Guardians of Taiwan's Peaks

💪 Robust Build and Distinctive Features

The Formosan black bear is characterized by a robust physique, a rounded cranium, a short cervical region, diminutive ocular organs, and a prominent, elongated snout. The head typically measures between 26 and 35 centimeters in length, with a circumference ranging from 40 to 60 centimeters. Its auditory appendages are relatively short, measuring 8 to 12 centimeters. The snout's morphology bears a resemblance to that of a canid, leading to its colloquial designation as the "dog bear."

⚫ Pelage and Markings

The bear's body is densely covered with coarse, lustrous black pelage, which can attain lengths exceeding 10 centimeters around the neck region. A distinguishing feature is the white coloration at the apex of its chin. Most notably, a conspicuous yellowish or white marking, often resembling a "V" shape or a crescent moon, is present on its chest. This unique thoracic marking has earned it the additional moniker of "lunar bear."

⚖️ Size and Proportions

The Formosan black bear exhibits a considerable size, with individuals typically weighing between 60 and 200 kilograms. Its tail is notably inconspicuous and abbreviated, generally measuring less than 10 centimeters in length. These physical characteristics contribute to its unique identity within the Ursidae family and distinguish it from other subspecies of the Asiatic black bear.

⛰️ Mountainous Domain

The Formosan black bear inhabits the montane forests spanning the eastern two-thirds of Taiwan, typically at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters (approximately 3,300 to 9,800 feet). Historically, the species was believed to be widely distributed across the island; however, its current range is largely restricted to the Central and Snow mountain ranges. Significant populations are observed in areas such as Lala Mountain within the Chatienshan Reserve, the Snow Mountain region of Sheipa National Park, Taroko National Park, and extending south through Yushan National Park to the Tawushan Reserve.

🚶 Activity Patterns and Movement

Unlike their counterparts in temperate zones, Formosan black bears do not undergo hibernation during winter. Instead, they migrate to lower elevations in search of sustenance. Their activity budget indicates they are active for approximately 54–57% of daylight hours. Activity levels are generally higher in summer (60%) and fall/winter (60%) compared to spring (47%). A notable shift in their diurnal rhythm occurs seasonally: they are primarily active during daylight in spring and summer, transitioning to increased nocturnal activity in fall/winter when acorns, a crucial food source, are abundant. These bears are predominantly solitary, engaging in extensive movements except during the mating season or when females are rearing cubs.

🏃‍♀️ Unique Adaptations and Elusiveness

Formosan black bears possess remarkable physical capabilities, capable of outrunning humans at speeds of 30–40 kilometers (19–25 miles) per hour. They are also proficient swimmers and adept climbers. A unique behavioral trait is their construction of temporary nests, a characteristic not observed in other bear species globally. Given their endangered status and inherent avoidance of human contact, sightings of these bears in the wild are exceedingly rare. In most human-bear encounters, the bear typically retreats. While capable of aggression, they seldom attack humans without direct provocation, primarily reacting defensively to perceived threats.

🛡️ Legal Protection and Persistent Threats

The Formosan black bear has been afforded legal protection in Taiwan since 1989, initially under the Wildlife Conservation Act and subsequently by the Cultural Heritage Preservation Law. Despite these legislative measures, illegal hunting remains a significant and persistent threat to the species' survival. Evidence of this poaching is stark: a survey conducted between 1998 and 2000 in Yushan National Park, involving the capture and radio-collaring of 15 bears, revealed that eight of these individuals had missing toes or paws, indicative of injuries sustained from illegal traps. The precise number of remaining bears is unknown, but reported sightings are infrequent, underscoring the species' precarious status.

📜 Aboriginal Taboos and Conservation

Intriguingly, the survival of the Formosan black bear, in contrast to the now-extinct Formosan clouded leopard, may be partly attributed to the traditional myths and taboos held by Taiwanese aboriginal communities. Research from the Institute of Wildlife Conservation at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology highlights these cultural safeguards:

• Bunun People: Refer to black bears as Aguman or Duman, meaning "the devil." If a bear is accidentally caught in a hunter's trap, the hunter is obligated to construct a mountain cottage, cremate the bear's remains there, and remain in isolation from the village until the millet harvest concludes.
• Rukai and Paiwan People: While permitted to hunt bears, hunters are believed to incur an ancient curse, often manifesting as disease. Furthermore, consumption of bear meat is restricted, with children strictly forbidden.
• Taroko Legend: Formosan black bears are revered as "kings of the forest," with the white chest mark symbolizing the moon. Killing a black bear is believed to bring familial disaster.

Across these hunting tribes, boar hunters are celebrated as heroes, whereas bear hunters are often regarded with disdain.

🌱 Hope for the Future

Despite the formidable challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope for the Formosan black bear. A poignant instance of this hope was captured in 2009 when Lin Yuan-Yuan, a member of Yushan National Park's black bear conservation group, recorded footage of a mother bear diligently assisting her two cubs in traversing a swift river near Batongguan Trail in the Tafen area. This observation underscores the species' resilience and the ongoing efforts to document and protect these vital populations.

As a Bunun hunter once articulated, "If there were no bears in the mountains, the forest would look empty and I would feel lonely." Mei-Hsiu Hwang, a prominent campaigner for black bear preservation from the Institute of Wildlife Conservation, echoes this sentiment: "We do not wish to lose this soul of Taiwan's mountains. We do not wish our offspring to see them only in the zoo or in history books." These statements encapsulate the profound cultural and ecological significance of the Formosan black bear to Taiwan.

📜 References