Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why are Asiatic black bears threatened by habitat loss and hunting?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Jasper National Park: grizzly bear — bear Grizzly bear in Jasper National Park, western Alberta, Canada.

The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is classified as a vulnerable species, with fewer than 60,000 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. Their survival is compromised by two primary factors:1

Habitat Loss

The species faces significant threats from the destruction of its natural environment. This is driven largely by logging and the conversion of forests into agricultural land, particularly in China. These activities reduce the available space for the bears to forage and live, forcing them into smaller, fragmented territories.12

Hunting and Exploitation

Asiatic black bears are heavily targeted by poachers due to the high market value of their body parts. Their gallbladders and bile are sought after for use in traditional Asian medicines. Beyond medicinal use, wild bears are hunted for their paws and meat, while live individuals are often captured for the pet trade or entertainment purposes.21

It is ethically imperative to protect these animals from such exploitation, as the unsustainable demand for wildlife products directly threatens the biodiversity and long-term viability of the species.12