Of all the bear species, the sun bear is one of the most threatened and is the least known to science. To create appropriate conservation plans, basic research is the highest priority to better understand the species. Due to habitat loss and poaching the sun bear is listed on The World Conservation Union (IUCN) 2006 Red List of species that are in danger of extinction.

The goals of this project are to collect data on the bears and to develop conservation plans and reserves for sun bears and their tropical forest habitats.

Since 2000, researchers have been using remote camera trapping and genetic sampling from scat and hair to measure where, how, and to what degree sun bears are affected by forest loss and human activities. They are now modeling this information to predict future trends, create reserves, and develop stronger conservation plans.

Results indicate that security and access to a diversity of food sources are critically important for sun bears, but logging, forest loss, and various human activities significantly hinder these needs. Ultimately, this impacts suns bear ecology, habitat use, reproductive capacity, and their ability to survive in disturbed landscapes.