Research

RESEARCH

Free the Bears is a global leader in bear research, working across Asia to study wild bear populations, improve the welfare of rescued bears, and address the complex threats driving their decline.

Our research spans everything from field studies tracking bears and their habitats, to investigations into the demand for wildlife products, bear physiology, veterinary care, community surveys and more.

Working alongside researchers, governments, and international conservation partners, Free the Bears is helping shape the future of bear conservation.

Every insight we gain helps us make better decisions for bears in the wild, and for the hundreds of rescued bears who now depend on us.

Publications

Understanding People, to Protect Bears

Global bear conservation requires local action

Sun Bears Reproduce All Year Round!

Understanding the Use of Bear Parts in Traditional Khmer Medicine

Hunting in the time of COVID

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Getting bears back to the wild

Our pre-release facilities are secluded, semi-wild forest habitats, designed to support rescued bears that may be suitable for release back to the wild. This program represents years of research and planning, all aimed at one day giving rescued bears the chance to live freely again.

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A global plan for sun bears

Free the Bears helped lead the development of the Sun Bear Conservation Action Plan (2019–2028) — the first comprehensive strategy for protecting the world’s smallest bear.

Developed by international bear experts, the plan outlines the key actions needed to reduce exploitation, protect habitats, strengthen research, and secure the long-term future of sun bears across their range.

Read the plan

Lao version Khmer version

Vietnamese version

Free the Bears has supported 40% of sun bear PhD's completed to date, and is involved in 60% of new studies currently underway.

Often referred to as "the forgotten bear species", sun bears remain one of the least studied bear species in the world. It is critical that we understand them, so we can best protect them.

Collaborate with us

Free the Bears welcomes collaboration with researchers and academic institutions who share our commitment to conservation. Our field programmes, wildlife sanctuaries and pre-release facilities offer valuable opportunities for research that directly inform bear conservation and welfare.

By working together, we can ensure research delivers real-world outcomes for bears in both human care and the wild.

Support vital research

When you support our research, you help us protect wild bears, improve care for rescued bears, and build pathways back to the wild. Your generosity helps ensure this vital work to protect threatened bears in Asia continues.

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