challenge — sloth bears moving along forest fringes into areas close to human habitations. The problem has also been reported from Ambasamudhram, Kadayam, Papanasam and Thirukurungudi forest ranges where bears have begun to frequent hillocks just outside the notified forest boundary. “Many hillocks have turned into semi-permanent shelters for the animals. Seasonal abundance of fruits such as mango, figs and jamun has created rich feeding grounds that draw the omnivorous bears out of the forest,” says R Murugan, KMTR field director.

Small temples on the hillocks have also become feeding sites for the animals. Sloth bears are drawn to high-calorie sources such as the oil used in temple lamps, along with food offerings left behind by devotees. “Most sightings occur during early morning and late evening, when bears move between feeding and resting sites. At these times, they stray close to villages,” says L C S Srikanth, KMTR deputy director.

Forest officials have identified eight vulnerable villages in each affected range where residents regularly report sightings. Such encounters are particularly dangerous because sloth bears, though generally shy, are known to react aggressively when surprised.


“In a recent incident, a resident was attacked and villagers demanded that the animal be removed,” says an official, adding that a cage was installed in the area, and a bear captured. “As per protocol, captured animals can be released into the wild only after approval from the head of the department. We had to release the bear into a suitable core area of the reserve.”

Such translocation exercises are manpower-intensive, expensive, and logistically demanding, says the official. Despite the challenges, patrolling has been intensified, and local bodies and industries have been told not to dump waste in open areas.

Solar fencing has been installed along vulnerable stretches. Plans are on to install solar barriers along other fringe areas and relocate dump yards close to forest boundaries. A toll-free helpline has been launched to report wildlife movement.