The smallest bears on Earth possess the longest tongues

Nature · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Discover why sun bears are captivating wildlife icons. This series follows conservationist Giles Clark as he establishes a rescue center in Laos to protect these endangered animals from illegal trade.

Sun bears are distinguished by their unique physiology, notably possessing the longest tongues of any bear species despite being the smallest bears on the planet. The series highlights the critical threats they face in South East Asia, specifically focusing on the illegal bear bile farming industry.

Conservationist Giles Clark leads a pioneering effort to build a rescue center and wild enclosures. By rearing cubs and liberating rescued bears, the project aims to secure a free future for sun and moon bears in Laos.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The high-stakes fight to end illegal bear bile farming in Asia
• The high-stakes reality of rescuing bears from the illegal trade
• A rescue from the illegal trade: the journey of a sun bear
• The high-stakes reality of filming endangered sun bears in Laos
• The sun bear is a master of the canopy and a surprisingly clever mimic.
• The staggering 73% collapse of global wildlife populations since 1970
• How shared bird feeders might be fueling a lethal parasite spread
• Can we reverse the decline of the world's remaining rhinos?
• The northern cassowary's hidden glow and unique evolutionary path
• Can captive-born wolf pups successfully transition to life in the wild?
• What happens when we mount cameras on nocturnal wildlife?
• The Arctic's most famous predators face a summer without their primary prey

More in Endangered species · More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics