International Moon Bear Day | Moon Bear Characteristics | Habitat | Conservation | Bear Bile Farming

August 08 is International Moon Bear Day. This bear is also called Asiatic Black Bear, Asian Moon Bear, and Himalayan black Bear. This celebration aims to raise awareness about Moon Bears and the cruelties they face. It also highlights the protection of Moon Bear Habitat. Moreover, this day raises awareness about the threats they face. These threats include habitat loss and illegal hunting for Moon Bear Bile Extraction. Bear Bile Farming is also an issue. Special Asian Moon Bear Characteristics include a white or yellow crescent-shaped “moon” on their chest among others.

چمپینزی کا عالمی دن اور ہسٹری، بن مانس کی خصوصیات اور دیگر معلومات

Moon Bear Characteristics

They are also known as Asian Moon Bear and Himalayan Bear. They are native to Asia and have black fur. A distinct V or crescent-shaped whitish or creamy patch on the chest is among the special moon bear characteristics. It resembles a rising or setting moon. Therefore, they got their name with Moon.

Both male and female of Himalayan black bear or Asiatic Black Bear are similar in length. Whereas, a female bear is slightly shorter than a male in size. They have a large head. They have large and rounded ears. Moreover, they also have short stubby tails.

Himalayan Black Bear has powerful jaws with large canine teeth. They are omnivorous. They feed on insects, beetle larvae, invertebrates, grubs, carrion, bees, eggs, nuts, seeds and grains. Moreover, they love honey in their diet. They have smaller skull than brown bear.

کوالا کا عالمی دن، کوالا جانور کی خصوصیات اور آسٹریلیا میں اہمیت

Asiatic Black Bear has strong and muscular limbs, particularly forelimbs. Therefore, they can stand upright just on two back legs. Their forelimbs also help them climb trees and digging food. They also have sharp curved claws. They have specialized adaptations for arboreal living. These adaptations include flexible body structure and strong and sharp claws. Due to this, they climb trees with ease.

Bear Bile Farming

Bear Bile Farming began in China in 1980. However, this farming system started for Bear Bile extraction from the gallbladders of living bears. Before this, bears were hunted for their gallbladder bile. The use of this bile was in traditional Chinese medicine. Bear bile is considered a ‘cure’ for a range of ailments from acne, colds, sore throats, anti-inflammatory, hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis and even cancer.

In the early 1990’s, there were over 400 farms in China alone for bear bile farming. Bear bile contains ursodeoxycholic acid. The sale of this bile is in the form of powder, tonic, or pills. China’s National Health Commission faced criticism in 2020 after recommending ‘Tan Re Qing’. ‘Tan Re Qing’ is a traditional Chinese medicine that contains the bile. They recommended this medicine to treat severe cases of COVID-19.

Moon Bear Habitat and Distribution

Asiatic Black Bear habitat depends on the season and time of the year. They are found across Asia. They are found from southern Iran to the Himalayas, Southeast and Eastern Asia including Pakistan and Japan. Furthermore, they prefer high altitudes and heavily forested areas due to their climbing ability. They are solitary animals. These animals sleep most of the day in hollow logs, caves, or trees. They often hibernate from November to March depending on the location. They migrate to higher altitudes in summer to avoid heat and descend to lower altitudes in colder months.

Asian Moon Bear Conservation

They are vulnerable at IUCN standards. The use of gallbladder and bile of Himalayan Black Bear in traditional Chinese medicine is a threat. Bear Bile Extraction and Bear Bile Farming are under criticism. Moonbear conservation is necessary for ecological balance. They are seed-dispersed.

Endangered Species and Red List Categories 

However, many organizations are working on Moon Bear Conservation. Their efforts include habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and rehabilitation programs for rescued bears. In particular, the Animals Asia Foundation is working to end bear bile farming. This foundation is working to improve the welfare of Bears across Asia. The Animals Asia team has been rescuing bears since 1994.

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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