Spectacled bear
The spectacled bear is the only bear species native to South America. Pale markings around its eyes give many individuals a spectacle-like appearance.
Ursidae: Ursidae is the mammal family comprising bears, including eight living species. The spectacled bear is the sole South American member of this family.
Omnivory: Omnivory is a feeding strategy that includes foods from both plant and animal sources. Spectacled bears eat mostly plants but also consume insects and animal matter.
IUCN Red List: The IUCN Red List is a global assessment system for species’ extinction risk. It classifies the spectacled bear as Vulnerable to extinction.
Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu is an Inca archaeological site in Peru’s Andes, surrounded by montane forest. Spectacled bears inhabit the surrounding landscape and sometimes appear near the site.
Andes: The Andes are a mountain range running along western South America. Their forests and high-altitude landscapes form the bear’s main range.
Seed dispersal: Seed dispersal is the movement of seeds away from the parent plant by wind, water, or animals. Seeds can pass through bears after they eat fruit, connecting their diet to forest regeneration.
Habitat fragmentation: Habitat fragmentation is the division of continuous habitat into smaller, separated patches. Roads, farming, and settlement can isolate bear populations across the Andes.
Andean bear conservation: Andean bear conservation comprises research and actions aimed at protecting spectacled bears and their habitat. Projects combine monitoring, habitat protection, and efforts to reduce conflict with communities.
Cloud forest: A cloud forest is a moist tropical forest frequently enveloped in low cloud or fog. These forests provide spectacled bears with food, cover, and travel corridors.
Arboreality: Arboreality is the use of trees for activities such as feeding, resting, or moving. Spectacled bears climb trees to reach food and sometimes build resting platforms.