The Malay bear is called the "sunny bear." He got such a beautiful name thanks to a bright spot that is clearly visible on his chest. Despite the fact that he is ranked among the big pandas, outwardly he looks more like a dog. This type of family is also called “biruang” or “honey bear”. What does the beast look like and is it true that it is the smallest?
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The appearance of a Malay bear
The appearance of a predator can definitely cause interest in its person, because the smallest bear in the world has a comical appearance. Despite the fact that it belongs to such an enviable formidable family, the largest individual was the beast of only 1.5 m in length.
The weight of a Malay bear can reach 65 kg. Predators have a tail, but it is rather short, only 3-7 cm. Initially, it is difficult to understand which animal is in front of a person, so its appearance is unusual.
A distinctive circle (sun) on the chest of the animal, painted in white, red or cream color, betrays its belonging to the species of Malay bears. The muzzle is wide, and the mouth is small. The paws are disproportionately huge in relation to the size of the whole body. The ears are small, have a rounded shape. The feet are bare, the nails are strong and long.
The color of the main coat varies from dark brown to black. The fur is nicer than other relatives. Hair of medium hardness, short, with a tint. Life expectancy does not exceed 25 years.
Lifestyle & Habitat
By the name of this type of mammal, you can understand in which part of the world he settled. The Malay bear lives in subtropical forests, in the mountains of South and East Asia, likes to climb trees. Thickets for this club-footed beast are not an obstacle. A bear dog easily overcomes them by jumping from one plant to another. Trees serve him not only as a means of transportation, but also as a place where the bear can build its place for hibernation. Rookery creates high above the ground, this is its shelter from land inhabitants.
Night is the time of day when he is awake, and during the day he sleeps in an elevated "nest". A favorite procedure for sun bears is basking in the sun on a fine day.
Solar bear nutrition
Inhabited most of the time in trees, the bear likes to indulge in leaves, which he pulls from twisted branches. A distinctive feature of this species is that it does not have to hibernate. There is always enough food because he is omnivorous.
A mammal can eat both fruits and small insects. Bear receives protein when eating bees, termites, earthworms, and other insects. He takes them out of narrow gorges, nests or hives, it all depends on the type of prey. A long and atypical bear tongue helps him.
Biruang will never be able to refuse honey. Sweet tooth is ready for anything, just to enjoy your favorite sweetness. It does not exclude lizards and birds from its diet, does not disdain to eliminate the remains of carrion.
If there are settlements nearby, it is often seen looking for food in landfills. Small livestock also sometimes attracts a sun bear, it all depends on his desire to eat and the degree of hunger. The powerful jaws of the biruang help crack coconuts one after another over time.
Social life and reproduction
These animals love loneliness, naturally, with the exception of the mating season and raising their own cubs up to the age of three.
Mating can occur at any time of the year. The process of reproduction is quite interesting. It occurs 1 time in 3-4 years. Pregnancy lasts about 100 days, after which the bear gives birth to new offspring, up to 3 cubs. Kids will not survive in captivity without a mother, for they are born blind, naked and helpless. For three years, the cubs are attached to the bear until puberty.
Interesting facts, the protection of the Malay bear
Due to the fact that the beast is the rarest species among the bear family, and its population is on the verge of extinction due to poaching, the Biruang was listed in the Red Book. But this is not the only international document that is concerned about the survival of Malay bears. In the Convention, which considers the rules on trade in rare species of fauna and flora, it is Biruang that is classified as an endangered animal species. The whole secret is that the organs of the bear are considered the most valuable medicine for humans in Asian medicine.
As for interesting facts, despite the small size, in a fight with a tiger in a state of aggression, the Biruang is able to protect itself 100%. In a certain situation, he may be ferocious and formidable. You should beware of those places where individuals of this species can live.
Danger from people
The danger to the Malay bear is people. Predators are caught and kept in captivity for their own benefit. Value is not only the fur of animals, but also the heart and bile of the biruang. The components obtained from its cells are used in traditional medicine.
Due to human greed, this species of bears is on the verge of extinction.
How many individuals there are today in the world, no one knows for sure.
