image by Ricardo Kuehn
Common names: Spectacled Bear, Andean Bear, ukuko, jukumari, ucumari
Scientific name: Tremarctos ornatus
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Population in the Wild: unknown, some reports say under 3000
Habitat: Cloud forest in the Andes in South America, in parts of Panama, Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina.
Behavior: arboreal, omnivore mostly vegetarian, mostly nocturnal
Closest Relatives: Panda Bear
Interesting fact(s):
-Spectacled bears’ face, neck, and chest markings are, like human fingerprints, unique to each bear
-The only bear from South America
Threats:
-habitat loss due mining, farming and logging
Conservation Organizations: