The Andean bear or Spectacled bear in Ecuador - Tremarctos ornatus This is a unique opportunity for you to participate in the only research project in the world studying wild Andean bears. It is being conducted by biologist Armando Castellanos as part of ongoing efforts to expand protected areas and pre vent the extinction of the Andean Bear. The Andean Bear is endangered in Ecuador, due mostly to habitat fragmentation and illegal hunting. Little is known about the Andean Bear because of the difficulty of conducting research on this very timid species, living in extremely remote areas. The primary purpose of this long-term study is to determine the use of the habitat, activity patterns and size of home range of individual Andean bears. Several wild Andean bears have been tagged with radio collars and are being tracked. The data obtained will permit a better understanding of the behavior and environmental requirements of the Andean bear, which will help local authorities and NGOs make good decisions regarding environmental education, handling of problem bears, and creating and designing protected natural areas. The presence of the research also deters illegal cutting of trees and hunting, and creates sympathy for the bears among local people. In these ways we are saving both the individual bears and providing some of the scientific basis needed to preserve the biodiversity of the area. Andean bear, Spectacled bear, Tremarctos ornatus, carnivora, ursidae, carnivore, predator, bears, Ecuador, Andes, Intag, Choco, Fundacion Espiritu del Bosque