What are the similarities and differences between the Asian Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) and the European Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos)?
The Asian Black Bear has silky black fur and the European Brown Bear has dense brown fur.
The Asian Black Bear is arboreal (living in trees) and the European Black Bear is terrestrial (living on the ground).
The Asian Black Bear is lighter and thinner than the European Brown Bear.
The Asian Black Bear has a more powerful upper body (for climbing trees) than the European Brown Bear.
The Asian Black Bear has shorter back legs than the European Brown Bear.
The Asian Black Bear has claws that are more hooked (for climbing trees) than the European Brown Bear.
The Asian Black Bear has larger lips and a large nose than the European Brown Bear.
The Asian Black Bear has a more mobile and flexible nose than the European Brown Bear.
The Asian Black Bear is mainly herbivorous (eating plants), whereas the European Brown Bear is omnivorous (eating a varied diet).
The Asian Black Bear is native to Asia, whereas the European Brown Bear is native to Europe.
[Location of photographs: Berlin Zoo, Germany and Canberra National Zoo and Aquarium, Australia]
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM