Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are one of the umbrella species that play an important role for the ecosystem, and is now considered as Vulnerable as per IUCN. The major reason for the continuous decline in its population is habitat degradation and fragmentation due to human settlements and anthropogenic pressures. This has resulted in loss of genetic exchange and hence functional connectivity. If it continues at the same rate, there will only be groups of isolated populations of Sloth bears with very low genetic diversity and high risk of inbreeding depression, ultimately resulting in extinction.

An earlier study by Thatte et al. (2019) highlighted the negative impact of human settlements and landscape features on Sloth bear functional connectivity. Another study by Dutta et al. (2015) also highlighted the importance of corridors for Sloth bears in Satpura-Maikal Landscape. In this project, the team wishes to investigate genetic diversity, gene flow and population structure in the western part of Maharashtra that will include three protected areas; Melghat Tiger Reserve, Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary and Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary. There has been information to connect these areas through corridors based on movement of tigers, but none of the studies have been carried out to identify the functional connectivity in this region.

This study, co-funded by Bears in Mind and the IBA since 2024, investigates the effect of landscape features on functional connectivity among Sloth bear populations in the Melghat landscape, India.