Indiscriminate hunting and widespread destruction of their habitat has decimated bear populations throughout Asia. All eight species of bear are listed as critically endangered by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES).  The situation is especially bad in those countries where bear gall is most popular. In South Korea, the Asiatic black bear is believed to be extinct whilst in Taiwan it is estimated that only a small number of Formosan black bears continue to survive in the wild. Poaching for skins and body parts is a major factor behind the declining numbers. Bear teeth and claws are in big demand for jewellery whilst the various organs and meat are used for traditional Chinese medicine. The most expensive and sought after part of the bear is the gall bladder, which is widely used to treat liver disorders. The rarer the species of bear, the higher the price for its gall bladder. Bear farms thrive in Vietnam where the bile, extracted using a catheter inserted into the animals gall bladder while it is alive, is in high demand.

Asiatic Black Bear or Moon Bear.



Malayan Sun Bear.



Rescued Asiatic black bear, Thailand.



Asiatic black bear posing with tourists in Guilin, China.