The Andean bear, also known as the spectacled bear, is found between 250-4,750 meters in altitude in the Andes mountains. It inhabits various ecosystems from desert scrub to montane forest. The most striking feature is the circular patch of white fur around its eyes, which gives it its name. It is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to urban expansion, agriculture, deforestation, and mining. Other threats include hunting and capture for the pet trade. Conservation efforts include reforestation programs, education to avoid conflicts, and population studies to understand distribution and protect the species.

1. THE ANDEAN BEAR
Participants:
- Angie Mariana Puma Baltazar
- Nataly Montesinos Carhuaricra
- Dacna Alexandra Rojas Freyre

2. History
Also know as ukuku (Quechua
Word) or spectacled bear, the
Andean bear is an important part
of both the Andean and
Amazonian worldviews. They are
considered mediators between
the world of the living and the
dead, and the Matsiguenga
indigenous people consider him
the creator of life, the Maeni.

3. Undoubtedly, the most striking
feature of the spectacled bear is
the presence of White hair around
the eyes with a circular shape,
reminiscent of glasses, in many
specimens, this White hair
extends to the chest. The rest of
the fur on its body is dark Brown
or black.
It can measure up to 2m tall and
weigh up to 130kg, with males
being larger than females
Features

4. HÁBITAT
It inhabits various ecosystems, ranging
from the desert scrub, dry forest, montane
forest, paramo, to the puna. It is present
between 250 and 4.750 meters of altitude
THREATS
The main ones are the loss and
fragmentation of their habitat, due to:
- Urban and agricultural expansion
- Felling of trees
- Ilegal minery
Other threats: In realtion to man
- In some places, the species is hunted
because it is considered harmful
because it feeds on some agricultural
corps or possibly livestock
- They are illegally captured to be sold as
pets (when they are puppies) or to be

5. Why is the spectacled bear in
danger of extinction?
1. The loss of its natural habitat mainly due to the
fragmentation and deforestation of the forests in
which it lives.
2. The destruction of the tropical forests in which it lives
due to the increasingly devastating urban and
agricultural growth, such as the construction of
bridges, public works, etc.
3. Due to climate change, they suffer the loss of quantity
and quality of their food in the forests, so they choose
to look for food in nearby areas where they live with
humans and are injured.

6. How to help the Andean bear
to avoid its extinction?
1. Reforestation program in which the communities
surrounding natural habitats support various
processes of recovery of flora and fauna.
2. Promote the preservation of Andean bears by
raising awareness among local populations to avoid
confrontations that can end the lives of Andean
bears.
3. Carry out population studies with the aim of
knowing the exact number of living individuals,
different migration routes, and knowing the specific
area of occupation