The smallest of the great bears still alive today are called sun bears because of the conspicuous orange-yellow markings on their chests.

Distribution area and habitat

Malayan sun bears can be found in south-east Asia from Myanmar and Thailand to Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. They live in the tropical rainforest as loners or in small groups.Appearance, height and sizeTypical features of the Malayan sun bear is its short, black fur and an orange-yellow crescent-shaped mark on its chest. It has a head and body length of 100-140 centimetres. The females weigh only around 30-35 kilograms whereas the males weigh 65 kilograms at most.

Diet

Malayan sun bears are omnivores, feeding on termites, birds, small mammals, the shoots of plants, roots and all kinds of insect. Their diet also includes honey, the nectar from flowers, fruit, berries and seeds.

Way of life

The hairless soles of their feet which give them good gripping power and their long, curved claws make Malayan sun bears extremely good climbers. They also use their strong claws to open bees and other insects’ nests. These bears, the smallest amongst the great bears, spend a large part of their day in trees where they build “nests” for sleeping.

Social behaviour and reproduction

The female Malayan sun bear usually gives birth to one to three cubs after a gestation period of 96 days. The young weigh approximately 300 grams when born and are looked after by the mother for a year.

Status

As the habitat of the Malayan sun bears is becoming ever more restricted, they sometimes search for food on farmland. They are, however, primarily hunted for their gall bladders and paws which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. The Malayan sun bear is threatened with extinction.