Details
Helarctos malayanus
The sun bear is a small bear of Southeast Asian tropical forests. A pale chest mark and long tongue suit a life of climbing for fruit, insects, and honey.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits Indomalayan tropical forest from lowlands to hills. Dense evergreen forest, secondary growth, and fruit-rich woodland are used from ground to canopy.
Length 100-140 cm; weight 25-65 kg. Short black fur, a pale chest patch, powerful forelimbs, large claws, and a long tongue are distinctive.
Mostly nocturnal and solitary, it is an agile climber. It may build resting platforms in trees and range quietly through dense forest.
An omnivore, it eats fruit, insects, honey, small animals, and plant matter. Strong claws tear into logs and nests to expose hidden food.
Females bear one or two cubs and rear them in sheltered sites. Cubs follow the mother for an extended period while learning to climb and forage.
It is listed as Vulnerable. Forest loss, poaching, and illegal trade for body parts are major threats.
