What kind of animal is the spectacled bear? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is the only bear endemic to South America. It is distributed from western Venezuela to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, etc., but it is also an endangered species.
What is a Spectacled Bear? Basic Stats
The spectacled bear is a bear classified in the mammalian order Carnivora, family Ursidae, genus Tremarctos. Its scientific name is Tremarctos ornatus, its English name is Andean bear, or Spectacled bear, and its kanji is メガネ熊. Its body length is 120-200cm, and its weight is 130-200kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | メガネグマ |
| English（英名） | Andean bear Spectacled bear |
| scientific name(学名) | Tremarctos ornatus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Carnivora、 Ursidae、Tremarctos 哺乳綱、ネコ目、クマ科、メガネグマ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 120-200cm |
| Weight（体重） | 130-200kg |
Habitat
Spectacled bears are found in South America (Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, etc.).
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
The spectacled bear has black or dark brown fur with white or yellowish-white markings around the eyes and throat, which make it look like glasses. It is a bear that can adapt to various environments, from alpine forests at an altitude of 3,000m to grasslands, scrub forests, and lowland savannas. It has short limbs and is plantigrade, walking with the soles of its feet on the ground up to its heels, is very good at climbing trees, and has sharp, hook-shaped claws.
What is its personality like?
Spectacled bears are nocturnal and rest in their nests during the day. They are weakly social and tend to act alone.
What is its ecology?
Spectacled bears live by eating fruit, insects, leaves, bulbs, cacti, and other plants. They reproduce viviparously. The gestation period is 160-225 days, and they can give birth to one baby. Males reach sexual maturity on average at 5 years old, and females at 4-7 years old. Their lifespan is 30 to 40 years.
Do they have any natural predators?
Spectacled bear cubs are sometimes attacked by jaguars and pumas.
Is the spectacled bear an endangered species?
The spectacled bear is an endangered species. It is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Spectacles, so international trade is strictly restricted. Its habitat is destroyed by deforestation and development, it is exterminated as a pest, and it is also eaten, so it is being overhunted. It is legally protected in its habitat, and protected areas have been established and activities are being carried out.
Can spectacled bears be kept as pets?
As mentioned above, the spectacled bear is designated as an endangered species and is also listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Spectacles, so international trade is strictly restricted. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to keep it as a pet. We recommend that you have a guide at a zoo or event to view it. Enter the zoo after it opens, check the details, and then take a look at the individual bears in the zoo.
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