sun bear

This term refers specifically to Helarctos malayanus, the smallest of all bear species. It is often colloquially called the honey bear due to its dietary preference and specialized anatomy, such as an elongated tongue designed for raiding bee nests.

In a biological or zoological context, the term is used to distinguish this Southeast Asian species from larger bears like the sloth bear or the brown bear. It carries a neutral, descriptive tone typical of wildlife classification.