Threats Spectacled bear

spectacled bear @ tennoji zoo in osaka, japan.

the andean bear threatened due poaching , habitat loss. poaching might have several reasons: trophy hunting, pet trade, religious or magical beliefs, natural products trade , conflicts humans.

trophy hunting of andean bear apparently popular during 19th century in rural areas of latin-america. in costumbrist novel maría colombian writer jorge isaacs, portrayed activity privileged young men in colombia. tales regarding pet bears known documents ecuadorian aristocracy of time. these threats might have diminished in recent years, there still isolated reports of captive bears confiscated in rural areas, unable adapt again natural habitat , must kept in zoological facilities.

religious or magical beliefs might motivations killing andean bears, specially in places bears related myths of disappearing women or kids, or bear parts related traditional medicine or superstitions. in context, trade of bear parts might have commercial value. gall bladders appear valued in traditional chinese medicine , can fetch high price on international market.

conflicts humans, however, appear common cause of poaching in large portions of distribution. andean bears suspected of attacking cattle , raiding crops, , killed retaliation or in order avoid further damages. has been argued attacks cattle attributed andean bear partly due other predators. raiding of crops can frequent in areas diminishing natural resources , extensive crops in former bear habitat, or when problematic individuals used human environments.

the intensity of poaching can create ecological traps andean bears. is, if bears attracted areas of high habitat quality high in poaching risk.

perhaps epidemic problem species extensive logging , farming, has led habitat loss largely tree-dependent bears. little 5% of original habitat in andean cloud forest remains. shortage of natural food sources might push bears feed on crops or livestock, increasing conflict results in poaching of individual.

impacts of climate changes on bear habitat , food sources not understood, might have potential negative impact in near future.