Ecuador is a country of immense biodiversity, and among its many unique inhabitants is a remarkable bear species. This animal represents the only bear found in South America, making its presence in Ecuador particularly significant for regional and global wildlife diversity. Its existence highlights the importance of preserving the diverse ecosystems found throughout the country.
The Andean Bear
The Andean bear, scientifically known as Tremarctos ornatus, is also commonly referred to as the Spectacled Bear due to the distinctive light-colored markings around its eyes. These markings, which can be white or yellowish and sometimes extend to the neck and chest, are unique to each individual, similar to human fingerprints. Their shaggy coats range from dark brown to black, with some individuals exhibiting a reddish tint.
Adults typically stand up to 64 cm (about 25 inches) at the shoulder and range from 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) in length, with males being approximately one-third larger than females. Despite being classified as carnivores, their diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of about 95% plant matter, including fruits, bromeliads, palm leaves, cacti, bamboo, and orchids. They also consume insects, small mammals, and honey.
These bears are generally solitary, shy, and elusive. They are also agile climbers, often building platforms in tall trees for feeding or resting.
Their Natural Home
Andean bears inhabit the northern and central Andes Mountains, with Ecuador being a significant part of their range, which extends from Venezuela to Bolivia. Within Ecuador, these bears prefer cloud forests, also known as Andean forests, and high-altitude grasslands called páramos. These ecosystems are found at elevations between 1,800 and 3,800 meters (approximately 5,900 to 12,500 feet) above sea level.
These habitats are important for the bears’ survival due to the abundant food sources they offer. Bears migrate between these forests and páramos, seeking ripe fruits and soft plant parts, such as bromeliads. The varied altitudes within these mountainous areas provide a continuous supply of diverse vegetation throughout the year. Areas like the Maquipucuna Reserve, Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, and Podocarpus National Park are recognized as important habitats for these bears.
Conservation and Coexistence
The Andean bear is currently classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), though it is listed as Endangered in Ecuador. Threats to these bears include habitat loss and fragmentation, due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. Human-wildlife conflict also poses a danger, as bears are sometimes killed in retaliation for perceived threats to livestock or crops like maize. Illegal hunting, driven by demand for bear parts in local and international markets, further contributes to population decline.
Conservation efforts in Ecuador are addressing these threats through various approaches. Community involvement is a major focus, with programs aimed at educating local populations about bear conservation and promoting sustainable land use practices. Initiatives like the “Don Oso Program” in southern Sangay National Park and projects by the Andean Bear Foundation work directly with communities, park officials, and landowners to mitigate human-bear conflicts. This includes implementing better cattle management strategies, such as electric fencing, and establishing protected areas and wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats. Educational programs and scientific research, including camera trap monitoring to understand their movements, are also underway to support their long-term survival.