Osos en peligro de extinción

Una osa polar se acurruca con sus dos oseznos en Manitoba, Canadá.

Bears 'facing extinction'

Six out of eight of the world's bear species are threatened with extinction, according to the conservation organisation, IUCN. Researchers say all bear species have declined in numbers and distribution due to human activities, but most urgent action is needed in Asia and South America.

Sarah Mukherjee reports.

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Scientists at the IUCN say there are parts of the world where bears are thriving - for example, in North America, where, they say, there's an enormous amount of effort and funding for conservation.

But the researchers say that contrasts sharply with Asia and South America, where conservation funding is poor but the need extreme. For example, they point to Southern Asia, where bears suffer heavy losses from poachers. Bile from the bear's gall bladder is used in traditional Chinese medicine and their paws are consumed as a delicacy.

However, in the last ten years enormous efforts in China have been directed towards the conservation of the giant panda, including widespread reforestation programmes.

Despite this work, the panda is still on the endangered list. Scientists say it's too early to tell whether the conservation work is having an effect on populations.

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thriving
prosperando

funding for conservation
financiamiento para la conservación

contrasts sharply
contrasta intensamente

extreme
(la necesidad de conservación es) urgente o fundamental

poachers
cazadores furtivos o ilegales

delicacy
delicadeza

widespread reforestation programmes
extensos programas de forestación

endangered list
lista de especies amenazadas

populations
poblaciones

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