What bear species has the scientific name Melursus ursinus?

The bear species with the scientific name Melursus ursinus is the sloth bear.

Sloth bears are native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Their scientific name reflects their classification: Melursus is the genus and ursinus is the species name. They are the only living members of the genus Melursus.

Despite their name, sloth bears are not closely related to sloths. The name arose from their shaggy fur, slow-looking movement and habit of hanging or climbing in ways that reminded early observers of sloths. Their specialized diet is dominated by ants and termites, which they vacuum up with a long, flexible lower lip and powerful inhalation.

Sloth bears are also called Indian bears or labiated bears. They typically have long, black, shaggy hair, large claws and a pale V-shaped chest mark. Habitat loss, human conflict and historical exploitation have contributed to their vulnerable conservation status. They can look unlike the more familiar brown or black bears because their body shape and feeding adaptations are unusually specialized.