The Asian Trade in Bears and Bear Parts: Impacts and Conservation Recommendations

The trade in bears and/or bear parts for use in traditional medicines, in cuisine, and as pets is widespread in Asia. The value of certain bear parts by weight, in some Asian countries, exceeds many times the price of gold, creating a market that effectively places a price on the head of every wild bear. The bile from bear gallbladders is an especially coveted medicine in China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, where it is used to treat a variety of serious ailments. Bear paws are considered both a "tonic" food and a gourmet delicacy in these populous and wealthy nations. Current levels of trade in bears and bear parts, coupled with ongoing habitat loss throughout Asia, suggests a continuing decline in the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), the brown bear (Ursus arctos), and the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). To prevent the decline and possible extinction of Asian bear populations, management and education efforts must address this trade at both supply and demand levels.