The Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is also known as the Andean Bear, South American Bear, Jukumari, and Ucumari. According to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), between 2,500 and 10,000 spectacled bears are currently in the wild. This is why, due to the continuous deforestation of the tropical forests where they live, water pollution and poaching, they are considered a species vulnerable to extinction.
There are several species of bears, but in this PlanetAnimal sheet, we talk to you in detail about the spectacled bear, the only species of bear in its place of origin. If you want to know more about the spectacled bear, we invite you to read on!
Origin
- America
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Peru
- Venezuela
Origin of the Spectacled Bear
The spectacled bear is native to South America, more precisely the Andes, and it is the only species of bear that inhabits this part of the continent, it is endemic to the tropical Andes. The distribution of the spectacled bear is very long and limited. It is present from the mountains of Venezuela to Bolivia, and it is also found in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In 2014, individuals were even seen in northern Argentina, although these are believed to be strays and not resident populations.
Spectacled Bear Features
The most striking characteristic of the spectacled bear is undoubtedly the presence of white hairs around the eyes, circular in shape, reminiscent of a pair of glasses.In many specimens, this white coat extends to the chest. The rest of the fur on its body is dark brown or black.
They are quite small bears, adult males reach a size between 100 and 200 kilograms, which is very little compared to the kodiak bear which can weigh more than 650 kilograms. Adult female spectacled bears weigh only 30-85 kilograms. This weight difference is the most apparent sexual dimorphism in this species. Another important characteristic of these bears is their thin skin, which is adapted to hot climates. They also have long claws which they use to climb trees.
Spectacled Bear Habitat
Spectacled bears live in a wide variety of ecosystems along the tropical Andes. They can live at an altitude of up to 4,750 meters above sea level and usually do not descend below 200 meters.The wide variety of habitats includes tropical dry forests, moist lowlands, tropical rainforests, dry and wet shrublands, and high- altitude grasslands.
The spectacled bear tends to change its habitat depending on the time of year and the availability of food. Meadows and shrubby areas are more of an area of rest and passage, since it is believed that these animals need the presence of trees to live, since they are excellent climbers, they use them to sleep and store food .
Spectacled Bear Feeding
Spectacled bears are omnivorous animals and have adaptations for this type of diet, such as the special shape of their skull, dentition and a pseudo-thumb that allows them to more easily handle fibrous foods such as tough vegetables, since they feed on palm trees, cacti and orchid bulbs.When certain trees begin to bear fruit, bears feed on them and even build their nests in them so that they can eat directly after resting. Fruit provides them with lots of carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins.
As an omnivorous animal, it also feeds on meat. This usually comes from animals found dead like rabbits and tapirs, but also from cattle. There are always food sources available in their native habitat, so spectacled bears do not hibernate.
Reproduction of the Spectacled Bear
Female spectacled bears have several heats throughout the year, especially between the months of March and October. They also have what is called delayed implantation. This means that once the egg is fertilized, it will take several months for it to implant in the uterus and begin its development.
The females build their nest in a tree where they will give birth to between one and four small spectacled bear cubs, often twins.The number of cubs a female will have, or whether they are twins or not, will depend on her weight, which is related to the abundance and availability of food.
According to some studies, births take place between two and three months before the peak of fruit production by the trees. This is believed to allow mothers to leave the refuge with their young when fruit is plentiful. Male spectacled bears reach sexual maturity at four years of age and can mate with multiple females each year.
Photos of Spectacled Bear
