Helarctos malayanus euryspilus

(Horsfield, 1825)

Vernacular names
English : Bornean sun bear
French : Ours des cocotiers de Bornéo

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

Identification
Body length of 130 cm for a weight of 65 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 is endemic to Borneo. Species also found from north-east India and Bangladesh to south China, south to Malaysia and Sumatra. 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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