Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) are widespread throughout the country, including fragmented forests near urban areas, a new study has revealed.
Baseline Study of Sun Bears in Brunei Darussalam was published by Borneo Futures Sdn Bhd, a scientific environmental consultancy based in Brunei, in collaboration with the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and the Forestry Department of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), UBD announced in a press statement.
Local Environmental Analyst and External Engagement Coordinator at Borneo Futures Thina Ariffin led the study, which employed comprehensive countrywide interview surveys and data analysis and represents the first sun bear-focused project in Brunei Darussalam.
The key findings suggest that the Sultanate could serve as a regional stronghold for sun bears, given their resilience to changing habitats.
“Hunting does not pose a major threat to sun bears in Brunei Darussalam. Instead, habitat loss and fragmentation are identified as the primary challenges to their survival,” the statement said.
The report also emphasised the urgent need for coordinated conservation efforts to ensure the long-term survival of sun bears in the country.
Managing Director of Borneo Futures Professor Dr Erik Meijaard expressed optimism about the study’s implications.
“Our findings indicate that sun bears are widely distributed across Brunei and… occur close to urban areas and other human-dominated landscapes,” he said. “This suggests relatively low hunting pressure but also highlights areas requiring immediate conservation action.”
Local collaborator from IBER, UBD, Dr Siti Salwa binti Abdul Khalid also emphasised the commitment to fostering collaboration with relevant agencies, ensuring local capacity and knowledge transfer.
Sun bears, the second-rarest bear species in the world, are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their numbers are diminishing quickly due to threats such as habitat loss.
