The most arboreal (tree-living) of all bears, the sun bear is an excellent climber and sunbathes or sleeps in trees 2 to 7 metres (7 to 23 feet) above the ground. [70] The Malayan sun bears are part of an international captive-breeding program and a Species Survival Plan under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since late 1994. It is believed sun bears can delay implantation, meaning the fertilized egg reaches the uterus in a dormant state and remains there for several months before becoming active. ( Sanderson, 1972; Ward and Kynaston, 1995) Biogeographic Regions. @omegawiki. Poaching is common in several countries in the region. sweet potatoes [8][35][36] The sun bear is an excellent climber; it sunbathes or sleeps in trees 2 to 7 metres (7 to 23 feet) above the ground. malayanus. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. They do not seem to hibernate, possibly because food resources are available the whole year throughout the range. Sun bears grow to only about half the size of an American black bear. [53] Sun bears are extinct in Singapore. [8][3] Infants are greyish black with a pale brown or white snout and the chest patch is dirty white; the coat of older juveniles may be dark brown. A crest is seen on the sides of the neck and a whorl occurs in the centre of the breast patch. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). It would get: honey; fruits - e.g. Subspecies: H. malayanus, H. euryspilus. [3][37], Sun bears are found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia; the range is bound by northeastern India to the north and extends south to southeast through Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam in mainland Asia to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia to the south. [14] In 1906, Richard Lydekker proposed another subspecies by the name H. m. wardii for a sun bear skull, noting its similarities to a skull from Tibet with a thicker coat; however the Tibetan specimen was later found to be an Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus). Genus: Helarctos. This has possibly been the case since prehistoric times and is not a result of human interference. [3][26][29] The claws are sickle-shaped; the front claws are long and heavy. The range of the sun bear is bound by northeastern India to the north and extends south to southeast through Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam in mainland Asia to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia to the south. A bear (Helarctos malayanus) native to Southeast Asian forests, having black fur with a gray to orange muzzle and a tawny, crescent-shaped chest marking. Test your knowledge with this quiz. Its large forepaws bear long, curved claws, which it uses for tearing or digging in its search for insect nests and colonies, particularly those of bees and termites. Mangroves may be inhabited, but usually only when they are close to preferred habitat types. [4][26] The overall unique morphology of this bear—inward-turned front feet, flattened chest, powerful forelimbs with large claws—indicates adaptations for extensive climbing. It is the smallest species of bear. Their range is probably greater than what is actually known. Scientifically known as Helarctos Malayanus, the sun bear gets its name from the pale crescent or horseshoe shape on its chest which is said to resemble the sun setting or rising. [51][52] Oestrus lasts five to seven days. Adult Sun Bears have almost no predators except humans, due to their fierce reputation and formidable teeth. [39][40], Sun bears are shy and reclusive animals, and usually do not attack humans unless provoked to do so, or if they are injured or with their cubs; their timid nature led these bears to be tamed often and kept as pets in the past. The world’s smallest species of bear, the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), has been classed as Vulnerable, while the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) remains in the Endangered category on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.The sun bear’s new status has been accepted for inclusion in the 2007 IUCN Red List. The IUCN has listed this species as vulnerable. [8][37] Sun bears stand on their hindfeet for a broader view of their surroundings or smell far-off objects; they try to intimidate their enemies by displaying the chest patch if threatened. [25], The sun bear is the smallest of all bear species. [72], Bear from tropical forests of Southeast Asia, 10.1644/1545-1410(2002)696<0001:HM>2.0.CO;2, "XVII. The ~ (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear, weighing 27 to 65 kg (60 to 145 lbs). Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. The head-and-body length is between 100 and 140 centimetres (39 and 55 inches), and the shoulder height is nearly 70 cm (28 in). These bears are threatened by heavy deforestation and illegal hunting for food and the wildlife trade; they are also harmed in conflicts with humans when they enter farmlands, plantations and orchards. Sun bears were killed by shooting or administering poison to protect coconut and snakefruit plantations in East Kalimantan. Sun bear populations appear to decrease in size northward from Sundaland, and numbers are especially low in the northern and western extremes of the range. [3][34] Reported lengths for pregnancies vary from 95 to 240 days; pregnancy tends to be longer in zoos in temperate climate possibly due to delay in implantation or fertilisation. Disclaimer. Helarctos malayanus ranges from the eastern Himalayas to Szechuan in China, then southward throughout Burma, parts of Indochina and the Malayan peninsula. Atlas » Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. [16][17] Genetic differences between the two subspecies are obscure. NahidRains' cameras of choice, as Nahid M Helal, the company's CEO and owner, explained, are from Blackmagic: "Once I first got my Blackmagic Cinema Camera, I fell in love with its wide dynamic range and the beautiful images it produced, which the succeeding models, including the Pocket Cinema Camera, Production Camera 4K and URSA also inherit. [34] Births occur inside hollow tree cavities. It is stockily built, with large paws, strongly curved claws, small rounded ears and a short snout. [33] The head is large, broad and heavy in proportion to the body, but the ears are proportionately smaller; the palate is wide in proportion to the skull. It is easily tamed. [65] Hunting pressure is rising even in some protected areas; in the Nam Ha National Protected Area in Laos, hunter snares have been found that specifically target bears. [1][3], Sun bears tend to avoid heavily logged forests and areas close to human settlement. Its unique morpholo… A 2014 report documented rampant poaching and trade in sun bear parts in Sarawak, more than anywhere else in Malaysia; the researchers recommended stricter legislations in the state to protect local sun bears. [1] They occupy home ranges of varying sizes in different areas, ranging from 7 to 27 square kilometres (2 1⁄2 to 10 1⁄2 square miles) in Borneo and peninsular Malaysia; a study in Ulu Segama Forest Reserve in Sabah (Malaysia) gave the sizes of ranges as 8.7–20.9 km2 (3 3⁄8–8 1⁄16 sq mi). The Malayan Sun Bear or Beruang Matahari is scientifically known as Helarctos malayanus and belongs to the family Ursidae. It weighs only 27–65 kg (59–143 pounds) and grows 1–1.2 m (3.3–4 feet) long with a 5-centimetre (2-inch) tail. Omissions? sun bear: A bear (Helarctos malayanus) native to Southeast Asian forests, having black fur with a gray to orange muzzle and a tawny, crescent-shaped chest marking. Heavy deforestation (due to agriculture, logging and forest fires) and hunting for wildlife trade are severe threats throughout the range; human-bear conflicts are a relatively minor threat. Sun bears are located in southeast Asia in countries including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and the islands of Borneo, Sumatra and Java. [37] Cubs are born deaf with eyes closed. Helarctos malayanus (Sun Bear) is a species of mammals in the family bears.They are listed as vulnerable by IUCN and in cites appendix i.They are found in the indo-malayan realm.They are solitary, nocturnal herbivores.Individuals are known to live for 297.6 months and can grow to 1220.79 mm. Numbers are especially low in Bangladesh and China, and populations in Vietnam are feared to decline severely by 50–80% in the next 30 years. Some individuals may even lack the patch. [64] A report published by TRAFFIC in 2011 showed that sun bears, along with Asian black bears and brown bears, are specifically targeted for the bear bile trade in southeastern Asia, and are kept in bear farms in Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. [3] Two whirls occur on the shoulders, from whence the hair radiates in all directions. noun (Zoöl.) Also called honey bear, Malayan sun bear. Sun bears get their name from the characteristic orange to cream coloured chest patch. [1][26] Compared to other continents, southeastern Asia has undergone severe depletion in forest cover over the past few decades (by almost 12% between 1990 and 2010); this has resulted in substantial habitat loss for forest-dependent species such as sun bears. [9], The sun bear was first described in 1821 from Sumatra by British statesman Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, who gave it the scientific name Ursus malayanus. Sun bear, also called bruang, honey bear, or Malayan sun bear, smallest member of the family Ursidae, found in Southeast Asian forests. Habitat Sun bears are found in dense lowland tropical forests. any small lustrous beetle of the genus Amara. Mothers protect their cubs aggressively. [3][27] The characteristic chest patch, typically U-shaped but sometimes circular or spotlike, varies from orange or ochre-yellow to buff or cream, or even white. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/animal/sun-bear, San Diego Zoo - Animals and Plants - Sun Bear. It is not required but it'd be much appreciated. Their range can extend further into southern China and far eastern India. Updates? It is the smallest bear, standing nearly 70 centimetres (28 inches) at the shoulder and weighing 25–65 kilograms (55–143 pounds). [1] Population densities vary from 4.3 and 5.9 individuals per 100 km2 (39 sq mi) in Khao Yai National Park (Thailand) to 26 individuals per 100 km2 (39 sq mi) in the Harapan Rainforest in southern Sumatra. [43], Sun bears are omnivores and feed on a broad variety of items such as ants, bees, beetles, honey, termites and plant material such as seeds and several kinds of fruits. [3][8] Sun bears do not seem to hibernate, possibly because food resources are available the whole year throughout the range. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... “Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!” Quiz. [69], The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, founded by Wong Siew Te in Sabah (Malaysia) in 2008, aims to work for the welfare of sun bears rescued from poor conditions in captivity and spread awareness about their conservation. The bear (Helarctos, or Ursus, malayanus) is often tamed as a pet when young but becomes bad-tempered and dangerous as an adult. [7][8] 'Honey bear' can also refer to the kinkajou. The underfur is particularly thick and black in adults, while the guard hairs are lighter. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. [27][32] The teeth are very large, especially the canines, and the bite force is high relative to its body size for reasons not well understood; a possible explanation could be its frequent opening of tropical hardwood trees with its powerful jaws and claws in pursuit of insects, larvae, or honey. It is the smallest bear, standing nearly 70 centimetres (28 inches) at the shoulder and weighing 25–65 kilograms (55–143 pounds). [1][41] Tigers are major predators; dholes and leopards have also been recorded preying on sun bears but cases are relatively fewer. [48] A study in Central Borneo revealed that sun bears play an important role in the seed dispersal of Canarium pilosum (a tree in the family Burseraceae). a small bear, Helarctos malayanus, of tropical forests in S and SE Asia, having a black coat and a yellowish snout and feeding mostly on … [37] A study published in 2019 described skillful mimicry of facial expressions by sun bears, with precision comparable to that seen in some primates (such as gorillas and humans). [4] Sun bears are noted for their intelligence; a captive bear observed sugar being stored in a cupboard then locked by a key, and later used its own claw to open the lock. [3][27] They are typically solitary but are sometimes seen in pairs (such as mothers and cubs). Traduzioni ipotizzate. A small, mainly nocturnal bear that has a brownish-black coat with a light-colored mark on the chest, native to Southeast Asia. The tail is 3–7 cm (1–3 in) long. [67] Protective laws have shown little success in controlling these threats, especially due to poor execution and high potential for gains by the trade. [59], In the past sun bears ranged from Borneo and Sumatra in the north and Assam in the northwest to northeastern Vietnam in the northeast and at least Yunnan Province (China) in the east. All free photos on this site are public domain. [10] In 1825, American naturalist Thomas Horsfield placed the species in a genus of its own, Helarctos. 2 Either of two Asian bears, the sloth bear, Melursus ursinus, and the sun bear, Helarctos malayanus. [24] However, the phylogenetic tree constructed by a nuclear gene sequencing analysis in 2008 swapped the positions of the sun bear and the sloth bear obtained in the previous study; moreover, all relationships other these two positions were well resolved. The fur is generally jet-black, but can vary from grey to red. It has a small head and short neck, and fine short glossy fur, mostly black, but brownish on the nose. Helarctos Scientific Name Helarctos malayanus Sun Bear Conservation Status. Called also bruang, and Malayan bear. Helarctos malayanus (sun bear) Geographic Range Helarctos malayanus ranges from the eastern Himalayas to Sze-Chwan in China, then southward throughout Burma, parts of Indo-China and Malaya. Litters comprise one or two cubs that remain with their mother for around three years. sun bear in British English. The sun bear is sympatric with the Asian black bear throughout the remaining areas in the mainland range featuring a mix of seasonal forest types, with monthly rainfall below 100 mm (4 in) for a long spell of three to seven months. Species name: Helarctos malayanus The Sun Bear ( Ursus malayanus ), sometimes known as the Honey Bear, is a bear found primarily in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Being omnivores, sun bears have a broad diet including ants, bees, beetles, honey, termites and plant material such as seeds and several kinds of fruits; vertebrates such as birds and deer are also eaten occasionally. [61][62] A 2007 study in East Borneo recorded severe loss of habitat and food resources due to droughts and forest fires brought about by the El Niño. It is found in Southeast Asia, including the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. It has an orange-yellow-coloured chest crescent that according to legend represents the rising sun. [4][31], During feeding, the sun bear can extend its exceptionally long tongue by 20–25 cm (8–10 in) to extract insects and honey. The fur is generally jet-black, but can vary from grey to red. Offspring remain with their mother for nearly the first three years of their lives. [50], Sun bears are polyoestrous; births occur throughout the year. It is stockily built, with large paws, strongly curved claws, small rounded ears and a short snout. a small forest-dwelling bear (Ursus malayanus synonym Helarctos malayanus) of southeastern Asia that has short glossy black fur with a lighter… See the full definition Mostra le traduzioni generate algoritmicamente mostra . Origin Early 19th century; earliest use found in Edward Griffith (1790–1858), naturalist. [1] With the exception of Sarawak (Malaysia) and Cambodia, the sun bear is legally protected from hunting in its whole range. 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