Identification:
This large mammal species typically weighs 50-100 kg. Sun bears have a round, stout body shape with a broad forehead. Their ears are round and not as erect as those of Asiatic black bears. They possess five toes on both front and hind paws, with strong, curved claws. Their front legs are slightly bowed, and they walk flat-footed. The hind paw prints have a long heel, resembling a human child’s footprint. The fur is a uniform black, short, and relatively smooth, unlike the coarser fur of the Asiatic black bear. The muzzle is a golden-yellow color. The neck fur is short without a mane, and there is a whorl of hair on the shoulders. Hair on the forehead and the back of the ears grows in swirls, which is distinct from the Asiatic black bear. A pale yellow “U”-shaped marking is present on the chest; in some cases, this marking can be fragmented, and not appear as a distinct “U”. The tail is very short, not protruding beyond the fur.
Biology and Ecology:
In the wild, sun bears primarily consume plants, including fruits, seeds, such as chestnuts, figs, palm fruits, bananas, corn, bamboo shoots, and reeds. They are opportunistic omnivores and will also eat fish, honey, bird eggs, and other animal matter when available. In captivity, sun bears can consume a variety of human foods. They inhabit evergreen forests, headwater forests, and deciduous dipterocarp forests, particularly large forest areas and especially those on limestone mountains. Although their appearance is heavy, sun bears are very agile. They are skilled climbers and swimmers and enjoy bathing. They do not have fixed dens but often sleep, rest, or make nests in tree hollows or in trees. Sun bears are solitary, only pairing during the mating season or while raising young. The gestation period is approximately three months, and they give birth to one litter per year, typically with two cubs, but sometimes 2-4. Cubs stay with their mother for 1.5 to 2 years. They can live up to 20 years in captivity.
Distribution:
- Within Vietnam: Sample collection locations include Lai Châu, Quảng Bình, Quảng Trị, Thừa Thiên – Huế, Đắk Lắk, Lâm Đồng, and Tây Ninh. Sun bears are distributed along the Trường Sơn range from Lai Châu to Tây Ninh.
- Globally: India, Southern China, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo), Thailand, and Malaysia.
Value:
Sun bears have scientific value for studying their behavior and ecology in the wild and for their aesthetic value in zoos and parks.
Conservation Status:
Before 1975, sun bears were relatively common. Currently, their numbers have severely declined, and their range has shrunk considerably due to hunting and deforestation. Hunting and trade of sun bears are still serious issues.
Classification:
EN (Endangered) A1c,d C1+2a
Conservation Measures:
They are listed in the Vietnam Red Book and Decree 32/ND-CP (2006), IB group. Hunting sun bears in the wild is strictly prohibited. Conservation efforts must focus on ensuring the safety of their habitat, particularly in protected areas, for their survival and development. Semi-natural breeding programs are also being implemented to contribute to the rapid recovery of sun bear populations in the wild and to address the public’s need for traditional medicines.