In pictures: Rare Tibetan brown bear spotted in Sikkim

This species, scientifically known as Ursus arctos pruinosus, was recorded in camera traps set up by the Sikkim Forest Department and WWF-India.

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Earlier, nomadic herders called Dokpa, coming from the highlands of the Tso Lhamo Plateau and Muguthanga, had mentioned stories of unknown animals stealing sugar and oil from their pastoral camps. Over the decades, Yeti folklore gained prominence throughout the Himalayas, with failed attempts to capture this elusive creature.

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In a social media post on Instagram, All India Radio News shared pictures of this Tibetan brown bear and said, “The camera trap recording the bear was placed at the height of Mangan district by Fuchung Lachenpa, Tashi Palden Lachenpa and Palden Lepcha and captured this elusive bear in December 2023.”

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The post further reads, “These photos highlight this bear’s distinctive yellow scarf-like collar that widens from the shoulders to the chest.”

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Also known as the Tibetan blue bear, it is one of the rarest subspecies of bear in the world. This subspecies has adapted to the harsh conditions of the Tibetan Plateau and is rarely seen in the wild. A few records from Nepal, Bhutan and the Tibetan Plateau confirm its sightings, the latest of which has been seen in Sikkim. This species is different in appearance from the commonly found Himalayan black bear.

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The Tibetan brown bear species has been given the highest conservation status under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and is listed under Schedule I. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has also listed it as a protected species.

Earlier, a video of the sighting of two rare white owls in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh had surfaced. Forest department officials said that this sensitive species of owl is uncommon in these areas. After discovering these birds, forest officials tried to relocate them to their natural habitat. Another rare find involves the sighting of a tiger in one of the highest altitude areas of the country.

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Published: Jan 15, 2024, 02:07 PM IST