Press Release

Rare Tibetan Brown Bear Discovered in Sikkim

In a groundbreaking revelation, wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists are celebrating the
discovery of the rare Tibetan Brown Bear in the pristine landscape of Sikkim. This
awe-inspiring find not only marks a significant moment for biodiversity in the region but also
underscores the importance of preserving and protecting the state’s precious wildlife. In the
first-ever confirmed record of the Tibetan brown bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus) in India,
camera traps installed by the Sikkim Forest Department and WWF-India recorded this rare
species in the high-altitudes of North Sikkim. The Lachen Dzumsa also supported the team
in the discovery that has now shed new light on the distribution and conservation of this
elusive bear. This discovery adds a new subspecies to the mammal diversity of the
country.

Over the last many decades during interactions with the Dokpas - the nomadic herders from
the high-altitude areas of Tso Lhamo plateau and Muguthang, there was always a mention of
a large unidentified animal stealing sugar and oil stored in the herder camps. This creature,
due to its elusive nature, has also inspired the folklore of the Yeti across the
Himalayas. Many surveys were conducted in the past to discover this elusive animal but
were unsuccessful. This breakthrough came through an extensive camera trap exercise
conducted by a joint team of experts from WWF-India and the Sikkim Forest Department.
The camera traps that recorded the bear were placed by Phuchung Lachenpa, Tashi Palden
Lachenpa and Palden Lepcha in the high altitudes of Mangan district and caught this elusive
bear in December 2023. These photos highlight the characteristic yellowish scarf-like collar
of this bear that broadens from the shoulders to the chest. It is an omnivore with its diet
generally consisting of marmots and alpine vegetation. This rare bear is very different from
the more commonly found Himalayan Black Bear in terms of its appearance, habitat and
behaviour. It inhabits high-altitude alpine forests, meadows and steppe above 4000 m. Also,
it is very shy of human contact and therefore very seldom observed. In contrast, the
Himalayan Black Bear has a distinctive ‘V’ shaped white chest mark, inhabits temperate
forests below 4000 m and comes in frequent contact with humans often resulting in conflict.

The Tibetan brown bear also known as the Tibetan blue bear is one of the rarest
subspecies of bears in the world, and is rarely sighted in the wild. It is uniquely adapted to
the harsh conditions of the Tibetan Plateau. Until now, there were only a few confirmed
records from Nepal, Bhutan and the Tibetan plateau. Consequently, it has been accorded
the highest protection status under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by listing it under
Schedule-I. It is also listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species (CITES) as a protected species.

This record underscores the ecological richness and diversity of the Sikkim region, where
even now major wildlife discoveries are being made. The presence of the Tibetan Brown
Bear adds a new dimension to the rich tapestry of the region's ecological diversity. Believed
to be a previously undocumented population, this discovery has ignited excitement among
researchers and nature lovers alike. This finding also highlights the concerted and
renewed efforts of the Forest and Environment Department to conserve and
safeguard the state’s rich wildlife and their habitat.

Join us in celebrating this extraordinary discovery and advocating for the conservation of
Sikkim's pristine wilderness. As news of this remarkable find spreads, it is our collective
responsibility to champion conservation efforts that will secure a harmonious future for both
the Tibetan Brown Bear and the communities that share its habitat.

Night-time camera trap photos of the elusive Tibetan brown bear in the upper reaches
of Mangan district, Sikkim