International Moon Bear Day | Asiatic Black Bear | What is Moon Bear? | Moon Bear Conservation | Bear Bile Farming | Conservation of Asiatic Black Bears in Pakistan

International Moon Bear Day is observed every year on August 8^th. It aims to raise awareness about the plight of the moon bear or Asiatic black bear and the need for moon bear conservation. This special day reminds us of the cruelty these bears face and the urgent steps needed to protect them from extinction. Moreover, it also raises awareness about devastating effects of bear bile farming on moon bears. Bears in Mind has actively supported awareness campaigns for the conservation of Asiatic Black Bears in Pakistan, particularly in Chitral, Northern Pakistan.

 Furthermore, it promotes the Asiatic Black Bears conservation and protection of their habitats.

What is a Moon Bear?

The moon bear (Ursus thibetanus) is also known as the Asiatic black bear. It has a distinctive crescent-shaped white mark on its chest, which looks like a moon. Moon bears live in forests and hilly regions of Asia, including China, Korea, Vietnam, Pakistan, Nepal, India and Russia.

They are intelligent, strong, and shy animals. They play an important role in forest ecosystems by helping with seed dispersal and insect control. Despite their importance, their numbers have sharply declined due to illegal hunting, habitat loss, and bear bile farming. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed them as Vulnerable due to widespread threats.

چاند ریچھ (مون بیئر) کاعالمی دن – گال بلیڈر کیلئے متنازع فارمنگ اور دلچسپ خصوصیات

History of International Moon Bear Day

International Moon Bear Day was founded by Animals Asia Foundation, an organization based in Hong Kong. The first official observance began in 2012. The main goal was to educate people, stop the torture of moon bears in bile farms, and promote rescue and rehabilitation efforts. It also aims to promote moon bear conservation.

Animals Asia Foundation began in 1998, founded by Jill Robinson in Hong Kong. It aims to end bear bile farming and improve animal welfare across Asia.

The day actively spreads awareness about the cruelty of bear bile farming. As a result, people learn how thousands of bears suffer in tiny cages. In many cases, these bears endure painful bile extraction repeatedly. Moreover, International Moon Bear Day honors rescued bears, now living in sanctuaries. At the same time, it remembers those still trapped and waiting for freedom. Therefore, the day calls for action to end inhumane practice of bile extraction.

Since then, many conservation groups, animal rights activists, and supporters worldwide celebrate this day. Events include educational campaigns, fundraising activities, social media drives, and public talks to spread awareness about effect of bear bile farming.

Purpose of International Moon Bear Day

International Moon Bear Day aims to raise global awareness about the suffering of moon bears (Asiatic black bears), particularly those trapped in the brutal practice of bear bile farming. It also highlights the urgent need to end this cruel practice, where bears are caged for years and subjected to painful bile extraction. Moreover, the day encourages people to reject products made from bear bile and choose cruelty-free alternatives. It also supports rescue and rehabilitation efforts led by animal welfare organizations.

In addition, widespread deforestation continues to destroy their natural habitat, forcing them into human areas and increasing conflict. Furthermore, illegal wildlife trade targets these bears for their bile, paws, and body parts, pushing wild populations toward decline. Many governments have laws to protect moon bears, yet weak enforcement allows poaching and trafficking to persist. As climate change alters ecosystems, food sources become scarce and hibernation patterns are disrupted. Together, these threats place moon bears at great risk. Therefore, the day urges people to promote the urgent need for stronger Asiatic black bear conservation action and global awareness.

Furthermore, the day promotes stronger wildlife protection laws and urges governments to shut down illegal bear bile farming. By spreading knowledge and compassion, International Moon Bear Day helps people take action. Ultimately, it inspires the world to protect moon bears and give them the freedom and care they deserve.

International Polar Bear Day, Its History-برفانی ریچھ کا عالمی دن، ہسٹری اور دیگر معلومات

Asiatic Black bears in Pakistan

The Asiatic black bears in Pakistan live in the forests of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, its population is rapidly declining due to human activities. Logging and land development continue to destroy its natural habitat. As a result, bears often enter villages in search of food, leading to conflict. Moreover, poachers hunt these bears for their bile, paws, and skins, which are sold illegally. In some regions, people still use bears for baiting, despite legal bans. Although laws exist to protect them, weak enforcement allows cruelty to continue. Fortunately, groups like the Bio resource Research Centre are rescuing captive bears and raising awareness. Therefore, stronger action and community support are urgently needed to save this species in Pakistan.

Conservation of Asiatic Black Bears in Pakistan

Bears in Mind is an international conservation charity dedicated to protecting bears and their habitats, with a strong focus on Asia and Eurasia. The organization supports projects that blend scientific research, community participation, and wildlife welfare initiatives.

Since 2020, Bears in Mind has funded a major conservation effort in Chitral, Northern Pakistan, targeting the Asiatic Black Bear (ABB). Through a project titled “Population Estimation and Conservation of Asiatic Black Bear in the Hindukush Region”, the organization has achieved several milestones. It focuses on studying bear populations, reducing human-bear conflict, and developing a clear management plan.

For Asiatic black bears in Pakistan, researchers has conducted a detailed field survey. As a result, they created the first population distribution map of Asiatic black bears in Pakistan in Chitral. For the first time, they also assessed the illegal trade in bear parts. In addition, they consulted local communities and stakeholders to create a joint plan for protecting bears and promoting sustainable land use.

Although Chitral offers an ideal habitat, especially in the south, it remains largely unstudied. Over the past two years, the Mountain Society for Research & Development Chitral has led fieldwork and conservation actions. They focused on community participation, public awareness, and improving local livelihoods.

The Mountain Society for Research & Development (MSRD) is a grassroots NGO operating across the Chitral District in northern Pakistan. It focuses on revitalizing the region’s ecological and forest landscapes through community-led nature-based solutions, sustainable livelihoods, and participatory conservation programs.

Effects of Bear Bile Farming on Moon Bears

Bear bile farming causes immense suffering to moon bears. These intelligent animals live in tiny cages, often for decades. They endure painful bile extraction again and again. As a result, they suffer severe physical injuries. Moreover, they face deep psychological trauma. Many lose their teeth and claws from stress and self-harm. In addition, they develop infections and organ damage. The pain lasts a lifetime. Therefore, understanding these effects is crucial. It helps raise awareness and demand change. Ending this cruelty must become a global priority.

Why Do We Need Moon Bear Day &  Moon Bear Conservation?

Moon bears suffer terribly in bile farms across Asia. People keep them in tiny cages for years. They extract bile from the bears’ gallbladders using painful methods. This bile is used in traditional medicine. As a result, bears feel constant pain. They often develop infections, tumors, and liver damage. Many die early.

Meanwhile, their forest homes are shrinking. Deforestation destroys their natural habitat. In addition, poachers kill bears for their parts. The illegal trade grows every year. Without urgent action, moon bears may vanish from the wild.

Therefore, moon bear conservation is necessary to protect them.

Importance of Moon Bear Conservation

Moon bears do more than survive. They help nature thrive. They spread seeds, dig soil, and control insects. Therefore, saving them also saves forests and biodiversity.

Moreover, moon bear conservation promotes kindness. It teaches respect for animals. It also encourages humane practices in medicine. Overall, protecting moon bears means protecting nature and showing compassion.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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