Many bear species are facing extinction and only two species can be classified as having healthy numbers, according to a new report by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The IUCN is a collaboration of environmental groups and government agencies, which are working together to map the threat faced by different species.
In their latest report these organizations sought to highlight the plight faced by bears. The report said urgent action was needed to preserve bear numbers in Asia and South America. Conservation efforts had gathered speed in North America, but these two regions were suffering for lack of funds, the report added.
Six of eight bear species in the world are facing extinction and only Brown bear (Ursus arctos ) and American Black bear (Ursus americanus) seem to be thriving, the report said. Last year the IUCN had classified Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) as falling under the vulnerable category.
This year the Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) has been added to that list. The Sun bear is abundant in Southeast Asia, but in recent years its population has dwindled. The panel says that currently there are just over 10,000 Sun bears in the world.
"They're deteriorating especially because bears are either persecuted or they are harvested because of the gall bladder, which is of great medicinal value in China," said IUCN spokesman Simon Stewart. Additionally bear paws are a delicacy in this part of the world giving them great value.
The giant panda continues to remain the world's most threatened species although efforts have been made in China to preserve it. However habitat destruction and degradation are the giant panda's worst enemies, the IUCN report added.
