Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the most biodiverse regions on our planet, home to a stunning variety of plants and animals, including the spectacled bear.

This elusive creature is the only species of bear in all of South America, and as a top predator, plays a critical role in the health of its ecosystem.

But the spectacled bear faces serious conservation threats, including habitat loss due to development, livestock grazing, and wildfire.

An increasing level of human activity in this region also poses a higher risk for human-wildlife conflict.

Today, as little as 2,500 mature spectacled bears remain in the wild, and a lack of scientific data about the species has made taking effective action to protect it a challenge.

In response, Spectacled Bear Conservation, a partner of the Wildlife Conservation Network, is working to fill this gap in knowledge.

Using GPS collaring and extensive camera trapping, spectacled bear conservation is gaining a far more robust understanding of the biology, behaviors, and ecological needs of the species.

- Our main goal as SBC is to protect endangered and unique bear populations.

To do that, we produce scientific information.

We cooperate with local communities and the government to protect habitat, and also we are empowering local communities.

- [Narrator] Alex Moore is the executive director of Spectacled Bear Conservation.

Their work also supports efforts to protect the habitat and ecology vital to the survival of the species, with the long-term goal of creating a UNESCO biosphere reserve to protect 1.5 million acres of land surrounding Machu Picchu.

- I am very optimistic about the future for these bears.

By combining all our strategies, we are supporting the government of the management of the protected areas, and also working with local communities we are protecting the big landscape for these animals.

- [Narrator] To learn how we can secure a future for spectacled bears, visit norcalpublicmedia.org/wildlife.