Helarctos malayanus malayanus

(Raffles, 1822)

Vernacular names
English : Bornean sun bear
French : Ours des cocotiers de Malaisie, Ours malais

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Carnivora
Family : Ursidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Body length of 150 cm for a weight of 80 kg. Unmistakable, smallest bear species with very short hairs. Rounded head and small ears. Fur is entirely shiny black with a beige marking (double-collar) on breast. Pale snout. Powerful claws.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from north-east India and Bangladesh to south China, south to Malaysia and Sumatra. Species also found on Borneo. Lives in tropical dry or humid forests, also swamps and mangroves, to 2100 meters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix I
Status : This species still has a large range but is alarmingly declining because of poaching and habitat degradation. Legally protected in many countries.
Ex-Situ Programs : ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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