Dog bears are on the brink of extinction

It is a warning of experts from the World Conservation Union (IUCN) for the world's smallest bear, caused by deforestation and poaching right in the ' homeland ' of Southeast Asia.

Sun bears live on an area stretching from India to Indonesia, which is classified by IUCN as a threatened species.

' We estimate the number of sun bears has declined by at least 30% in the past 30 years and is continuing to decline at this rate, ' said Rob Steinmetz, a bear expert at IUNC. According to Dave Garshelis, co-chair of IUNC's bear expert group, in the past 30 years the world has lost more than 10,000 dog bears.

Sun bears are often hunted for bile, which is often used by traditional Chinese physicians to treat liver disease, eye disease and other diseases. Garshelis said that Thailand is now the only country that effectively protects dog bears when banning deforestation and banning hunting of dog bears.

A 9-month-old Asian bear dog kept in captivity in Banglamung, Thailand.According to IUCN, 6 of the world's 8 bears are now threatened with extinction (Photo: AP).

WALL VY