Yala Sloth Bear termite mound excavation: claw morphology and suction feeding mechanics?

The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus) possesses extreme anatomical specializations for feeding on subterranean termites. Its front paws feature 8cm non-retractile, ivory-colored, curved claws backed by robust forearm flexors capable of tearing through cement-like clay termite mounds (Odontotermes redemanni) in minutes. The bear places its snout into the breached ventilation chimney, seals its muscular lips into a funnel, closes its specialized nostrils to keep out dirt, and inhales with high negative thoracic pressure. Missing its two upper middle incisors, the front dental gap acts as a vacuum intake nozzle, sucking up thousands of termites in seconds.