The sun bear is the smallest bear living in lowland tropical forests of Southeast Asia, characterized by its chest markings and short fur. It is primarily solitary and active during the day, and is omnivorous, feeding on honey, termites, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. It uses its long tongue to lick insects from nests and is highly arboreal, resting in trees. Breeding tends to occur year-round, and some cases involve delayed implantation. Populations have declined due to habitat development, deforestation, and poaching, and the species is listed as Vulnerable (IUCN Red List category II).