FaunaHub
VUVulnerablePartial review

Andean Bear

Tremarctos ornatus

Andean (spectacled) bear (Tremarctos ornatus), with pale eye markings.

Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus); this individual is in a zoo.

Image: Wilfredor, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

At a glance

IUCN category
VU · Vulnerable
Animal group
Mammals
Population trend
Decreasing
Last verified

Conservation overview

The Andean bear (spectacled bear) is South America's only bear, named for the pale markings around its eyes. It is assessed as Vulnerable.

It is mostly vegetarian and an excellent climber of the Andes' forests.

Range & habitat

Andean cloud forests and high grasslands of western South America.

Major threats

Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.

  • Habitat loss and fragmentation
  • Conflict with farmers
  • Hunting

Why it matters

As the only bear in South America and a disperser of seeds in Andean forests, the Andean bear is a flagship for conserving the tropical Andes.

South America's only bear species; also called the spectacled bear.

Sources

Sources for Andean Bear

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the spectacled bear?
Many individuals have pale cream markings around the eyes and on the muzzle that can resemble eyeglasses, though the pattern varies between bears.
Why is the Andean bear Vulnerable?
Published assessments cite habitat loss and fragmentation in the Andes, conflict with farmers, and hunting. See the IUCN Red List.

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