{"id":4786,"date":"2024-04-19T20:42:15","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T12:42:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sustainabletourism.my\/?p=4786"},"modified":"2024-05-06T00:41:36","modified_gmt":"2024-05-05T16:41:36","slug":"what-to-expect-volunteer-at-the-worlds-only-sun-bear-conservation-centre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sustainabletourism.my\/ms\/what-to-expect-volunteer-at-the-worlds-only-sun-bear-conservation-centre\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect: Volunteer at the World\u2019s Only Sun Bear Conservation Centre"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ranging from Southern China to Eastern India and as far south as Indonesia, the Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus<\/em>) take their name from the bib-shaped golden patch on their chest; which, according to legend, represents the rising sun.<\/p>\n

\"\"Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malaynus<\/em>). Photo by BSBCC.     <\/small><\/p>\n

Being the smallest amongst bears, sun bears are also the most arboreal (tree-living); and are the second rarest bear species that live in tropical lowland forests. They are mainly diurnal, and build nests in trees to sleep in.<\/p>\n

However, being the smallest comes with a price as the total sun bear population has declined by at least 30% in the last 30 years due to habitat loss, commercial hunting, and illegal pet trade\u2014contributing to the sun bears being classified as vulnerable in the wild.<\/p>\n

\"\"Earning its alternative name: honey bear, this bear shows off his distinctive long tongue (20-25cm)
used for honey extraction from beehives.Photo by BSBCC.<\/small><\/p>\n

Nevertheless, efforts taken by dedicated field experts to protect and conserve these small bears have been ceaseless.<\/p>\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\n

No place like this one<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) was founded in 2008 by Dr Wong Siew Te (affectionately known as Papa Bear to many in the field). Located in Sandakan, Sabah, the BSBCC\u2019s partners include the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department, and the Sabah-based organisation Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP).<\/p>\n

Dr Wong, a trained wildlife biologist, shares how his pioneering studies of sun bears has led him to one of the most threatened wildlife habitats in the region\u2014the Bornean rainforests, where fieldwork is exceedingly difficult to conduct.<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Wong Siew Te, better known as Papa Bear. Photo by BSBCC.<\/small><\/p>\n

He started the BSBCC to provide care and rehabilitation for rescued sun bears and to increase awareness of sun bears internationally. Recognising this as an uphill challenge, he knows that every voice counts in helping and supporting the cause.<\/p>\n

Staff aside, the BSBCC is aided by the many volunteers and interns who dedicate their time making sure the centre\u2019s operations and projects are successful.<\/p>\n

\u201cBSBCC welcomes volunteers and I believe that they play an important role in conserving our sun bears no matter how long their volunteering period is.\u201d <\/i>
– Dr. Wong Siew Te<\/p>\n

If you are considering volunteering at the BSBCC, here are some of the tasks you will be involved with.<\/span><\/p>\n