Wildlife Biology

Sun bears are found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia ranging from north-eastern India,
Myanmar, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia to southern Yunnan province in China, and
on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Scientific name: Helarctos malayanus
Population: There are no reliable numbers but it is said the population has fallen roughly 30% in the last
30 years
Short and sleek jet black fur with a cream/orange crest on its neck
The sun bear is the smallest of the bears. Adults are about 4759 in long and weigh 60140 lb.
20-25 cm tounge
Females start to mate at 3 years of age
the sun bear will show mating behavior by hugging, mock fighting and head bobbing with its mate.
Born blind and totally dependent on their mother. After 1-3 months they will play and forage but
continue to suckle on their mother for 18 months. Gestation has been reported at 95 and 174 days
Litters consist of one or two cubs weighing about 10 oz each
Deforestation and habitat destruction
Captured
For use in illegal pet trade
Used on bear farms for bear bile
Hunted/poached for meat
Gall bladder is used for traditional medicine
Eat fruits, berries, roots, insects, small birds, lizards, and rodents
Also uses its long tongue to eat insects, honey, and honeycombs.
Also referred to as the Honey Bear.
Predators of the Sun Bear include
Humans
Tigers
Leopards
Clouded Leopards
Reticulated Python
Asiatic Black Bears
Sun Bears have the longest claws and tongues of any bear.

Sun Bears are also reffered to as the Dog Bear due to being the smallest bear