Asiatic Black Bear Near Extinction

Asiatic Black Bear Near Extinction

Asiatic black bear, a rare species of fauna, can be found in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan and is one of two distinct species of bears living in Iran.
The habitat of black bear is southeast Iran, particularly Kerman, Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormuzgan provinces. This rare species lives particularly in mountainous and forest areas. Black bear is omnivorous and its diet is mostly honey, insects, small vertebrates, invertebrates and different kinds of fruits, according to Iran Daily.

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According to UN classification, Iran’s black bear is on the verge of extinction and it might be completely wiped out in the near future.
The only way to save the black bear is by preparing conditions for their reproduction. This rare species can be found in the protected forest area of Pouzak in Nikshahr.
Director general of Sistan-Baluchestan Environment Protection Department said that his organization has taken steps to protect the black bear by conducting research, patrolling and controlling the protected area, as well as feeding dates to animals by hand during drought.
“A cub that was taken from its parents is presently protected by Sistan-Baluchestan Environment Protection Department with the help of local people,“ Parviz Aramanesh added.

He further noted that under normal conditions all animals live, grow and reproduce naturally. “However, in critical conditions, reproduction of rare species of fauna can be done artificially in laboratories,“ he further said. The official noted that given the sensitive case of black bear and the protective shield created by the animal itself, it is very difficult to observe the animal under normal conditions. “We have realized the presence of black bear by traces the animal has left behind and also the cub that was saved by local people,“ Aramanesh said. Environmentalists believe that since the black bear is rare, it should be protected and its population should be brought under control. They say people should be informed about the importance of this rare species of fauna.