Widespread hunting and loss of habitat pose a serious threat to this bear. As a result, populations have declined across its range.
© WWF / Michel GUNTHER
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Common name
Common Names
Asiatic black bear, Himalayan black bear
Endangered
Status
IUCN - vulnerable (A2cd+3d+4d); CITES Appendix I
Latin name
Scientific Name
Ursus thibetanus
Geographic place
Geographic Location
Southeast Asia
Physical Description
The Asiatic Black Bear has a coat of smooth black fur and can be distinguished by a V of white fur on its chest. It is similar in appearance to the brown bear, but with a slighter build.
Ecology & Habitat
Broad leaved and coniferous forests to an elevation of 4,300m.
Population & Distribution
The Asiatic black bear occupies a narrow band from southeastern Iran through Afghanistan and Pakistan, across the foothills of the Himalayas, to Myanmar. It occupies all countries in mainland Southeast Asia except Malaysia and has a patchy distribution in southern China. Another population cluster exists in northeastern China, the southern Russian Far East, and into North Korea. A small remnant population exists in South Korea. They also live on the southern islands of Japan (Honshu and Shikoku) and on Taiwan (China) and Hainan. There are no accurate estimates of population size available.
Threats
Illegal hunting for body parts, specifically the gall bladder, paws and skin poses the main threat, together with habitat loss caused by logging, expansion of human settlements and roads.
The Asiatic Black Bear has a coat of smooth black fur and can be distinguished by a V of white fur on its chest. It is similar in appearance to the brown bear, but with a slighter build.
Ecology & Habitat
Broad leaved and coniferous forests to an elevation of 4,300m.
Population & Distribution
The Asiatic black bear occupies a narrow band from southeastern Iran through Afghanistan and Pakistan, across the foothills of the Himalayas, to Myanmar. It occupies all countries in mainland Southeast Asia except Malaysia and has a patchy distribution in southern China. Another population cluster exists in northeastern China, the southern Russian Far East, and into North Korea. A small remnant population exists in South Korea. They also live on the southern islands of Japan (Honshu and Shikoku) and on Taiwan (China) and Hainan. There are no accurate estimates of population size available.
Threats
Illegal hunting for body parts, specifically the gall bladder, paws and skin poses the main threat, together with habitat loss caused by logging, expansion of human settlements and roads.
Asiatic black bear range. Areas of local extirpation have been caused by illegal hunting and habitat loss.
What is WWF doing?
WWF works to conserve habitat and protect endangered species such as the Asiatic black bear from illegal hunting. It works with TRAFFIC to stop illegal hunting and with local communities to protect habitat.
It also runs specific projects which target conservation of specific populations of Asiatic black bear; and innovative partnerships with organisations which seek to protect endangered animals:
It also runs specific projects which target conservation of specific populations of Asiatic black bear; and innovative partnerships with organisations which seek to protect endangered animals:
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How you can help
- Always look for FSC certified wood and wood products to help reduce unregulated and illegal logging which destroys vital habitat for endangered species.
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Did you know?
- The species was described by Rudyard Kipling as "the most bizarre of the ursine species".
- Asiatic black bear walks on 2 legs more than any other bear species.