The sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the least studied bear species, and little information exists on threats to its survival. Based on studies of other bear species, I hypothesized that sun bears on the island of Borneo are threatened by destruction of habitat and hunting. The results of this 3-year survey confirmed this hypothesis. More specifically it identified 4 factors that influence sun bear survival in Borneo: hunting, trade in live bears and bear parts, habitat destruction, and establishment of plantations. Survey data and background information suggest that hunting pressure on Bornean sun bears is high. Trade in bear parts is now uncommon in Kalimantan, but it was higher in the 1980s. In Sabah and Sarawak, however, trade in bear gall bladders is still common. My estimates indicate that the sun bear lost 30-60% of its total habitat in Borneo between 1960 and 1990, mainly through logging and land conversion. Apart from the possible deleterious effects of logging and conversion on the carrying capacity of the habitat, these activities are accompanied by increasing human presence and hunting pressure. There is a lack of ecological data on sun bears, so the impact of these factors cannot be assessed. However, this study provides a clearer focus for sun bear conservation, including recommendations on research and policy matters.
- Volume 11
- Issue
- Pages 185-192
- Publication Date 1 January 1999
- DOI
- File Size 309.70 KB
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