Wildlifeof Thailand
Sun Bear
Ursidae
Photo: Mike Gordon — wildlifeofeverywhere.com
Helarctos malayanus
Basic stats
Diet
Fruit, insects, honey and small vertebrates
Habitat
Tropical lowland forest
Range
Mainland and Sundaic Southeast Asia
Weight
About 25–65kg
The sun bear is the smallest living bear, generally about 25–65 kg, with short sleek black fur, a pale horseshoe-shaped chest patch, small rounded ears and an exceptionally long tongue. Strong curved claws and bare soles assist climbing, while powerful jaws open logs and termite nests (Animal Diversity Web; Mammalian Species account).
It inhabits tropical forest from mainland Southeast Asia through Sumatra and Borneo. Mostly solitary, it forages both on the ground and in trees for fruit, ants, termites, beetle larvae, honey and small vertebrates. Forest loss and illegal hunting are principal threats (Mammalian Species account; IUCN species assessment). It is Nationally Vulnerable (Thailand Red Data 2025).
Quick answers
- What does the Sun Bear eat?
- Fruit, insects, honey and small vertebrates
- What habitat does the Sun Bear live in?
- Tropical lowland forest
- Where is the Sun Bear found?
- Mainland and Sundaic Southeast Asia
- How much does the Sun Bear weigh?
- About 25–65kg