Andean Bear

What We're Doing

The Andean Bear Conservation Alliance is a partnership initiative of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in collaboration with the IUCN Bear Specialist Group and other partners working to create range-wide conservation plans for the Andean bear.

Conducting Field Research and Explorations

• Tools and methodologies developed by the ABCA to study and monitor Andean bear populations are being used in 15 protected areas in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, and are the national monitoring standard in the Colombian National Park System.

Promoting Capacity Building to Benefit Andean Bear Conservation

• Dozens of training workshops have been conducted for National Parks staff in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, on the development of Andean bear population distribution and monitoring projects utilizing ABCA monitoring tools.

Developing Monitoring Programs and Conservation Plans

• ABCA supported monitoring programs are being implemented in 9 priority Andean bear conservation landscapes and will produce the key information needed for Andean bear conservation and management plans.

Make a Difference

• You can make a difference for Andean bears by choosing certified shade-grown coffee, which is grown and harvested in ways that do not harm Andean bear habitat.  Purchase our special Andean bear certified shade-grown coffee at the Zoo's Conservation Shop.
• Learn more about how you can take action and make a difference for Andean bears and other wildlife.

Partners