Content
- Origin of the spectacled bear
- Spectacled Bear Characteristics
- Spectacled bear habitat
- Spectacled Bear Feeding
- Spectacled bear reproduction
O spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is also known as Andean bear, frontin bear, South American bear, jukumari or ucumari. According to the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) they currently live in freedom between 2,500 and 10,000 copies of spectacled bears. Due to the continued deforestation of the tropical forests where they live, water pollution and poaching, they are considered a species vulnerable to extinction.
There are several species of bears, but in this form of the Animal Expert we'll talk in detail about the spectacled bear, the only species of bear in South America. If you want to know more about the spectacled bear, we invite you to read on.
Source
- America
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Peru
- Venezuela
Origin of the spectacled bear
The spectacled bear or Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) é South American native and it is the only species of bear that inhabits this part of the continent, being endemic to the tropical Andes. The distribution of the spectacled bear is quite wide, as it is present from the mountains of Venezuela to Bolivia , being also located in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. In 2014 individuals were seen in northern Argentina, although it is believed that they were passing animals and not a resident population.
Spectacled Bear Characteristics
Without a doubt, the most striking feature of the spectacled bear is the presence of white hair around the eyes, circular in shape, reminiscent of the shape of glasses. In many specimens this white hair extends to the chest. The rest of the hair on its body is dark brown or black.
Are very small bears: adult males can reach between 100 and 200 kilos, which, compared to the Kodiak bear, which can weigh more than 650 kilos, is very small. Adult female spectacled bears weigh only between 30 and 85 kg. This weight difference is the most apparent sexual dimorphism in this species. Another important feature of these bears is the fine fur, adapted for hot climates. They also have long claws they use to climb trees.
Spectacled bear habitat
The spectacled bears live in a wide variety of ecosystems located along the tropical Andes. They can live up to 4,750 meters above sea level and do not usually descend below 200 meters. The wide range of habitats includes tropical dry forests, wet plains, humid tropical forests, dry and wet shrubs, and high-altitude grasslands.
They tend to change their habitat according to the time of year. and the availability of food. Grassy and bushy areas are usually just passing places, as it is believed that these animals need the presence of trees to live, as they are excellent climbers, as they use them to sleep and store food.
Spectacled Bear Feeding
Spectacled bears are omnivorous animals and have adaptations for this type of diet, such as a special skull shape, teeth and a pseudo-thumb that facilitates the handling of fibrous foods, such as hard vegetables, as they base their diet on palm trees, cacti and orchid bulbs. When certain trees begin to bear fruit, bears feed on them and even build their nests to eat right after they rest. Fruits provide a lot of carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins.
Being an omnivorous animal, it also eats meat. This usually comes from dead animals, like rabbits and tapirs, but also cattle. There are always food sources available to them in their home habitats, which is why spectacled bears don't hibernate .
Spectacled bear reproduction
Spectacled bears are seasonal polyestric, which means that they have several heats throughout the year, especially between March and October. They also have what is known as delayed implantation or embryonic diapause. This means that after the egg is fertilized, it takes several months to implant in the uterus and begin its development.
Females build their nest in a tree where they will give birth between one and four puppies, bearing twins on many occasions. The amount of offspring that a female will have or whether they are twins or not will depend on her weight, which is related to the abundance and availability of food.
According to some studies, parturition takes place between two and three months before the peak of fruit production by the trees. It is believed that this allows mothers to leave the shelter with their young when fruit is plentiful. Male spectacled bears reach sexual maturity at four years of age and can mate with several females to every year.