A small bear of Southeast Asian tropical forests, with short black fur and round ears. Many have a pale chest marking.
The chest marking varies in shape and can be absent. Large paws carry curved claws.
Sun Bears use strong claws to open wood and a long tongue to reach insects and honey. Fruit is also important in their tropical-forest diet.
San Diego Zoo researchers followed four zoo-born cubs to study development and maternal relationships. Related projects examined reproductive biology and effects of surrounding noise on a zoo-housed mother and cub.
Forest conversion, logging, poaching and the pet trade are threats, alongside conflict over crops. Conservation includes research, local education and partnerships addressing land use.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.
Habitat loss, poaching, the pet trade and crop conflict threaten Sun Bears. Conservation partnerships include education and work addressing forest loss.