Spectacled bears—also known as Andean bears—are named for the markings around their eyes that give them the appearance of wearing glasses. They are the only bear species found in South America and have left a cultural mark as the inspiration behind the popular Paddington Bear series of children’s books.
This rare, charismatic bear is highly endangered, primarily due to habitat fragmentation that has caused bears to lose access to critical feeding areas. Although this bear is generally found in humid, alpine cloud forests, Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC) discovered a population of more than 65 bears in the low elevation dry forest, providing a unique opportunity to observe these bears in the wild.
Spectacled Bear Conservation has been able to characterize critical aspects of the bear’s biology and reproduction to identify their habitat needs and other factors impacting their conservation. SBC also works closely with the communities that live in and around bear habitat to build local people’s pride in conservation and introduce alternative behaviors that are less detrimental to the ecosystem.
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Spectacled Bears:
Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC)
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26
Bears
Fitted with GPS collars in Machu Picchu and northern Peru’s Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge since 2024.
60,000
Square Miles
Nearly critical habitat for endangered bears protected through SBC conservation work and land purchase.
5,300
Local people
reached through SBC’s education programs.
Solutions in Action
Thriving Nature & Wildlife
Private Land Purchased
To protect the remaining few spectacle bears in Northern Peru, SBC creates protected areas, collaborates with local communities, and continues scientific research. In 2024, SCB purchased a total of 1,900 acres of private land to permanently protect critical spectacled bears and their habitat, as they are the only bear species in South America.
Thriving People
Economic Support for Forest Guardians
After providing economic support with their Felti program, SBC listens to local people’s community-specific needs and interests, and adapts their Forest Guardians education and support programs. SCB has improved the school curriculum, trained in wildfire prevention and response, and provided more fuel-efficient stoves, improving local perceptions about conservation along the way. In 2024, SBC helped the Andean region reach 9,419 community members.
Supporting Conservationists
Felti
SBC’s Felti program involves the production of small, hand-crafted, woolen animals using a method called dry-needle felting. In 2024, SCB employed 121 community members, resulting in a direct economic benefit for the communities to protect bear habitat. Providing communities with alternative economic opportunities reduces human pressure on wildlife and habitats, incentivizing conservation and building trust between SBC and local people.
Quote“We can prevent starvation and the suffering of spectacled bears by protecting their habitat and engaging local villages in conservation.”
Robyn Appleton, Founder & Research Director Spectacled Bear Conservation (SBC)
