Unfortunately, the size of many bear populations is either unknown or too low to sustain any human-caused mortality. All species of bears except the brown bear and the American black bear are considered either endangered or vulnerable. With fewer than 1,000 wild giant pandas in 25 subpopulations distributed along the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, the giant panda faces many of the same challenges as other insular bear populations. Worldwide concern is focused on the situation of the giant panda and as a result significant progress may be made to address these problems. Management tactics used to deal with the plight of the giant panda in the future may serve as an example for bear conservation in other areas.
Habitat loss is the major problem facing the spectacled bear.
Increased farming in the spectacled bear's range has lead to depredations on crops. Ultimately, this results in dead bears because the farmers view spectacled bears as direct competitors for survival. Spectacled bears are also hunted for use in folk medicine. Fat is used for bone bruises, and claws and penis bones are believed to enhance strength and fertility. Additionally, there is a certain perceived machismo associated with hunting that contributes to the killing of bears.