Thomas Sharp, a wildlife biologist with Wildlife SOS, has spent years studying and protecting sloth bears in India. Beyond his fieldwork, he plays a key role on the global stage as Co-Chair of the Sloth Bear Expert Team and Deputy Chair of the IUCN Bear Specialist Group (BSG). In these roles, he works alongside leading conservationists from around the world to assess bear populations, guide conservation strategies, and address the challenges facing these species. In this Q&A, Thomas shares insights into the work of the BSG and what it takes to protect bears across their range.
What is the BSG and what are the objectives?
The Bear Specialist Group (BSG) is part of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It focuses on seven terrestrial bear species (the polar bear is managed separately as a marine species).
The BSG’s mission is:
“To promote the conservation of bears living in their natural habitats across their global distribution. This is achieved by gathering, synthesizing, and sharing knowledge; supporting conservation initiatives; providing technical expertise and capacity building; and engaging directly in efforts that reduce threats and support the conservation of all seven terrestrial bear species.”
There are different BSG groups, including the Sloth Bear Expert Team—can you give examples of some of the others?
Yes, the BSG is organized into several species-specific and thematic groups. There are five primary species groups:
- Sloth bear
- Sun bear
- Asiatic black bear
- Andean bear
- Giant panda
In addition, there are three regional groups focused on brown bears:
- European brown bears
- Asian brown bears
- North American bear team (which includes both brown bears and American black bears)
There are also specialist teams, such as:
- The Human–Bear Conflict Expert Team
- The Captive Bear Expert Team
You have been a co-chair of the Sloth Bear BSG—what role do the co-chairs play?
Co-chairs provide leadership and coordination for the expert team’s activities and projects. One of the primary responsibilities is overseeing the species’ Red List assessment, which typically occurs every 10 years. This process involves extensive review of scientific literature, consultation with field experts, and evaluation of conservation challenges across the species’ range.
Co-chairs work closely with team members to synthesize this information and produce the formal assessment in accordance with IUCN guidelines.
On a day-to-day basis, co-chairs organize meetings, guide collaborative projects, and help set priorities. For example, the team has recently led a large-scale sloth bear mapping project, which is producing the most detailed range map for the species to date. This has been a complex, multi-year effort and is now nearing completion.
How many people are on the Sloth Bear BSG, and what qualifications are needed to join?
The team currently includes approximately 25 members. As a new term has recently begun, some new members have joined while others have completed their terms.
The two primary criteria for membership are:
- Demonstrated expertise in wild sloth bear conservation or research
- The ability to actively contribute time and effort to the group’s work
Membership is voluntary, by invitation, and not open for general application. However, individuals actively working on sloth bear conservation who are interested in contributing are encouraged to reach out and express their interest.
What are some of the key initiatives the Sloth Bear BSG is currently working on?
A major focus has been the development of updated bear range maps—not only for sloth bears, but also for sun bears, Asiatic black bears, and Andean bears.
Additionally, with the start of a new term, the team has dedicated time to planning and team coordination. The upcoming IUCN Red List assessment is also a key priority and will require significant effort in the near future.
How does the BSG fit into the IUCN?
The BSG operates under the IUCN’s Species Survival Commission (SSC), which is one of six expert commissions within the organization. The SSC is the largest, comprising a global network of more than 10,000 volunteer experts.
Its core functions include assessing species’ conservation status, developing conservation strategies, and supporting the implementation of recovery efforts.
The sloth bear is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN—is it the BSG’s role to determine that listing?
Yes, the BSG plays a central role in evaluating and recommending the conservation status of sloth bears through the IUCN Red List process. The upcoming reassessment will require significant time and coordination from the team.
What else should people know about the BSG?
The BSG is composed of a highly knowledgeable and dedicated group of individuals. It provides a valuable platform for collaboration and learning, not only about bears but also about broader conservation challenges.
Importantly, all members contribute their time on a voluntary basis, driven by a shared commitment to wildlife conservation.
The work of the Bear Specialist Group is a powerful reminder that conservation is a global effort. By bringing together experts, sharing knowledge, and turning research into action, teams like the Sloth Bear Expert Team are helping safeguard the future of these remarkable animals.
Wildlife SOS is proud to have several of its team members contributing to various BSG expert groups, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to advancing bear conservation at both national and international levels. Strengthening our role in global collaborations like the BSG is an important part of our goal to be a leader in bear research and conservation in India. Through this collective effort, we are helping shape a more informed and effective future for bear conservation.Learn more about the BSG here: https://www.globalbearconservation.org/
