Andean Bear

Andean Bears are the only species of bear native to South America, and the single remaining relative of prehistoric short-faced bears in the world, but their populations and mountain habitat are quickly disappearing.

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Two bears on a hill
Bears in a tree
A close up of a bear
A close up of a black and brown bear
A bear on a hill

Elusive yet charismatic, Andean bears live in the most biologically diverse region on earth and represent an umbrella species - their population status is an indicator of the overall health of their ecosystem. Experts predict that that Andean Bears will be considered endangered in the next 20 years. Research on bear distribution and populations is needed to design effective conservation strategies for this threatened species.

WHAT WE'RE DOING

The Andean Bear Conservation Alliance (ABCA) is a partnership initiative of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, in collaboration with government agencies in Andean bear range countries, Cornell university, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and other partners working to provide a collaborative, coordinated, and targeted approach to Andean bear conservation.

Conducting Andean Bear Research and Developing Monitoring Tools

  • Tools and methodologies developed by the ABCA to study and monitor Andean bear populations are being used in 15 protected areas in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia and are the national standard in the Colombian and Peruvian National Park Systems.

Training Students, Scientists, Rangers and Conservation Managers

  • More than sixty training workshops have been conducted for National Parks staff and conservation professionals in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela on development & implementation of Andean bear monitoring projects, human-bear coexistence, and conservation decision-making.

Facilitating Collaborative Conservation Plans for Andean Bears

  • ABCA has participated in the development of the Andean Bear Conservation Action Plans in Colombia and Peru and trained the Natural Protected Areas’ Andean bear monitoring team.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

  • You can make a difference for Andean bears by choosing Bird Friendly® certified coffee - it is grown and harvested in ways that help protect Andean habitat!
  • Learn more about how you can take action and make a difference for Andean bears and other wildlife.

PARTNERS

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