For the Tiger State of Madhya Pradesh, conservation of sloth bears, (vulnerable species in IUCN Red list) was never a priority. However, the State might have to change its approach after the discovery of “skilful” and “professional” poaching of at least eight male sloth bears from the tiger reserve areas for their reproductive organs and gallbladder.
Forest officials of MP feel the poaching was carried out possibly with the help of a global syndicate. A special investigation team has been set up to track down poachers and traders. Bears are the only mammals to produce significant amounts of bile acid which has a high demand in countries like China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, the Republic of South Korea and Taiwan.
Forest officials from MP were shocked to find that reproductive organs and claws were deftly chopped from the carcasses. While two bodies were found near buffer zone of Kanha Tiger Reserve, five to six others were recovered from the forests near Chhindwara, Betul and Burhanpur districts of the State.
According to experts, poachers are targeting sloth bears in the State because of the medicinal qualities of the reproductive organs, gallbladders and paws of the animal. It is claimed that these sloth bear parts can be used as aphrodisiacs, cancer cure, and medicine for treating burns, asthma, sinusitis and other ailments. It is also claimed that consuming sloth bear gallbladder and its products such as bile can prevent and treat liver diseases.
Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh, Narendra Kumar admitted to the seriousness of the situation saying, “Sloth bears are equally threatened species. We have got fresh clues about a specialised gang involved in poaching. Five different officers have been put at the job who are working with their respective teams looking at various aspects of the investigation.
According to the sources, the Assistant conservator of forest Ritesh Sirothia will lead the Special Investigation Team. They informed that two poachers have been detained by the team in connection with the sloth bear killed in Chhindwara region. The experts pointed out that bear bile is becoming a rage in parts of South Asia for its use in Chinese traditional medicines.
Bear bile farms are run for the purpose where Asiatic black bears are locked in small cages and their bile is drained through a painful procedure. Often their teeth and claws are also removed so they can approach the bear without fear of injury.