Gobi bear (Ursus arctos gobiensis)

Species information

Videos and images

Threats

This relict population is believed to have become rare and isolated due to changing climatic conditions in the area (4). The population is thought to be relatively stable but its small size makes it particularly vulnerable to any chance event such as drought (2). Disturbance by people and livestock is also a threat (2), and cubs are at risk from predation by wolves (4).

Conservation

Mongolian scientists are undertaking research into the behaviour of this poorly understood bear in the hope that this may hold the key to its survival (4). More information is desperately needed before any conservation measures may be considered. Time is running out for this largely forgotten bear (2) in the strange and inhospitable landscape of the desert.