Distribution of Sun Bear (Helarctus malayanus) at Mount Minduk Sirung in Tambunan, Sabah / Princessayangsheriezuraini Lawrence

Sun bear {Helarctus malayanus) is the smallest bear species from the eight bear species in the world (Servheen, 1997; Wong, 2002a) was found distributed throughout the tropical forest of south-east Asia (Servheen, 1997: Wong 2002a; Thai National Parks, 2016) including islands of Borneo. Continuous study on distribution of sun bear is essential because the study can contribute better understanding regarding sun bears distribution and habitat preferences. The study was conducted in February 2017 within Mount Minduk Sirung in Tambunan, Sabah. The aims are to identify the distribution of sun bear within Mount Minduk Sirung in relationships with its microhabitat and to determine the biogeographic factors that influence the distribution of sun bear within the study areas. Bear sign surveys and habitat surveys were conducted along the line transects to detect the bear sign and evaluate the microhabitat characteristic and biogeographic factors. The result showed that sun bear was only distributed at lower montane forest within Mount Minduk Sirung (< 1500 m asl) whereas its habitat consists of low of vegetations and rocky outcrop frequency. Their habitat preferences are also highly influenced by the elevation (r = -0.518, p < 0.05) followed by competitor presence (r = -0.458, p < 0.05), forages available (r = 0.183, p < 0.05), Water resources (r = 0.147, p < 0.05) and the least was human activity (r = -0.112, p < 0.05). The bear sign frequency was found to have a positive correlation with the availability of forages and water resources while it is negatively correlated with the elevation, competitor presence, and human activity. The result showed that the frequency of bear sign encountered may increases when the availability of water resources and forages increased. While the bear sign frequency decreases when elevation, competitor presence and human activity increases. In a nutshell, both microhabitat characteristics and biogeographic factors play an important role in the habitat preferences of the sun bear, at the same time influenced their distribution. It is recommended to include camera traps method in this study because data can be more reliable with images as a prove for the existence of the sun bear.