The Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus malayanus) is a subspecies of sun bear, occurring in southeast Asia.[1] The Malayan sun bear's conservation status is Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its population is decreasing due to threats like habitat loss from deforestation and commercial hunting, primarily for products like bear bile .
Although the sun bear is the smallest species in the bear family, its subspecies, the Malayan sun bear is even smaller, with a maximum length of 1.5m (4ft 11in) and weight of 35–70kg (77–154lb).[2] The Malayan sun bear appears very similar to the sun bear,[clarification needed]
but is distinguishable by its golden-white chest patch, which is thinner than that of the sun bear.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The Malayan sun bear can be found in mainly coastal areas in southeast Asia, but is less dispersed within it than the sun bear,[clarification needed] with specific populations living as follows:[1]
Like the sun bear, the Malayan sun bear lives within rainforests (both evergreen and deciduous) of diverse altitudes, ranging from coastal, lowland areas to mountainous regions of above 2,000m (6,600ft).[2]
Unlike the sun bear,[clarification needed] the Malayan sun bear is primarily nocturnal, although it is also active in the daytime.[3] However, equally to the sun bear, they do not hibernate like other bears due to their warm, tropical environment, which provides nutrients all year round.[3]
Diet
Similarly to the sun bear,[clarification needed] the Malayan sun bear is omnivorous and eats fruit, honey, and nuts.[4] The meat in their diet is composed of insects such as termites, bee larvae and beetle larvae.[2] They can reach these foods with their long tongues (which can reach 30cm (1ft)) and claws.[5]
Human relations
In 2025, the Malayan sun bear along with the Bornean sun bear (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus), were selected to be new campaign mascots for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.[6]
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