This is a very rare footage of a radio-collared sun bear building a tree nest in the wild. This is the first time this behavior was video in the wild. Some sun bears made tree nests like the orangutan. This interesting nest building behavior remains little known.
@AkiraFlickr I have nothing to do with this video, though I can answer some questions. Asiatic Black Bears also build tree nests, especially in the warmer regions where it occurs. Besides resting these nests/ platforms are also known as feeding platforms. I'm not a researcher (just a tour guide in Thailand where these bears occur), I think it might be drier in a nest (better ventilation) than if it would be sleeping on wet soil in these wet forests. I'm not sure what tree it is. Good luck!
tontantravel 9 months ago
Sir, I have a few questions, if I may: 1) What kind of tree is this? (A dipterocarp sp.?) 2) Do you know by any chance if it could be grown in an outdoor sun bear exhibit in a zoo located in northern California (USA)? (Too cold?) 3) Are there any other bear species known to build similar tree nests? 4) What is the presumed "purpose"/benefit of tree nests? (To hide from predators passing below? Doesn't appear to be much of a shelter from the elements, from the looks of it.). Thanks in advance.
AkiraFlickr 11 months ago
What a wonderful video. This darling sun bear sure is industrious. Thanks for sharing.
PKStefanini 1 year ago