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507 Featured Specimen
Sun bear

Details

Sun bear

Helarctos malayanus

Size
1–1.4 m · 25–65 kg
Diet
Omnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Sociality
Solitary
Lifespan
20-30 years

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.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It inhabits Indomalayan tropical forest from lowlands to hills. Dense evergreen forest, secondary growth, and fruit-rich woodland are used from ground to canopy.

Appearance

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.

Behavior

Mostly nocturnal and solitary, it is an agile climber. It may build resting platforms in trees and range quietly through dense forest.

Feeding

An omnivore, it eats fruit, insects, honey, small animals, and plant matter. Strong claws tear into logs and nests to expose hidden food.

Reproduction

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.

Notes

It is listed as Vulnerable. Forest loss, poaching, and illegal trade for body parts are major threats.