Sun Bear Welfare and Deforestation

Sun bears, the smallest bears, face dramatic habitat loss through deforestation and active persecution through the illegal wildlife trade and bile farming.

Key Facts

Sun bears are found across Southeast Asia from northeast India to Borneo
They are classified as Vulnerable with a 30% population decline in 30 years
Deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia removes critical denning and foraging habitat
Sun bear bile is extracted in farms in Vietnam and other countries
Orphaned cubs from the wildlife trade require years of specialised rehabilitation

Welfare Considerations

Sun bears in bile farming operations suffer severe welfare deprivation through painful catheter insertion, small cages preventing normal movement, and chronic health problems from the procedure. Deforestation forces bears into oil palm plantations where they are persecuted as pests. Cubs captured for the pet trade or bile farming industry are often separated from mothers at very young ages, causing lasting developmental harm. Rescued bears in sanctuaries may show chronic stress behaviours from early trauma.

What You Can Do

Support Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre or similar sanctuaries
Oppose palm oil production driving deforestation in sun bear range
Never purchase traditional medicine products containing bear bile
Advocate for the phase-out of bear bile farming
Choose certified sustainable products to reduce deforestation pressure