Andean bear
Tremarctos ornatus
Andean bears are also known as spectacled bears due to the light coloured markings around their eyes, which can look like spectacles against the rest of the bear’s dark fur. No two bears have the same pattern and these markings give each bear a unique appearance which is easily identifiable. These markings also give the bear its scientific name ‘Tremartos ornatus’ which means ‘decorated bear’.
Andean bears live in the isolated cloud forests on the slopes of the Andes Mountains. There are eight species of bear in the world, but the Andean bear is the only one found in South America. Anyone who has read the children’s stories about Paddington bear will know that he came from 'deepest, darkest Peru' which means that Paddington was an Andean bear.
The species is listed under Appendix I of CITES
IUCN Status
The IUCN status of the Andean bear is vulnerable.
For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org (link open in new window).
Fun fact
Paddington bear is an Andean bear
Animal class
Mammal
Conservation status
Andean bears are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild with threats including habitat destruction, hunting for their meat and supposed medicinal purposes.
Habitat
Forest, shrubland and grassland – in the tropical Andes Mountains from Venezuela to Peru.
Population
Andean bear population is decreasing with estimates ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 living in the wild.
Diet
Omnivore – eats fruit, bromeliads, berries, honey, bark, small birds and rodents.