Global bear conservation requires local action
“The sun bear—often referred to as the forgotten bear species—is one of the least studied ursids.”
We can’t protect what we don’t understand, and in many parts of the world the bears most at risk are also the least researched.
In a newly published editorial in Oryx—The International Journal of Conservation, our Regional Director Brian Crudge and Research Programme Manager Zachary David PhD, highlight a major conservation challenge: global statistics can sometimes hide the real risks faced by local populations.
While some bear species are listed as “Least Concern” globally, individual populations may be critically endangered within certain regions. In some cases, only a handful of animals remain.
The editorial emphasises that conservation cannot rely solely on global assessments such as the IUCN Red List. Protecting bears requires strong local action, including investment in research, population monitoring, and support for conservation organisations and wildlife authorities working where bears live.
This is especially important for species like the sun bear, the world’s smallest bear and one of the least studied. Without reliable information about population trends, habitat use and threats, protecting them effectively becomes much harder.
The authors also highlight the role sanctuaries and conservation organisations can play in advancing scientific understanding. Research with rescued bears allows scientists to study behaviour, health, reproduction and genetics, helping inform conservation strategies in the wild.
This is where our work at Free the Bears plays a critical role. Our sanctuaries not only rescue and care for bears recovering from exploitation, they also provide valuable opportunities for research. Long-term care allows us to gather insights into bear biology and behaviour that are difficult to obtain from elusive species like the sun bear.
With more than 80 research projects completed, our teams are helping build the scientific knowledge needed to guide conservation across Southeast Asia and strengthen protection for vulnerable bear populations.
Publication authors: Brian Crudge and Zachary David