In the uniquely isolated ecosystem of Taiwan, the Formosan Black Bear is the largest carnivore. Commonly known as the Asiatic Black Bear, its numbers have been steadily declining in the wild to the point of being listed as an endangered species. With little data on breeding and lifecycles of the bear, The Endemic Species Research Institute of Taiwan has undertaken programs to better understand its habits. While it may not be as popular as its Chinese cousin, the Giant Panda, the Asiatic Black Bear brings special meaning to the people of Taiwan.