The Sun Bear is the smallest species of bear in the world, and is also famous in the name of ‘Honey Bear’ for its voracious appetitefor honey and honey combs. They have two subspecies.

Scientific Name – Helarctosmalayanus

Classification – Helarctos

Gender Names – Male – boar; Female – sow; Baby – cub

Collective Noun – Sleuth, sloth

Length/Size – 1.2m – 1.5m (4ft – 5ft)

Weight – 30kg – 60kg (66lbs – 132lbs)

Top Speed – 48kph (30mph)

Life Expectancy – Unknown in the wild; 12-24 years in captivity

Mating Season – No definite breeding season

Gestation Period – 95days

Special Features – Yellow to orange U-shaped mark present on the chest

Social Structure – Leads a solitary life except during mating and rearing infants

Geographical Distribution – Asian mainland, Sumatra, and the island of Borneo

Natural Habitat – Tropical forest habitats of Southeast Asia

World Population – Unknown

Conservation Status –Vulnerable

Diet – Omnivorous diet; mostly Honey and beehives, but also fruits and insects

Predators –Tiger, snakes, birds of prey