ANDEAN BEAR

The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the only bear in South America and is endemic to the
tropical Andes. Andean bears live along the Andes mountain range, from Venezuela to
southern Bolivia, and are both terrestrial and arboreal. They are omnivores, although meat
only represents a small part of their diet. Also known as ukuku (Quechua word) or spectacled
bear, the Andean bear is an important part of both the Andean and Amazonian worldview.
They are considered mediators between the world of the living and the world of the dead, and
the Matsiguenga indigenous people consider him the creator of life, the Maeni.
Internationally, the Andean bear is also known as Paddington, who traveled to England from
“darkest Peru.”

This bear is constantly threatened due to changes in land use, which has fragmented its
original habitat, as well as by hunting by humans who come into conflict with it, or use parts of
its body for traditional medicine and rituals. Additionally, its elusive nature prevents it from
being studied in depth, so its protection and management involve great challenges. In addition
to all this, the institutions responsible for the conservation of the Andean bear throughout its
distribution are poorly funded and supported.

We have been working with the Andean bear since 1977, the year in which we financed
Bernard Peyton's study on Andean bear populations in Peru. We are currently working to
strengthen the institutions that protect the Andean bear through workshops, technical
assistance in planning and monitoring, as well as the publication of manuals related to the
conflict between humans and the Andean bear. We are one of the founding members of the
Andean Bear Alliance, partnering with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the International
Union for Conservation of Nature's Bear Specialist Group, whose goal is to provide needed
funding. for Andean bear conservation efforts, as well as coordinating research and
conservation efforts throughout the distribution areas of this species for more effective
results.

10 characteristics about the Andean bear:

1. It can measure up to 2 m tall and weigh up to 130 kg, with males being larger than females.

2. It is also known as a “spectacled bear” because of the clear markings that some individuals
have around their eyes.

3. What do pandas have in common with Andean bears? They both have a large head
compared to the rest of their body!

4. In addition to plant matter, they eat insects and rarely, eggs and animal meat.

5. Many cultures believe that their claws have medicinal properties, which is a threat to their
population.

6. Although they may not look like it, they are very good swimmers and climbers.

7. They build platforms on top of trees where they take naps and carry their food to digest.
8. They are solitary but seem to leave messages in trees for other individuals, indicating with
their scents where they have gone.

9. 9. They do not hibernate.

10. 10. The cubs are called bear cubs. Normally, a female has 2 to 4 young per pregnancy.