Wildlife of Ranthambore National Park is one of the driving factors that boost tourism by attracting a significant tourist footfall in awe of tiger sightings. Well, this is indeed a fact that Bengal tigers are a star attraction in this wildlife reserve, still, one cannot overlook other animal species, including the sloth bears.
To be lucky in viewing the fight between a sloth bear and a tiger, you should book your stay at a jungle resort in Ranthambore that will benefit you in reaching the wildlife reserve at a short distance. So, let’s begin our blog with some interesting facts about these furry species you are unaware of.
Sloth bears of Ranthambore: Habitat and diet
Among the different species of bears, sloth bears are widely found in India. Not just Rajasthan, these animals can be spotted in other Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Northeast regions, and Chattisgarh. Sighting bears in these places gives an unforgettable experience during your wildlife tour.
Talking about appearance, sloth bears have short hind legs, long, black, unkempt hair, and a long nose and lower lip. Unlike other shaggy black bears, these bears have shaggy fur but no undercoat, which helps keep them cool. They prefer grasslands, shrubs, and dry and moist forests.
Nursing and lifespan
One incredible fact about sloth bears is that the cubs are carried on their mother’s backs for the first nine months. When giving birth in a cave, the mother does not move out without water and food for eight weeks. After two weeks, she leaves her cubs to fetch food. The cubs are then introduced to the outside world. The average lifespan of sloth bears is 12 years.
Use of sharp-edged claws
Since they don’t live in cold places, these bears do not hibernate. Their diet includes fruits, insects, and honey. They make the best use of their sharp claws for digging and feeding on termites for their diet. Besides this, claws also help them defend themselves against other animals, including tigers. Sloth bears have this unique quality in closing their nostrils to avoid dust and insects.
Clash with tigers
Animals often get into bloody encounters with other species. Fight between sloth bears and tigers is no hidden fact. There are videos showing the clash between these animals. And it is surprising to see sloth bears shoving away the tigers in their self defence. Although, it happens very rarely, because it is not that easy with big male tigers.
Still, their aggressiveness helps a lot in surviving in coexistence with these striped big cats. You are wrong if you think tourists’ interest rests only on tigers. Sloth bears equally share the limelight. You can spot them in zones from 6 to 10.
Relation with humans
It is disturbing to know that sloth bears in Ranthambore National Park have gone to the verge of extinction. But in recent years, there has been a steady rise in their numbers. In 2021, there were around 100 sloth bears. This positive development is all because of the development of grasslands. This seems reasonable to know in terms of wildlife conservation. Like Bengal tigers, you might also like to know about their relationship with humans.
Well, this is not that impressive because these bears see humans as a threat, so there have been conflicts between the two. One disturbing fact is related to the Kalandar tribes, who kill mother bears to keep the cubs and use them as a tool for amusement for the ancient ‘Dancing Bear Tradition’. They are listed in Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, ensuring legal protection of these animals.
Top resort to stay near Ranthambore for sloth bear sighting
If you are curious about spotting sloth bears other than Bengal tigers, then Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, is one of the top resorts in Ranthambore for your luxury stay. It perfectly balances traditional and contemporary aesthetics with a touch of luxury. Built on sprawling 7 acres of land, the resort has well-appointed opulent rooms with modern amenities.
Other facilities besides taking a good night’s sleep in comfy bedrooms are provided here. These include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, wellness & spa, bathrooms with an open shower, yoga session on request, etc. Let’s have a brief overview of its two lavish room categories, which are
- Premium Room with Aravalli View
The Premium Room of 500 sq. ft. is a lavish room category that provides a mesmerising Aravalli view. Located on the first floor, this sprawling space is bedecked with Rajasthani decor elements, presenting a rich tapestry of vibrant hues. The liberal use of wood brings warmth to the area around. The room also facilitates guests with an open shower area and a cubicle. You can opt for any of these two options to refresh yourself.
- Luxury Room with Plunge Pool
The Luxury Room on the ground floor is another lavish category for your stay. Sprawling with 550 – 650 sq. ft., it has a private heated plunge pool where you can take a refreshing dip or relax with your favourite beverage. Scoring high on the decor, this room category reflects Rajasthan’s rich culture and heritage. The liberal use of wood adds elegance to it. A private sitout room here lets you enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Best venue for hosting special events
Planning a destination wedding in Ranthambore might be a dream for some couples. You can make it true by booking Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, the best venue with facilities including a 10000 sq. ft. pillarless banquet space and a sprawling lawn area.
Six different seating style arrangements accommodate guests for your wedding function. Besides proving to be a promising venue for celebration, Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal is also best for hosting corporate meetings. In this way, it strikes a unique balance between leisure and work.
Experiencing unforgettable dining at Sawai Cafe
Sawai Cafe at Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, is one of the best family restaurants in Ranthambore. With its thoughtfully curated menu, it serves delicacies ranging from authentic Rajasthani cuisine to global favourites. The food here is prepared using fresh ingredients and spices from the region.
Besides lip-smacking meals, you won’t stop admiring the restaurant’s interiors, featuring black and white chequered flooring, wooden furnishings, and eye-catching artwork on the walls. Opposite the restaurant is a well-appointed bar that stocks a worldwide selection of liqueurs and cocktails.
Conclusion
Sloth bears in Ranthambore also share the same limelight with Bengal tigers. Today, in this blog, we have presented some intriguing facts about the animal you might be unaware of. But with this small guide, we have tried to give you an understanding of it. So when coming to Ranthambore National Park, don’t get confined to tiger sightings but pay attention to sloth bears in safari zones.
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Book Hotel: Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore
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Email: reservations.ranthambore@bookmarkresorts.com
Location: Ranthambore Road, Village Khilchipur, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan 322001
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