Linking critical patches of sloth bear Melursus ursinus for their conservation in Meghamalai hills, Western Ghats, India

The study examines the distribution and factors regulating the sloth bear in a fragmented hills of Meghamalai in Western Ghats through occupancy framework. Indirect evidences were sought over 133 grids of 4 sq. km size between December 2011 and December 2012. Indirect evidences were recorded in 58 of 133 sampled grids that estimated naïve occupancy of 0.43 (p = 0.3180). Understorey cover negatively affected the detection of indirect evidences. The parsimonious model contained three covariates, viz. tree height, grass cover and anthropogenic disturbance. Overall occupancy of bear was 0.54, which is 25% higher than the naïve occupancy estimate. The study predicted higher proportion of evergreen forests with intermediate grass cover and less extent of disturbance determines the occupancy of bear in these hills. The 'critical link' connecting Periyar–Agastiyamalai hills and Anamalai hills is still active and supports high suitable sites for bears. It is suggested that Ammagajam–Upper Manalar Contiguity and Critical Link needs to be protected by appending with Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.