The Spectacled bear is the only Southamerican native bear. Their name comes from the light stains around their eyes that resemble lenses. This species is endemic, which means that it can only be found in its natural habitat along the Andean mountain range in Colombia, Ecuador, Perú and Bolivia. The Spectacled bears live in humid and relatively cold weather, at over 2,000 and under 4,000 meters above sea level.
They are coated with thick black fur, and are usually stained with fair hair that climbs from their chests and encircles their eyes. This gives them a unique appearance, distinguishable from other bear species. Nevertheless, same as all types of bears, the Spectacled bears are plantigrades, which means their flat feet allow them to stand on their hind legs to reach higher with their sight and fore legs. A male adult specimen may measure around 1.8 meters tall and weigh around 120 kilograms. As for the female specimens, they may be as tall as 1.2 meters and weigh around 65 kilograms.
The Spectacled bears tend to have daily and solitary habits. They mark their territory by scratching and urinating on vegetation. To find food, they walk long distances around the forest using the paths set by themselves, but they are also great climbers. Most of their livelihood is obtained from the top of the trees. Even though their main diet consists of plants, the Spectacled bears also eat meat, and hence are considered omnivores.
As was mentioned, their natural habitat is the Andean Mountains; they are to be found especially in the Andean Forest, but may live even further above, in the Andean Paramo. They build nests under trees and platforms on tree branches where they take naps and enjoy their meals. Sometimes, due to the scarcity of food, they end up in the desert way below their natural habitat, and there they feed on cacti and other types of vegetation.
The Spectacled Bear is a cultural and ecological symbol throughout the continent and is labeled in Colombia as the Guardian of the Paramo, a guardian that transits kilometers of forest revitalizing the ecosystem at its steps. These bears are shy and evasive, but they are not aggressive towards humans who are their main predators, and there haven’t been any reported attacks by Spectacled Bears on humans. As is to be expected, this species is vulnerable due to hunting and the destruction of its natural habitat.
By Nicolás Naranjo García
6 Comments
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Spot on with this write-up, I actually suppose this website needs far more consideration. I’ll probably be again to read much more, thanks for that info.
I really enjoyed this article, because it is very interesting how the Spectacled bear helps and preserves the Paramo. It is also interesting to know and understand its habitat better.
Something interesting about the Spectacled Bear is that can only be found in South America, so that means that we need to preserve them too.🫂
The teacher provides a good description of the Spectacled bear. He also mentions the specific habitat in the Andean mountains and describe the physical characteristics.The article explains the importance of guarding the ecosystem where the bear lives because Colombia is considered a guardian of the Paramo. Furthermore, the bear is vulnerable to hunting and habitat destruction. The teacher explains the need to protect the ecology symbol and I agree
This text describes how the Spectacled Bears live in the Andean mountain range in some countries from South America. Also, this species is unique among other species of Bears because it is endemic and only exists in these areas.
The teacher also mentioned that this animal is constantly threatened by humans and even more their habits are being destroy by deforestation. It is so important that we handle this situation to save the species, because the ecosystem could be lost and result in global warming increase.
Thank you for the input, it is very complete to inform us.
According to the text, The spectacled bears are endemic to in the Andean mountain range, and they are the only species of bears in South America. They live in the upper part of mountain and they eat plants and meat, so they are omnivores. The article also said that they are a symbol of the region and they are very important for the ecosystem because they transit kilometers of forest revitalizing it, but unfortunately people are hunting them,
I agree with teacher Nicolas because it’s a real problem, and in this moment it is important to become aware to try to conserve the ecosystem and this specie.
Your description of the Spectacled Bear is truly captivating. You’ve painted a vivid picture of their unique appearance and fascinating behaviors, highlighting their important role in the Andean ecosystems. It’s clear you have a deep appreciation for these incredible animals and their conservation. Well done!
The Spectacled bear, due to the height at which it lives, is a species that deserves to be protected, given that they take care and revitalize the moorsides, or in other words, the birth of many water sources.
It is ironic that they have not attacked humans and yet we are their biggest predators.
Deforestation is a big problem in their survival, so it is in the trees where they make their nests and spend their leisure time. Furthermore, global warming is destroying the Spectacled bear’s natural habit with its high temperatures.
“The Guardian of the Páramo” is a beautiful name, we should be the guardians of this species of bear.