What kind of bear is the Bornean sun bear?

The Bornean sun bear is a subspecies of the sun bear and is known as the smallest bear in the world. They have black fur and a distinctive yellow or orange marking on their chest, which resembles the sun.

This marking is why they are also called 'sun bears'. They are found only on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, and their numbers are dwindling year by year. Bornean sun bears are excellent climbers and spend a lot of time in trees. They use their powerful claws and strong jaws to climb tree trunks, break open termite mounds, and gather fruit. They also have long tongues that they use to lick honey.

What do Bornean sun bears eat?

Bornean sun bears are omnivores, eating fruits, insects, honey, and sometimes small mammals and bird eggs.

Their diet varies depending on the season and the climate of the year. When fruits are abundant, they eat a lot of fruit. When fruits are scarce, they eat more insects and honey. They especially love termites and bee larvae. They use their powerful claws to tear open termite mounds and beehives, and their long tongues to lick up the insects and honey inside. They are particularly fond of figs and durian fruits. They sometimes raid plantations to eat coconuts and bananas.

Why are they endangered?

Bornean sun bears are endangered mainly due to human activities.

・Habitat destruction: Their rainforest habitat is being lost due to deforestation, agricultural development, and road construction.

・Poaching: Their gallbladders are highly valued as an ingredient in traditional Asian medicine, making them a target for poachers. Their fur and meat are also illegally traded.

・Human-wildlife conflict: As humans venture into forests for activities like gathering wild vegetables and mushrooms, encounters with bears have increased. This can lead to incidents where bears attack humans, or conversely, humans kill bears.

To protect Bornean sun bears, it is crucial to protect their rainforest habitat, stop poaching, and prevent human-wildlife conflict.

[Quiz!] How are Bornean sun bear cubs raised?

Female Bornean sun bears usually give birth to one to three cubs. The cubs drink their mother's milk for about two years.

Mothers are very protective of their cubs and raise them with care. The cubs learn how to climb trees and find food from their mother. They become independent at around two years of age.

[Quiz!] Do Bornean sun bears hibernate?

Bornean sun bears do not hibernate.

They live in tropical rainforests, where they don't need to hibernate. Tropical rainforests are warm year-round and food is plentiful, so they can be active throughout the year without hibernating.

[Quiz!] What can we do to protect Bornean sun bears?

There are many things we can do to help protect Bornean sun bears.

・Reduce palm oil use: Palm oil is used in a variety of products around us. However, to produce palm oil, rainforests are being cleared, destroying the habitat of Bornean sun bears. By reducing our use of palm oil, we can help protect their habitat.

・Don't participate in the illegal wildlife trade: Bornean sun bear gallbladders, fur, and meat are illegally traded. By refusing to buy these products, we can help reduce poaching.

・Donate to organizations working to protect Bornean sun bears: You can support their conservation efforts by donating to organizations that work to protect Bornean sun bears.

・Learn about Bornean sun bears and spread awareness: By learning about Bornean sun bears and sharing what you've learned with others, you can help raise awareness about their plight and the importance of protecting them.

Even small actions can make a big difference when we all work together. Let's each consider what we can do to help protect the Bornean sun bear, our fellow inhabitants of Earth, and take action!