Selenarctos is a genus of bears found in Southeast Asia. The word is spelled with the phonetic transcription /sɛl.ɛ.nɑːrktɑːs/. The first syllable "sel" is pronounced with an "e" sound as in "bell". The second syllable "en" is pronounced with an "eh" sound as in "pen". The third syllable "arct" is pronounced with an "ahrk" sound as in "dark". The final syllable "os" is pronounced with a long "o" sound as in "goose". The spelling of Selenarctos accurately represents its pronunciation in IPA.
Selenarctos is a noun derived from Greek roots and is primarily used as a taxonomic term in the field of zoology. It refers to a genus of animals belonging to the family Ursidae, or the bear family. This genus includes one extant species known as the sun bear (Selenarctos malayanus), which is the smallest bear species in the family Ursidae.
The Sun bear, also known as the honey bear, is native to Southeast Asia and is primarily found in the tropical rainforests of several countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia. It is characterized by its small size, with adults typically weighing around 60 to 145 pounds (27 to 66 kilograms) and measuring between 47 to 59 inches (120 to 150 centimeters) in length. The sun bear is known for its sleek black fur, short muzzle, and a distinct yellow or orange patch on its chest, which varies in shape and size among individuals.
Selenarctos is classified as a carnivorous mammal and possesses sharp, curved claws that aid in climbing trees and foraging for food. Its diet primarily consists of fruits, insect larvae, honey, small vertebrates, and vegetation. This species is primarily nocturnal, meaning it is most active during the night.
Overall, Selenarctos refers to a distinct genus of bears, encompassing the sun bear, which is characterized by its small size, unique physical features, and habitat preferences.
The word "selenarctos" is derived from two Greek terms: "selene" (σελήνη), meaning "moon", and "arctos" (ἄρκτος), meaning "bear". Therefore, "selenarctos" essentially translates to "moon bear" in Greek.