Malayan sun bear facts
 The Star, 8 Aug 2006

RANGE: Tropical forests in Indochina, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. 

Species: The Bornean sub-species Helarctos malayanus eurispylus is smaller than the one in Sumatra and mainland Asia, H. m. malayanus. 

Description: The smallest of all bear species, an adult measures between 120cm and 150cm long and weighs up to 65kg. Named for the golden or white “U” shape patch on their chests, sun bears are otherwise all black with smooth, short fur. The chest marking varies in size and shape; this differs from moon bears which have a specific crescent shape patch.  

Diet: Figs, acorns, seeds, termites, ants, beetles, larva, honey, wild fruits and tortoises. 

Behavior: Claws of up to 15cm-long make them skilful climbers. They sleep on branches and in tree cavities but do not hibernate because food is available year round. Cubs stay with their mothers until adulthood. 

Ecological role: They help disperse seeds. 

Threats: They are endangered due to habitat loss (from logging and plantations), poaching (for bear products), pet and zoo trade.  

Protection: Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species prohibits trade of sun bear and its parts. “Totally Protected” in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, sun bears cannot be hunted, kept or sold. A “Protected” species in Sarawak, a license is needed to kill, capture, sell or keep them as pets. 

Other bear species: Polar bear, brown bear (or grizzly bear), American black bear, Asiatic black bear (or moon bear), Andean bear (or spectacled bear), sloth bear and giant panda.