Comparative study on the rhythmic changes in haematological parameters between captive and free ranging wild sloth bear (Melursus ursinus)

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to assess the rhythmic changes in the haematological variables between captive and free ranging wild Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). The animals were distributed into two groups, Group I (Captive Sloth bear; n = 15) and Group II (Free ranging wild sloth bear; n = 15). The blood samples were collected from 30 Sloth bears. In wild condition, the mean (±SD) of WBC and monocytes developed highly significant (p < 0.01) difference than captive whereas in captivity the RBC, haemoglobin and PCV revealed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher value than that of wild habitat. Based on sex, the mean (±SD) of RBC, haemoglobin and PCV were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in captive female than male whereas the MCH was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in male than female. Based on age, wild adult in mean (±SD) of WBC and captive adult in mean (±SD) of RBC, PCV and MCH showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher value as compared to their respective counterpart. Therefore, this comparative analysis of all hematological parameters of sloth bear based on habitat, gender and age would be evidenced enough for protection and conservation of the animal by better disease diagnosis and management in both captivity and free ranging wild habitat.

KEYWORDS:

• Age
• gender
• habitat
• haematological variables
• sloth bear

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Wildlife SOS, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Karnataka Forest Department, as well as all Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre staff for all their assistance during the period of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.