Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Title : | Phylogeography and threat assessment of Malayan Sun bear across protected areas of Mizoram, India |
Area of research : | Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. Sushanto Gouda, Mizoram University, Mizoram |
Timeline Start Year : | 2022 |
Timeline End Year : | 2024 |
Contact info : | sushantogouda@gmail.com |
Details
Executive Summary : | Sun bears, endemic to the tropical and deciduous forests of Southeast Asia, are a forest-dependent species that feeds on fruits in the forest canopy. Their population has declined by 30-50% over the past 30 years due to habitat loss and poaching. The species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is listed in Appendix I of CITES. There are two sub-species of Sun bears: one distributed across mainland Southeast Asia, small parts of adjacent China, India, Bangladesh, and Sumatra, and the second on Borneo. The range of Sun bears is broken up naturally by ocean into three main populations: mainland Southeast Asia, Sumatra, and Borneo. These populations face barriers to movement due to habitat fragmentation, logging, fires, mining, and expansion of commercial plantations. These factors can also act as a barrier to gene flow for sun bears in their natural habitat.
Demographic or genetic exchanges are crucial to monitor due to cumulative threats associated with population fragmentation. While other bear species have been assessed on a sub-population level, Sun bears have not been assessed. Elucidating natural genetic variation among undisturbed Sun bear populations will enhance understanding of the phylogenetic history and provide insights into genetic processes. With rapid rate of forest cover change, habitat loss, and increasing human populations within Sun bear range, it is urgent to use available data to identify sub-populations and steer priorities for broad-scale population management. Understanding processes affecting population genetics could help wildlife biologists maintain genetic diversity in Mizoram and India and provide information to help preserve threatened and endangered bear populations. |
Organizations involved