Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Rare Wildlife Returns to Bengal Forests
Recently, officials in West Bengal, India, found pictures of sloth bears in the forests of Purulia district.
This is exciting because it shows that these rare animals are coming back to the area.
The forest department and a group called HEAL set up cameras to study wildlife.
They found not just sloth bears, but also other rare animals like musk deer, hyenas, and honey badgers.
The officials are working to protect these animals and teach people in nearby villages how to live peacefully with them.
This is great news because it means the forests are becoming healthier and more animals are returning to their natural homes.
At least four sloth bears were confirmed in the Kotshila–Jhalda range in Purulia district, West Bengal.
A camera-trap survey conducted by the state forest department and HEAL captured images of the bears.
Officials are working on a conservation project and awareness drives to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Recent discoveries include Indian striped hyenas, pangolins, wolves, and a honey badger in the region.
Scientists also confirmed the presence of a musk deer in Neora Valley National Park, the first documentation in nearly 70 years.
- Who
- State forest department, HEAL, Chief Wildlife Warden Sandeep Sundriyal
- What
- Discovery of sloth bears and other rare wildlife in Bengal forests
- When
- Camera-trap survey began in January, recent discoveries in September 2023
- Where
- Purulia district, West Bengal, Neora Valley National Park
- Why
- To monitor and conserve endangered species and reduce human-wildlife conflict
- Species Spotted
- Sloth bears, musk deer, Indian striped hyenas, pangolins, wolves, honey badgers
- Location
- Purulia district, West Bengal
- Survey Conducted By
- State forest department and HEAL
- Conservation Efforts
- Awareness drives in surrounding villages
- Recent Discoveries
- Musk deer in Neora Valley National Park, honey badger in Kotshila Range