SPECTACLED BEAR
Tremarctos ornatus
MAMMAL
Order Carnivora
- Description
- 4.5-6 ft; 200-350 lbs. Black to blackish-brown. Pattern of white circle
or semi-circle around each eye. These "spectacle" patterns differ
in each animal and may extend from the cheeks to the chest.
- Range
- western Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, western Bolivia and Panama.
Only bear known in South America.
Status
While not currently listed as endangered, this species is protected from
commercial trade by international law. It is a member of the Spectacled
Bear SSP. Lincoln Park Zoo publishes the International Stud book for the
Spectacled Bear. Its numbers in the wild are depleted by hunting and loss
of habitat. Increased human populations, agriculture, road building and
ineffective conservation practices have contributed to this species' decline
in the wild. |
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Ecology
- Habitat
- mountainous regions of tropical cloud forests, high altitude savanna,
scrublands and humid forests.
- Niche
- mostly herbivorous: eats roots, fruits, berries, leaves and sometimes
insects, rodents and carrion. Nocturnal and crepuscular. Does not truly
hibernate, but will den up in inclement weather.
Life History
Mating occurs in April; gestation 5-5.5 mo, implantation can be delayed
by the female after mating so that births coincide with plentiful food supply.
Litter size 1-3 cubs. Mother dens up with cubs for several months. Mature
at 3 yrs; life span up to 20 yrs. in captivity.
Special Adaptations
- Spectacle markings may aid in species or individual recognition.
- Long, recurved claws for digging and tearing into the soil or into
insect mounds for food.
- Large nose and excellent sense of smell help to locate food.
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