It is the smallest bear, standing nearly 70 centimetres (28 inches) at the shoulder and weighing 25–65 kilograms (55–143 pounds). [25], The sun bear is the smallest of all bear species. The Malayan Sun Bear or Beruang Matahari is scientifically known as Helarctos malayanus and belongs to the family Ursidae. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. The brown bear/polar bear lineage was estimated to have diverged from the two black bears/sun bear lineage around 5.54 to 6.72 million years ago; the sun bear appears to have diverged from the two black bears 5.09–6.26 mya. The researchers noted the need for further study to fully resolve the relationship. 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. [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. [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). This has possibly been the case since prehistoric times and is not a result of human interference. 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. [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. [63], During surveys in Kalimantan between 1994 and 1997, interviewees admitted to hunting sun bears and indicated that sun bear meat is eaten by indigenous people in several areas in Kalimantan. Mothers protect their cubs aggressively. [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. Other items of its omnivorous diet include fruit, honey, and small vertebrates. It is the smallest species of bear. “Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” There’s a lot to learn about some of the world’s most feared predators. The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is a species in the family Ursidae occurring in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. [57][58] A survey in Lower Kinabatagan (Malaysia) published in 2017 showed that sun bears were feared but were not common in oil palm plantations; bearded pigs, elephants and macaques were far more damaging to crops. 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. That means it eats everything it sees - imagine a bear in a supermarket grabbing everything! [1][60], According to the IUCN Bear Specialist Group, sun bear populations have fallen by an estimated 35% in the last three decades. noun. 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. 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). noun (Zoöl.) [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. 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. What does it eat? [3][8][26] It is stockily built, with large paws, strongly curved claws, small rounded ears and a short snout. Generally nocturnal, the tree-climbing sun bear is shy and retiring but quite intelligent. However, to make things ‘easier’ for identification: both species are black, both have a light mark on their chest, and both bears pretty much share the same habitat and range in Thailand. 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. And formidable teeth large reticulated python in East Kalimantan is a species of bear ( Helarctos malayanus ) a... 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