What are the different species of bears?
Bears inhabit four continents: Europe, Asia, North and South America. Scientists recognize eight species of bears: the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) of south Asia; the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) from southeast Asia; the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) from south, southeast and east Asia; the brown bear (U. arctos), from parts of Europe, central Asia, Russia, Japan and North America; the American black bear (U. americanus) from North America; the polar bear (U. maritimus) from northern Eurasia and northern North America; the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), from the mountains of western China; and the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) from the Andean region of South America.
Bears inhabit four continents: Europe, Asia, North and South America. Scientists recognize eight species of bears: the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) of south Asia; the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) from southeast Asia; the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) from south, southeast and east Asia; the brown bear (U. arctos), from parts of Europe, central Asia, Russia, Japan and North America; the American black bear (U. americanus) from North America; the polar bear (U. maritimus) from northern Eurasia and northern North America; the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), from the mountains of western China; and the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) from the Andean region of South America.
Are bears in danger of extinction?
With the exception of the polar bear, the American black bear, and the Alaskan, Canadian, and Russian populations of the brown bear, all other bear species have experienced dramatic population declines in recent decades. Unfortunately, population information about most bear species is unreliable, as very few field censuses of bears have been performed. Nevertheless, shrinking bear habitat and increased trade in bear parts has led scientists to conclude that a number of the world's bear species are in danger of extinction. The most endangered species of bears are probably the giant panda and the sloth bear; wild pandas are thought to number only around 1,000 individuals. Sun bears and spectacled bears are also at high risk, having seen their tropical forest habitat dwindle significantly in recent decades. The Asiatic black bear and the European and Asian populations of brown bear have also declined significantly in this century and are now considered endangered by most of their range states. Polar bears were once close to extinction after uncontrolled hunting of the animals for their thick fur; in the 1950s, polar bear numbers were as low as 5,000 wild individuals. Intensive conservation efforts have helped them to rebound to an estimated 22,000 animals today.
With the exception of the polar bear, the American black bear, and the Alaskan, Canadian, and Russian populations of the brown bear, all other bear species have experienced dramatic population declines in recent decades. Unfortunately, population information about most bear species is unreliable, as very few field censuses of bears have been performed. Nevertheless, shrinking bear habitat and increased trade in bear parts has led scientists to conclude that a number of the world's bear species are in danger of extinction. The most endangered species of bears are probably the giant panda and the sloth bear; wild pandas are thought to number only around 1,000 individuals. Sun bears and spectacled bears are also at high risk, having seen their tropical forest habitat dwindle significantly in recent decades. The Asiatic black bear and the European and Asian populations of brown bear have also declined significantly in this century and are now considered endangered by most of their range states. Polar bears were once close to extinction after uncontrolled hunting of the animals for their thick fur; in the 1950s, polar bear numbers were as low as 5,000 wild individuals. Intensive conservation efforts have helped them to rebound to an estimated 22,000 animals today.
What is causing these dramatic declines?
Where bear populations have declined, habitat loss and fragmentation as well as illegal or unmanaged hunting have been the major causes. There remains a limited illegal trade in cubs for zoos, circuses, and bear farms in some parts of the world as well. Increased human population growth has led to development and urbanization of previously forested lands, while poachers hunt bears for their valuable body parts - most valuable of which is the gallbladder. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) considers the bile salts of bear gallbladders to be very powerful medicine. So valuable are these salts that bear gallbladders can cost as much as $4,000 or more each in Asian markets. According to Asian medicine practitioners, bile salts can cure various intestinal, liver, fever, and cardiac-related illnesses. Contrary to popular western belief, bear gallbladders are not prescribed as aphrodisiacs. Clinical research has shown that gallbladder bile is effective as an antispasmodic, poison antidote, anti-coughing agent, and for other medical treatments. Bear claws, paws, teeth and fur are also commercially valuable in markets in Asia, North America, and Europe.
Where bear populations have declined, habitat loss and fragmentation as well as illegal or unmanaged hunting have been the major causes. There remains a limited illegal trade in cubs for zoos, circuses, and bear farms in some parts of the world as well. Increased human population growth has led to development and urbanization of previously forested lands, while poachers hunt bears for their valuable body parts - most valuable of which is the gallbladder. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) considers the bile salts of bear gallbladders to be very powerful medicine. So valuable are these salts that bear gallbladders can cost as much as $4,000 or more each in Asian markets. According to Asian medicine practitioners, bile salts can cure various intestinal, liver, fever, and cardiac-related illnesses. Contrary to popular western belief, bear gallbladders are not prescribed as aphrodisiacs. Clinical research has shown that gallbladder bile is effective as an antispasmodic, poison antidote, anti-coughing agent, and for other medical treatments. Bear claws, paws, teeth and fur are also commercially valuable in markets in Asia, North America, and Europe.
Of the world's eight bear species, only giant pandas are not hunted specifically for their gallbladders. The panda is, however, severely threatened by habitat loss, poaching, human encroachment in panda reserves, and hunting for a select Asian curio market. Historically, the Asiatic black bear has been the most popular source of gallbladders for TCM, and poaching of these bears for their gallbladders has led to serious declines in Asiatic black bear populations. Today, poachers may be moving farther afield in search of gallbladders, hunting spectacled bears, American black and brown bears, and even polar bears. American black bears are as yet unaffected by the demand for their parts, with stable or even increasing populations almost throughout their range.
What are the U.S. and international laws protecting bears?
All bears and their parts are regulated in international trade by their listing on Appendix I or II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty that includes more than 160 signatory nations. The giant panda, Asiatic black bear, sun bear, sloth bear, spectacled bear, and the Chinese, Mongolian, Bhutanese, and Mexican populations of brown bear are all listed on Appendix I, which prohibits all international commercial trade. All other bear species and populations are listed on Appendix II of CITES, which regulates commercial trade through a permit system. Domestic laws in many bear range states prohibit or regulate bear hunting and the sale of gallbladders; but, not all bear range states protect bears equally.
All bears and their parts are regulated in international trade by their listing on Appendix I or II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty that includes more than 160 signatory nations. The giant panda, Asiatic black bear, sun bear, sloth bear, spectacled bear, and the Chinese, Mongolian, Bhutanese, and Mexican populations of brown bear are all listed on Appendix I, which prohibits all international commercial trade. All other bear species and populations are listed on Appendix II of CITES, which regulates commercial trade through a permit system. Domestic laws in many bear range states prohibit or regulate bear hunting and the sale of gallbladders; but, not all bear range states protect bears equally.
In the United States, the Endangered Species Act restricts commerce in the Louisiana black bear (a subspecies of American black bear) and brown bears from the lower 48 states, as well as several non-U.S. bear species, including the Mexican grizzly bear (a subspecies of brown bear), the giant panda, the Baluchistan bear (a subspecies of Asiatic black bear), the Tibetan blue bear (a subspecies of brown bear) and the Italian brown bear population. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits trade in the polar bear and its parts except for certain subsistence uses by native Americans. Of the approximately 40 U.S. states with resident bear populations, all but a few prohibit commercial trade in bears and bear parts.
If bears are protected, why are bear parts still in trade?
In many Asian countries, the use of bear gall bladders is a deeply rooted part of ancient traditional medical practices. As a result, while commerce and possession of protected bear parts may be restricted or prohibited, existing laws often are not enforced. Moreover, when the sale of bear parts is illegal or restricted, prices of these items are often very high, creating potential profits that are so great that poachers, dealers, and traditional medicine shop owners will risk jail sentences and fines to buy or sell bear parts.
In many Asian countries, the use of bear gall bladders is a deeply rooted part of ancient traditional medical practices. As a result, while commerce and possession of protected bear parts may be restricted or prohibited, existing laws often are not enforced. Moreover, when the sale of bear parts is illegal or restricted, prices of these items are often very high, creating potential profits that are so great that poachers, dealers, and traditional medicine shop owners will risk jail sentences and fines to buy or sell bear parts.
Where does most of the bear trade occur?
At least 18 Asian countries have been linked to trade in bear parts, primarily for traditional medicines. In China, bears are kept on farms where their bile is extracted from their gallbladders. These farms now produce some 6,000 kilograms of bear bile each year - more than China's entire annual consumption of bile. But many conservationists are concerned that the oversupply of bear bile from these farms is only creating more consumers of the substance, and not protecting bears. In addition, many of the bears on these farms are Appendix I-listed species that have been captured from the wild. Though China prohibits the export of bear bile produced on these farms, illegal trade from China continues to occur.
At least 18 Asian countries have been linked to trade in bear parts, primarily for traditional medicines. In China, bears are kept on farms where their bile is extracted from their gallbladders. These farms now produce some 6,000 kilograms of bear bile each year - more than China's entire annual consumption of bile. But many conservationists are concerned that the oversupply of bear bile from these farms is only creating more consumers of the substance, and not protecting bears. In addition, many of the bears on these farms are Appendix I-listed species that have been captured from the wild. Though China prohibits the export of bear bile produced on these farms, illegal trade from China continues to occur.
There is also continued poaching of wild bears for their gallbladders. Today much of that hunting occurs in North America, as overhunting of Asian bears has led to precipitous declines in native Asian bear populations. Legal and illegal trade in bear parts also occurs in many Asian communities throughout the world, including Canada and the United States.
What can be done to stop the illegal trade in bears and bear parts?
If the trade in bears and bear parts such as gallbladders is to be effectively regulated, action must occur on several fronts. First, recognizing that many bear species are at risk, countries with high consumer interest and demand must work to eliminate trivial, non-medical use of bear gallbladders to ensure that the limited supply from legally hunted and traded bears is available when needed. In addition, Asian countries importing gall bladders and bile salts should educate their consumers on the effectiveness of chemical and natural substitutes in order to reduce the demand for bear gallbladders. Those countries from which illegally taken and/or traded bear parts are known to be exported must strengthen enforcement, impose strict penalties on illegal bear trading, and solicit help, when necessary, from the international conservation community to enforce these laws.
If the trade in bears and bear parts such as gallbladders is to be effectively regulated, action must occur on several fronts. First, recognizing that many bear species are at risk, countries with high consumer interest and demand must work to eliminate trivial, non-medical use of bear gallbladders to ensure that the limited supply from legally hunted and traded bears is available when needed. In addition, Asian countries importing gall bladders and bile salts should educate their consumers on the effectiveness of chemical and natural substitutes in order to reduce the demand for bear gallbladders. Those countries from which illegally taken and/or traded bear parts are known to be exported must strengthen enforcement, impose strict penalties on illegal bear trading, and solicit help, when necessary, from the international conservation community to enforce these laws.
At present, there are still legal markets for bear parts in some U.S. states and Canadian territories and provinces where the hunting of bears is permitted. Other states and provinces prohibit the trade in bear parts, creating the potential for laundering parts hunted in one part of the country in jurisdictions where such trade is legal. Still others fail to address bears and bear trade at all in their legislation. Both the United States and Canada must ensure that there are strong safeguards to prevent such laundering - and work to prevent the importation of medicinal products from endangered Asian bear species, for which there are large markets among U.S. and Canadian Asian populations.
