KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 -- The sun bear, the world's smallest bear species, is often easy to overlook.

Yet this shy, fuzzy creature plays a vital role in maintaining the health of Malaysia's rainforests - from dispersing seeds to creating homes for other animals.

Despite this, many Malaysians remain unaware that the sun bear lives in their own forests, or that it is one of the most endangered bear species in the world.

Conservationist Wong Siew Te has dedicated years to changing that, working to show how these bears are essential for sustaining rainforest ecosystems.

However, he says much remains to be done.

How are they important?

Wong said one of their "jobs" is as seed dispersers - they help regenerate trees by eating fruits and ex...