Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)

The Asiatic Black Bear.

The Asiatic Black Bear is considered a vulnerable species (2003). It is widespread and inhabits the following long list of countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Iran, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

They have a vulnerable classification due to many reasons. Even with its large size, the Asiatic Black Bear is preyed upon by tigers (Panthera tigris). The bears have been known to take livestock from farms, thus being killed by farm owners. Habitat clearance is another factor, as to is hunting for sport by humans.

The male Asiatic Black Bear weighs an average of 130 kilograms, sometimes as much as 180 kilograms. Females weigh half as much as males with an average of 75 kilograms, ranging up to 110 kilograms. They range in size from 120 cms (being small females) to 180 cms (being large males) in length.

They have a light brown muzzle, and a distinct light coloured v-shape patch of fur across their chest. The rest of the Asiatic Black Bear is covered uniformly in black fur. They have a short tail like most bears, and short hair covering their entire body except for their mane which sticks out from either side of the head. They have large rounded ears.

The Asiatic Black Bear will feed on a variety of food sources. It is classed primarily as a herbivore feeding on plant matter, but it is also known to feed on insects and even livestock from a farm. This has a detrimental effect on humans, and therefore makes them a target of farm owners.

They mainly live in thick dense tropical forests, and most often high in the mountains. In the summer time the Asiatic Black Bear has been known to reach heights of 3600 metres above sea level. During the winter the bear will descend to lower parts of the mountainside in the search of food and a slight change in climate.

They breed between June to October. Asiatic Black Bears have a gestation period of 7 to 8 months before giving birth to 2 or more cubs. Cubs are weaned for around 3 months, and become independent at around 2 to 3 years.

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Bibliography:

"Asiatic Black Bears", 2004.