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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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
living very well

funding for conservation
money to help save or protect animals and land (here, bears)

contrasts sharply
is very different from

extreme
very strong

poachers
people who illegally catch or kill animals

delicacy
something to eat that is expensive or rare

widespread reforestation programmes
big efforts to plant trees in areas where they were previously cut down

endangered list
list of the animal and plant groups that might soon not exist any more

populations
numbers (here, of bears)

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