Mammals
Andean bear
Tremarctos ornatus
The Andean bear, or spectacled bear, is the only bear in South America. It owes its nickname to the characteristic pale rings around the eyes, unique to each individual. It inspired the famous character Paddington Bear.
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In short
The andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is a species with IUCN conservation status VU (Vulnerable). It lives in a wide range of Andean habitats, especially cloud forests and high-altitude grasslands (páramo). Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: view the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the andean bear live?
It lives in a wide range of Andean habitats, especially cloud forests and high-altitude grasslands (páramo). It is largely vegetarian and a skilled climber, able to build platforms in trees to feed and rest.
Is the andean bear endangered?
The IUCN Red List rates it Vulnerable (VU) with a declining population, due to the loss and fragmentation of Andean forests, conflict with farmers and poaching.
Facts about the andean bear
- It is the only bear in South America.
- The pale rings around the eyes are unique to each individual.
- It inspired the character Paddington Bear.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Tremarctos ornatus (Vulnerable)
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.