Andean, or ‘spectacled’ bears (aka Paddington), are the only bears that live in Latin America.
They are also one of the largest native mammals in Ecuador. Found in the Tropical Andes, the bear's way of life makes it one of the most important “umbrella species” in the region. Their presence determines the survival of a large number of other species. Bears are a key factor in the regeneration of ecosystems, since they play a key role in the dispersal of seeds. Seeds from over 300 plant species are eaten by Andean bears and dispersed over the large distances.
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, they are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation from unsustainable agirculture, logging and mining, as well as illegal killing by farmers to prevent damage to crops or livestock. Habitat fragmentation means that over 30% of their previous habitat is now too small for populations to survive in, and the number of bears killed is increasing.
A two year study funded by the PTES (with cameras given by Nature Spy) at our Neblina Reserve in Ecuador, revealed the presence of 17-18 individual adult bears with juveniles, indicating that the reserve is playing an important role as a ecological corridor in the province, providing connected habitat for this charismatic species, and strengthening the national conservation strategy.
The camera trap image below shows an adult and the video a juvenile bear, both in the Neblina Reserve.
