An international seminar on Asian black bears will open at the Taipei Zoo Tuesday to promote research and conservation of the endangered species, academic sources said Monday. 'The two-day seminar will bring together about 30 elite Asian black bear researchers from Taiwan and 15 other countries to discuss topics related to the animal also known as moon bear or white-chested bear, said an official of the Taiwan Endemic Species Research Institute under Taiwan's Council of Agriculture. Research papers to be presented at the seminar will focus on the Asian black bear's ecological habits, physiology, behavior, habitats, evolution, as well as their interaction and conflicts with humans, the official told reporters. Researchers will also present papers on bear conservation and management issues. The institute is organizing the seminar in cooperation with the Forestry Bureau, the Yushan National Park Headquarters and other agencies, said the official. As one of the largest carnivorous animals in Asia, the Asian black bear faces extinction because of a combination of factors, including human encroachment on their habitat, poaching and illegal trade in live animals and animal products, said the official. Most of the 18 Asian countries to which the animal is endemic have listed the Asian black bear as a protected species and several of them, such as Taiwan, South Korea and Pakistan, have even listed it as an endangered species subject to active conservation. Because of a dearth of research funding and manpower, the official said, reliable data about the animal has been limited and the Asian public generally know little about the bear. 'We are hopeful that the upcoming seminar will offer a platform for researchers to exchange information, opinions and measures for conservation of the species,' the official added. 