International Bear News Quarterly Newsletter of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) and the IUCN/SSC Bear Specialist Group November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4

Female American black bear with white cub named Maskwa, page 29.

IBA website: www.bearbiology.org/www.bearbiology.com Table of Contents

Council News 3From the President 5 Revised Grants Program Application 6Ways to Donate Money to Bears 8 Bart Schleyer, Requiem for a Special Friend Bear Specialist Group 10 Bear Specialist Group Notes: Where Are the Bears? 11 Bear Specialist Group Coordinating Committee Eurasia 12 Brown Bear Observation in the Damodar Kunda Valley, Mustang District, Nepal 15 Moon Bear Phylogeography 16 Recent Bear-Human Conflicts in Japan 18 Central Russia Brown Bear Expansion in Areas of Strong Forest Fragmentation 19 Georgia Bear Survey 20 Bear Management Plan for Croatia Completed 21 Slovakia and Poland: Different Countries, Different Attitudes 24 Greece Common Declaration from NGOs Arcturos & Callisto 25 Callisto, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Society Americas 26 First Essay of Semen Collection in an Andean Bear in Peru 27 Intag Andean Bear Project Update Managing Carnivores in Colombia’s Central Andes 28 Fronti, the Andean Bear Goes to Your School B.C. Grizzly Bear Plan Released Churchhill Northern Studies Funding Opportunity 29 Maskwa: The White Bear Cub McNeil River Access Permits 30 Yellowstone Grizzly Mortalities Memorial Bear Fund Grants 2005 31 The Bear Facts, The Story of a North Carolina Treasure Florida Update New Jersey Black Bear Hunt Captive Bears 32 Captive Bears in India — A Brief Overview 34 Construction of Large Bear Enclosures in European Zoos 35 Bulgarian Sanctuary for Ex-Dancing Bears Student Forum 36 Truman Student List Serve Funding — Part 2: Effective Networking — Investing Where it Counts 37 Student Spotlight: Alexandros Karamanlidis, Greece Bears in Culture 38 Callisto in Greek Mythology Events 39 18th Eastern Black Bear Workshop — Florida, USA 40 16th IBA Conference — Italy 42 17th IBA Conference — Japan 43 18th IBA Conference — Mexico IBA 44 IBA Officers and Council 45 IBA Membership Application 47 IBA Publications Order Form Back About IBA and Mission Statement International Bear News, ISSN #1064-1564, quarterly newsletter of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA). Editor: Teresa DeLorenzo, Design: Cynthia Cheney, 10907 NW Copeland St., Portland, Oregon 97229-6145, USA. Phone (503) 643-4008, Fax (503) 643-4072, Email [email protected], Website www.bearbiology.com/www.bearbiology.org. Back issues are available at www.bearbiology.com. Editorial Policy International Bear News welcomes articles about biology, conservation and management of the world’s eight bear species. Submis- sions of 750-1500 words are preferred, and photos, drawings and charts are appreciated. Submissions to [email protected] are preferred, otherwise mail or fax to the address above. IBA reserves the right to accept, reject and edit submissions. Deadline for the February 2005 issue is January 15, 2005. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue. Artwork is copyrighted—do not reproduce without permission. Thank you to CityGraphics and Imaging, Portland, Oregon, USA for generously discounting the cost of printing. Membership Use the form on the page 45 to order or renew memberships, make donations, and update member information. 2 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Council News From the President

Harry Reynolds In Memory: Bart Schleyer remaining 20-50 Gobi bears (brown Alaska Department of Fish and Game During mid-September, Bart bears) in captivity to improve 1300 College Road Schleyer left his last tracks near Reid husbandry for future release. Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA Lakes in the wilderness of the Yukon The texts of the letters are available on Phone (907) 459-7238 Territory of northwestern Canada the IBA website: www.earbiology.com. Fax (907) 451-9723 (page 8). Bart was a very capable Based on their concern for the Email [email protected] biologist, dedicated to conservation of Gobi bear, which is viewed as a [email protected] bears and other large carnivores, national treasure in Mongolia, the especially big cats, and was at home in government is convening a work- wild country in many parts of the shop on 2-3 November 2004. The In interior Alaska, mid-October world. He was a forthright, direct purpose will be to explore effective means the calls of the loons are person who lived life and loved friends strategies to allow the bear popula- silent on the lakes and the last of the to the fullest. Bart received their warm tion to recover. A number of IBA sandhill cranes are dancing in regard in return, and would likely say members, including me, will attend California and Mexico instead of he’d gotten the better end of the deal. this meeting. We will prepare a outside my office window. Winter, as Those who knew Bart well put it this report on the outcome of this I’ve come to expect it, hasn’t come way, “With Bart, what you see is what endeavor for the next newsletter. to Fairbanks yet but should settle in you get.” Bart, we miss you. soon. In this part of the country, IBA Conferences: American black bears are usually at IBA Council Activities Italy and Beyond their dens or nestled inside by the The Council acts on behalf of IBA’s IBA’s next conference will be held third week in September. By now the members to keep the association an in Riva Del Garda, Italy, 27 Septem- den mouths of female brown bears effective and driving force for bear ber–1 October 2005 (page 40). This should have been drifted with snow conservation across the world. We important international conference and the last adult males would be apply a simple test to decisions: does it will not only be held in the heart of pulling in grass and brush to line the further bear conservation as outlined Europe, it is also the heart of the bear beds of their dens. But by October in the IBA Mission Statement goals country remaining in the Italian 15, the ice on the north coast was and objectives (back cover)? Alps. The deadline for abstract/ still 120 km offshore of the Arctic In the last two years, the IBA summary submissions is 30 April 2005. National Wildlife Refuge, one of the Council has approved the following A primary goal of holding an IBA most important on-shore maternal issue statements, input or letters to conference in such a spectacular denning areas for polar bears in national or regional governments on setting is to emphasize to govern- Alaska. In the past, pregnant female timely issues important to bear ments and agencies that ecosystems polar bears should have been on land conservation: supporting bear populations are and about to den. How much this • To the governments of Slovenia, important. This recognition is often pattern could change with the Bulgaria, and the state of Alaska, USA, crucial to success for bear conserva- changing ice conditions isn’t well either proposing appropriate harvest tion. It says not only that bears are of known yet. limits or methods and appropriate bear local and national importance, but Are we feeling the effects of global population management; that the international community is warming? And just how would • To the government of British very aware of national policy issues changing weather patterns and Columbia, Canada, suggesting that affect bears. temperatures affect all species of bears, augmentation of the North Cascades Plan to attend the 17th IBA here and throughout the world? IBA brown bear population to avoid its international conference in members will be among the first to further depletion; Karuizawa Town, Nagano, Japan on address these problems and to seek • To the USA Congress, opposing 2-6 October 2006. (page 42). This solutions to benefit human under- legislation to prohibit carefully- will be the first IBA conference held standing and acceptance of bears in regulated use of bait on public lands in Asia, where little is known about our global ecosystem. It is our collec- for hunting American black bears; and, the status of many populations and tive responsibility. • To the government of Mongolia, some species of bears. relating to a plan to place the

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 3 Council News From the President, cont’d.

During fall 2007, the 18th IBA proposals for bear research, manage- For a copy of the Bear Conservation conference will be held in Monterrey, ment, education, and community Fund prospectus, contact Karen Noyce Mexico (page 43). I understand that support for conservation. Most of the (page 44), chair of the Bear Conserva- bear populations are still present Grants Program funds go to areas tion Fund committee. within sight of the conference and for species where the need is Review Bernie Peyton’s article on setting. This will be our first Ameri- greatest and the benefit for support is page 6 about ways to benefit bears and cas conference held outside of the highest. As a result most grants have yourself by donating to IBA. USA and Canada. been awarded for proposals in Asia You can also support bear conser- The IBA Council considers applica- and South America, with much less vation and IBA by providing a tions from potential conference to Europe and North America. None membership to a deserving person hosts at any time. The schedule of these funds have gone to support from a developing country who outlined in the IBA Bylaws calls for other IBA programs, or to compen- could not otherwise afford the cost our 2008 conference to be held in sate officers and council members (use the form on page 45). IBA’s Eurasia, and the 2010 conference in who serve IBA as unpaid volunteers. publications help keep bear special- the Americas. 2009 is an open year, Another donor committed to bears ists abreast of current science and when a conference is not necessarily and IBA’s mission was impressed by approaches that help conservation held, but for which any region may the Bevins foundation legacy and by efforts. apply. Organizing a conference is a our track record. He created chal- substantial undertaking and may lenge grants for the Grants Program Final Point easily require a minimum of two in 2002 and 2003. Members of IBA Early this summer I visited years to plan. If interested, please met both these challenges and, in Humboldt State University in contact Mike Vaughan, chair of the concert with Bevins fund disburse- California and while there, I took an Conferences Committee, or any ments, enabled the Grants Program afternoon to walk through a red- Council member (page 44). Mike to award a total of $47,000 for 2004. wood grove. These are massive trees, Vaughan maintains Conference The ever-increasing threats to ancient gnarled sentinels, blackened Guidelines. You may also want to bears and their habitats are closely by fire and scarred by long ago contact previous conference hosts for related to increasing human popula- environmental tempests. The lush information. tions and the resultant over-exploita- green of the understory and the mist tion of resources and ecosystems. To brought by onshore ocean breezes What Donations meet this challenge, an IBA commit- shut out the sounds of what we call to IBA Accomplish tee convened in November 2004 to civilization. This remains a place of Fourteen years ago this October, match conservation needs for each reverence, but it is not complete. The polar bear researchers John Sheldon species of bears in all regions of the California grizzly no longer walks Bevins and George Menkens, along world with the funding amounts this hallowed ground, nor rests in its with their pilot, disappeared while necessary to address those needs. The cool security after filling its belly on a survey flight over the Arctic result was the Bear Conservation with the bounty of a beached whale Ocean north of Alaska. In the Fund prospectus, a compilation of 37 from the nearby shore. aftermath of this tragedy, Julia crucial conservation actions and Bears are likewise gone from many Bevins, John’s widow, established a funding levels needed to address places in the world where humans foundation in his memory, from specific goals identified by regional have wiped them out through igno- which IBA receives an annual species experts within the IUCN Bear rance and avarice or simply used up disbursement to benefit bear conser- Specialist Group and by the IBA the country bears need to survive. So, vation. With these funds, IBA Council. Since then, IBA has received do we wring our hands and complain established the IBA Grants Program, two additional large donations to about what is done? Or, as one of my to perpetuate John’s commitment to support this program but we are far heroes says in every other sentence, do bears and Julia’s vision of a lasting short of approaching our goal. we “Look upon it not as a problem but legacy. If you are interested in contributing an opportunity to make a difference.” I The Grants Program Committee is to this effort, or know someone who maintain that this is what IBA is all an independent body that supports might be, please contact me or Frank about: making a difference for bears. IBA goals by evaluating and funding van Manen, IBA Treasurer (page 44). Let’s do it.

4 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Council News Revised Grants Program Application

Frederick C. Dean, Chair The deadline for proposals Why are we setting length limits? IBA Grants Program Committee remains the same: receipt by The committee’s work has grown 810 Ballaine Road midnight 31 December 2004. tremendously as the number of Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA New page limits: proposals has increased. In some Email [email protected] — Four pages maximum for the cases the number of attachment body of the proposal. pages, other than budget, has gotten Revised material about the Grants — detailed budget, length as very large. Hence to be fair and treat Program has been posted on the IBA necessary, using pattern of all proposals equally — some limits. website: www.bearbiology.com. examples provided. We look forward to receiving If anyone has difficulty download- — Four pages maximum for other many good proposals again this year. ing the revised information from the attachments. Please see the discussion in the last website, I can airmail or email copies — Three references, length as issue of the newsletter (International upon request. appropriate. Bear News 13(3):5-6) about factors considered in the evaluation process. Past issues of the newsletter are posted on the IBA website.

© B. K. Gupta

Sloth bear in an Indian zoo, see page 32.

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 5 Council News Ways To Donate Money to Bears — and create savings for you and your loved ones

Bernie Peyton Duce created the John Sheldon will lower income taxes. Cash gifts Ucucu Productions Bevins Memorial Foundation for this by USA residents are fully deductible 136 Parkside Drive purpose. We need to build on the up to a maximum of 50% of your Berkeley, CA 94705, USA legacy that Julia started. Donations adjusted gross income (AGI). If your Email [email protected] to IBA’s permanent endowment and AGI is $50,000 in 2004, you can general fund maintain our diverse deduct up to $25,000 in charitable The following is the first of a two- membership in more than 45 gifts, and get an income tax reduc- part article on ways people can countries where bears reside, and tion of 25% of the amount you give. donate to the future of bears and the allow these members to exchange Another way of thinking about this IBA. This first part will address solutions to the problems facing the is the deductible amount is what the bequests and retirement plans. The world’s bears. The IBA general fund USA government gives IBA. Taxpay- second part will include life income also subsidizes Ursus subscriptions to ers in the highest income bracket can gifts, and estate planning. Both parts libraries in developing countries, and deduct 35% of the amount they give. are biased toward United States supports IBA’s outreach activities. If Send all cash contributions to IBA taxpayers because I am not aware of you or somebody you know is anxious using the form on page 45 of this how gift and estate planning occurs to make a donation, please contact newsletter or download the form at elsewhere. I do not wish to insult either IBA’s president Harry Reynolds, www.bearbiology.com. This includes non-USA citizens and I apologize for Jon Swenson (Vice President Eurasia), Visa and Master Card payments, or this huge oversight in advance. I Karen Noyce (Vice President Ameri- checks made payable to IBA. hope a companion article will be cas), or another Council member. Every size gift to IBA is important written by somebody to give this Karen also chairs IBA’s Economic and appreciated. One of the first topic a world view. Our members Development Committee. Their questions foundations will ask us (to who are not USA residents, or who contact information is listed on the test our worthiness of their support) do not pay taxes in the United page 44 of this newsletter. is what percent of our members States, can benefit from knowing Bear species will only survive with contribute to IBA. Just one dollar/ how to cultivate USA donors with donations of large amounts of cash. euro from every member would help the information in this article. The Donors of legacy amounts (US$300,000 in this regard. Some employers will information presented here is not or more) can expect to achieve match your gift. Simply include the exhaustive. The benefits to you and noteworthy conservation. The sum company’s matching gift form with IBA will vary according to your of many smaller gifts will achieve your contribution to IBA. particular financial circumstances. I what no individual gift can. IBA is Securities encourage anyone who is interested well suited to focus large and small Small donations of under $1,000 in making a large gift to consult with gifts on priority programs to ensure are effectively done with cash. a tax and estate attorney about the the future of bears. Bears species are However for larger amounts, gifts of options. I gratefully received com- model candidates for this focused stock offer USA residents two ways to ments and examples for this article approach because their research and save taxes. Donors of appreciated from tax advisor, Philip Falzone; IBA management is complex, covers huge stock avoid paying capital gains tax members, Frank van Manen, Piero areas, and involves conflicts with on the increased value of the stock Genovesi, Harry Reynolds; and the humans. The effort requires sus- (now 15% of the appreciated value), spring 2004 newsletter of the John tained levels of funding over long and they receive a charitable deduc- Harvard Society. time periods. Dave Garshelis tion of their taxable income for the summed up the funding conundrum full market value of the stock at the General Information to me this way: “What is the value of time they make the gift. Charitable IBA offers several ways that half a project?” gifts of securities are fully deductible individuals can make a significant up to a maximum of 30% of your difference to benefit bear popula- Bequests AGI. tions. Donations to the Bear Conser- Cash Stocks that produce small or no vation Fund provide crucial resources For those of us who pay taxes in dividends can make attractive gifts for conservation-oriented research the United States, itemized cash because their removal from a portfo- and exchange programs. Julia Bevins donations to charities such as IBA lio has little effect on a donor’s

6 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Council News

annual income. For example if I Other Bequests Society newsletter offers these bought $10,000 of Grizzly Inc. in There are ways to be very creative websites to help people calculate 1990 and it is worth ten times that and to tailor bequests to individual outcomes of retirement planning: amount now (but doesn’t pay much needs. For example a Contigent www.asec.org/ballpark/, income), I could give the stock to Bequest can provide IBA with cash www.choosetosave.org/tools/ IBA, not pay $13,500 of capital gains only in the event that other named fincalc.htm, www.ssa.gov/planners/ tax, and also lower my taxable beneficiaries die first. A QTIP trust calculators.htm, www.quicken.com/ income for the year of the gift, or (Qualified Terminable Interest retirement/planner. spread the deduction over the next Property Trust) provides income and five years. If my AGI is $340,000 (not principle to your spouse for life, after Final Note unrealistic for some lawyers and which assets can pass to IBA or a By the time this newsletter is businessmen) the net cost of my combination of designees. published we will have been through $100,000 gift would be only $51,500. a cantankerous election in the The USA government almost United States that is symptomatic of matches my gift. Retirement Plans a polarized nation. IBA is a bright Real Estate Gifts and Planning spot in an otherwise depressing year. The same principle applies to Your qualified retirement plan (Roth The organization has never been appreciated real estate. Donors can IRA, Keogh, tax-deferred annuity, stronger and more unified in pur- avoid paying the capital gains taxes pension or profit-sharing plan, some pose. IBA offers healing and hope for on houses, farm acreage, vacant lots, TIAA-CREF plans, etc.) if bequeathed our environment. The collaborative etc. and receive a charitable deduc- to your heirs, can be reduced by as action of its international member- tion for the full market value of the much as 70% (if you are wealthy) by ship represents the best of our world. property in the year they make the estate and income taxes. However Please join me in supporting IBA and gift. 100% of that plan can pass to IBA its programs this year. For my fellow Tangible Property tax-free at your death. You can also taxpayers in the USA, a donation to IBA currently has no formal designate IBA to receive a remainder IBA is a great tonic for feeling great arrangement to liquidate your car, of the plan after the death of a about our role in the world commu- treasured antique, or artwork, but if spouse or share it with other primary nity. Let’s have some fun and do for you have something of value to beneficiaries. To make the gift, notify bears! donate, please consider contacting us. your plan’s administrator that you Life insurance want to change the beneficiary. A Donors can name IBA as the form is required. If you have a spouse Editor’s Notes owner and beneficiary on their and wish to leave all of your retire- Thank you to everyone who current life insurance policy, and ment fund to IBA, your spouse may contributed to this issue, including receive significant tax reductions. need to sign a consent form (espe- regular IBA correspondents: This is an especially appropriate for cially applicable in states with Frederick Dean people who no longer need the common property laws). If you want Diana Doan-Crider policy. For example, Bernie Peyton IBA to have part of your retirement Thomas Eason has a $100,000 whole life insurance plan, the plan’s administrator can Alexandros Karamanlidis policy with a value of $30,000 based cash out IBA’s portion without Lydia Kolter on premiums paid to date. If he affecting the part going to other Shaenandhoa Garcia Rangel names IBA as the owner and benefi- beneficiaries. Robin Rigg ciary before December 31st, he How much of your retirement Mark Ternent receives a $30,000 charitable deduc- plan can you safely give to charity? John Poveda Martínez tion in year 2004. If he additionally How are markets going to perform, Harry Reynolds continued to pay the premiums on and how long are you and/or your Past newsletters are posted on the the policy for IBA, these amounts spouse going to live, etc.? There are IBA website: www.bearbiology.com. would be deductible in subsequent lots of uncertainties, which together Beginning with the August 2004 years. affect the amounts we feel comfort- newsletter, the file size has been able parting with. The John Harvard reduced to make downloading easier.

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 7 Council News Bart Schleyer, Requiem for a Special Friend

Available evidence indicates about them and how to assure their a special place in the heart and soul sometime between 14 and 16 future existence. In this capacity, he of Bart Schleyer. He was a quiet, September 2004, Bart Schleyer died was probably better than anybody in unassuming, humble man who while moose hunting alone in a the world. His remarkable talents in craved the little-known corners of remote area northeast of Whitehorse capturing large carnivores came from this earth. Hunting was his passion, in the Yukon, Canada. Bear and wolf his intuitive understanding of and his way of not just experiencing sign were discovered in the area and animals, derived from years of wilderness, but being a part of it. it appeared that one or both of these hunting and living in wild places. He But, even here, his compassion species consumed most of his was simply in a class of his own in showed through. Intent on “leveling remains; whether or not he was his capacity to safely capture and the playing field” in interactions killed by a bear or died of some other release animals back into the wild, with potential game, he avoided the cause is, and always will, remain a whether it be bears, tigers, leopards, use of firearms and took to tradi- mystery. Bart was 49 years old and is or lynx. His contribution to the tional bow hunting with bows he survived by his close companion, conservation of these powerful but painstakingly crafted from trees Tatiana Perova, and their eight-year- vulnerable animals — and the taken in one of the last great wild old son, Artyom, of Vladivostok, habitats in which they live — is areas — the Russian Far East. He Russia, his father, Otis Schleyer, of immense and immeasurable. wrote that wilderness and bow Cheyenne, Wyoming, and his sister, Bart was not only a capable hunting “...make me feel more a part Claudia Downey, and brother-in-law, biologist, but an avid video and still of the overall scheme of life ... Jim Downey, of Skull Valley, Arizona. photographer and a talented artist. almost a oneness with Earth’s life Bart worked as project biologist for His paintings of Alaska wildlife adorn cycles and a reason for existence.” He the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study postcards and many a friend’s wall; practically patterned jobs, as well as Team intermittently from the late his videos of wild places are repeat- life, around bow hunting. The bows 1970s through 1991, and served in a edly watched by many; his photo- were strengthened with sinew taken similar capacity for Montana Fish, graphs are widely published; and, his from the kills of tigers; for him, these Wildlife, and Parks grizzly bear taxidermist mounts are considered bows had, “a special predator-prey investigations from 1987 through superlative. link to the land [and] special mean- 1989. From 1993 through 2002, he But, Bart’s greatest gift was what ing and special powers.” He loved was employed by the Hornocker he gave to others. He had the soul of the hunt, not the take; he loved the Wildlife Institute/Wildlife Conserva- an angel that happened to reside in experience; and although he loved tion Society on the Siberian Tiger the body of Hercules. One of his wild game meat as well, he de- Project in the Russian Far East. Russian colleagues described Bart as manded of himself proper respect Recently, he was employed by the the kindest, most sensitive human and protocol in the taking of that Zoological Society of London to trap being on earth. Seemingly at odds meat. A few years ago, after nearly tigers in Indonesia and worked on with his legendary strength and four weeks hunting moose in Alaska, similar projects with the University endurance, few people touched so he returned from the hunt as happy of Minnesota in the Sundarbans many others with their caring as did as any hunter, telling matter-of-fact (Bangladesh), Thailand, and Nepal. Bart; he consistently placed the stories of bulls he had encountered Bart obtained a B.S. and M.S. from needs of others above his own; and, daily. He was unsuccessful at taking a Montana State University, and he taught so many about how to moose, but, true to form, that produced a thesis related to his M.S. relate to others, simply by relating. seemingly made no difference to requirements entitled, “Activity Wherever Bart traveled — Wyoming, him. A more ethical hunter is Patterns of Grizzly Bears in the Montana, Alaska, Yukon, Russia, unlikely to be found. Yellowstone Ecosystem and Their Sumatra — he touched people Tigers and bears, the animals he Reproductive Behavior, Predation, deeply. loved most and to which he devoted and Use of Carrion.” Although so caring and giving his professional career, are perhaps Bart’s job, almost everywhere he with humanity, his greatest joy and the greatest living symbols of went, was to catch and release large solace was found in the places where wilderness. Bart once said that, if he carnivores back into complex people are least evident. Wild places, had to die an accidental death, he ecosystems so we could learn more wild animals, wild adventures all had would prefer to be killed by one of

8 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Council News

friends and vice versa. In this great circle of life, I can only hope we meet again.” Likely, in writing about Paul, Bart chose to mention aspects of Paul’s character that Bart himself felt were important. Indeed, it seems Bart strove to be that kind of person, with astounding success: he was — and will forever be — that “remarkable individual,” of great strength, honor, valor, and kindness. Those of us who knew Bart find it hard to believe he’s gone, and perhaps that’s just the point: he’s not gone. His life continues in us, and his humble teachings will guide us far into the future. As the Plains Indians gave tribute to a fallen brother, we shoot a proverbial arrow to the sky, in memory of the Great Spirit of Bart, and all the people and places he touched, immeasurable, unknown, and, immense. Rarely a day went by together with Bart, when — observing one of his good deeds, acts of kindness, or his exceptional character — one didn’t think, “I should be more like that.” It is only a pity there are so few, so good. The family has requested that you please not send flowers. For those who would like to assist in the support and education of Bart’s 8-year-old son, Artyom, a special trust account, managed by Bart’s sister, Claudia, has

© Dale Miquelle been established. Donations made out to the Bart Schleyer Memorial Fund these great predators in some wild Paul Schafer, a friend and hunting can be sent to Claudia Downey, P.O. place, and for his remains to nourish partner of Bart’s. We find them Box 30, Skull Valley, Arizona 86338, them and the surrounding land. He perfectly fitting as a self-portrait, USA. For more information please apparently felt that this would be the expressing the feelings of those contact Claudia at (928) 442-3638 or most honorable and meaningful death touched by Bart: “In Life’s Great [email protected]. and the ultimate way of becoming part Journey, what matters most was the of the wild lands and their inhabitants quality of this remarkable individual. Written by that he loved so much. Although unaware of it, an aura of John Goodrich, Mark Haroldson, One of the best ways to describe legendary heroism and honor Maurice Hornocker, Dale Miquelle, Bart and his impact is to use his own surrounded him. It seems there was Kathy Quigley, Jack Whitman, John words, penned in remembrance of nothing [he] wouldn’t do for his Beecham, and Howard Quigley.

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 9 Bear Specialist Group Bear Specialist Group Notes: Where Are the Bears?

Bear Specialist Group Co-chairs: panda numbers can be debated as existence of brown bears in Bhutan. Dave Garshelis well). Presently, the most effective S. Sathyakumar, chair of the south- Email [email protected] approach for tracking trends in Asian ern Asia brown bear expert team had & bear populations is through monitor- recently visited Bhutan and reported Bruce McLellan ing distributional changes. Where that the last documented case of a Email [email protected] are bear ranges collapsing, holding brown bear was one shot by the king steady, or expanding? Delineating in 1953. Continuing and quite The distribution of bears is such areas will help focus our serious efforts to find the yeti in the relatively well known in North conservation efforts. mountains of Bhutan have not America and Europe, and also Some good recent work has been uncovered any evidence of brown reasonably well known in South done in mapping the distribution of bears (presumable yeti). We thus America. However, contrary to what sloth bears in Nepal, India, and Sri tentatively concluded (based on 50 might be perceived from the range Lanka, but their status in Bhutan and years of non-detection despite maps published in the IUCN Bear especially Bangladesh is not known. extensive searching) that brown Action Plan (1999), knowledge of the Asiatic black bear and sun bear bears had likely been extirpated in distributions of the bears in Asia is distributions are poorly known this country. However, K. Yoganand, still quite incomplete. throughout. Published distribution co-chair of the sloth bear expert Among the Asian bears, the maps (as in the Action Plan) are team, voiced the dissenting opinion distribution of giant pandas is best generally contiguous blobs –– often that non-detection, in a remote place known, partly because this species whole countries — when in reality like Bhutan, should not be construed has such a restricted range (three distributions are small isolated as absence. Brown bears are known provinces in central China) and patches, coinciding with remnant to occur in neighboring Sikkim partly because extensive range forests. Forest cover maps may be the (India), so why not in Bhutan? mapping has been conducted. Three closest things we have to range maps To the west of Sikkim is Nepal, range-wide panda surveys have been for these species, but in many areas where, like Bhutan, no known recent attempted: one in the mid-1970s (by bears may have been eliminated by records existed for brown bears. some 3,000 people), one in the mid- poachers, so what remains is an However, searches have been less 1980s (by 35 trained biologists), and empty forest. extensive in Nepal, so we categorized one just completed (by 172 trained Distribution of Asian brown bears the species there as unknown. What staff). An unexpected result of the may be the most difficult to ascer- we had not known, because the recent survey is that the estimated tain, because they are not necessarily information was buried in a report to number of pandas (based on scats associated with any particular habitat a Nepali NGO, was that a brown bear found during these surveys) in- type (like a forest) that can be readily had been sighted by Mahesh Gurung creased over 40% during the past 15 mapped; moreover, these bears live in Nepal as recently as 1993. Dr. years. This increase seemed to be due in some of the most remote, inhospi- Gurung’s report, at long last, now not to increased density within the table, and inaccessible areas across appears here in International Bear known range, but rather a larger perhaps 24 countries. Two recent News (page 12). How many other range than previously thought. Was events exemplify this point. such reports or at least rare sightings this newly-discovered panda range a In conducting the Global Mammal of bears are out there? sign of recent population expansion, Assessment for the IUCN (see The BSG is aiming to begin an or was it just an artifact of improved International Bear News 13(3):11), the initiative to map the ranges of the knowledge about their distribution? Bear Specialist Group was asked to Asian bears. Those having anecdotal This example points to the need list every country where each species information about bears in little for better information about bear of bear presently occurs, and also known areas are greatly encouraged distributions. Although actual where bears had been extirpated to come forward and contact us, or population estimates were derived during the past 500 years. We like Dr. Gurung, write about it for from the panda surveys, it is doubt- struggled in particular with the International Bear News. ful that meaningful population countries of central Asia. For ex- estimates could be obtained for other ample, we could find no one that Asian bears (and the reliability of the had definitive information about the

10 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Bear Specialist Group Bear Specialist Group Coordinating Committee

Bruce McLellan S. Sathyakumar K. Yoganand Coordinating Committee Co-chair South Asian Brown Bear Sloth Bear Expert Team Co-chair email [email protected] Expert Team Chair email [email protected] email [email protected] Dave Garshelis Gabriella Fredriksson Coordinating Committee Co-chair John Paczkowski Sun Bear Expert Team Co-chair email [email protected] North Asian Brown Bear email [email protected] Expert Team Chair Harry Reynolds [email protected] Siew Te Wong IBA Representative Sun Bear Expert Team Co-chair email [email protected] Djuro Huber email [email protected] European Brown Bear Diana Doan-Crider Expert Team Co-chair Chris Servheen email [email protected] email [email protected] Trade in Bear Parts Expert Team Chair email [email protected] Isaac Goldstein Jon Swenson email [email protected] European Brown Bear Scott Schliebe Expert Team Co-chair Polar Bear Specialist Group John Seidensticker email [email protected] email [email protected] email [email protected] Lu Zhi Francisco Cuesta Giant Panda Expert Team Chair Andean Bear Expert Team Chair email [email protected] email [email protected] Shyamala Ratnayeke Dave Garshelis Sloth Bear Expert Team Co-chair Asiatic Black Bear email [email protected] Expert Team Co-chair email [email protected]

Rob Steinmetz Asiatic Black Bear Expert Team Co-chair email [email protected]

© Catherine Norkin

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 11 Eurasia Brown Bear Observation in the Damodar Kunda Valley, Mustang District, Nepal

Mahesh K. Gurung and used for grazing goats and sheep. accompanied drizzling rain making Truman College As a reminder of tectonic upheaval, visibility poor. We entered the valley Department of Biological Sciences ammonites are prevalent throughout on the very auspicious full moon 1145 W. Wilson Street the valley. Common animals such as day. Devotees occupied small shelters Chicago, IL 60640, USA marmots Marmota spp., pikas (dharmasala) surrounding the small Phone (773) 907-4651 Ochotona spp., hares Lepus spp., blue ponds. Our local guide, Dhundup Email [email protected] sheep Pseudois nayaur, Tibetan argali from Yara, herder and businessman Ovis ammon, and rare species like the who made the first observation of I report the 1993 sighting of a snow leopard Uncia uncia, Tibetan the bear, was exceptional at guiding brown bear subspecies Urus arctos in lynx Felis spp., wild ass Equus kiang through treacherous mountain the Damodar Kunda Valley, upper and the wild yak Bos grunniens occur paths. He guided us through Tibetan Mustang, Nepal. The taxonomic in the area. argali and blue sheep habitats and on status remains undetermined, The Hindus revere this valley as entering the valley, his immediate however it resembles U. a. pruinosus, sacred because Lord Vishnu took response at the sight of the bear was of and the juvenile terror and excitement, form of U. a. “Ooooo...yaaa...Mhetey! isabellinus. Mhetey!” (meaning Funded by World the fabled abomi- Wildlife Fund, nable snowman, the Nepal and adminis- yeti!). tered by The King The animal was Mahendra Trust for across the Kali Nature Conserva- Gandaki River in a tion (KMTNC), the pasture adjacent to Biodiversity Conser- rugged cliffs, which vation Data Project rose to form snow- for Annapurna capped mountains. Conservation Area At first sight, the Project (ACAP), animal looked like a made an inventory big black blot. After of the biodiversity excited shouts from of the ACAP region Dhundup and the

© M. K. Gurung for 18 months in Ponds in the Damodar Kunda Valley. pilgrims, it began to 1992 and 1993. This move. Then I was note is part of the inventory, which refuge here as a stone (ammonite) convinced it was an animal, but not to date remains unpublished. In and grass (Kush) to implement a a yeti! We set our spotting scope and Nepal, there is no record of this bear, curse. Every year, on a full moon day observed features quite unrelated to though naturalists have predicted its (Janai Purnima) in early August, a big any form of bear from Nepal. The occurrence in the far western Dolpo festival is held. On this auspicious pelage was black with a white coat region. day, hundreds of Hindu pilgrims underneath and white band around The Damodar Kunda Valley flock to this area and bathe in the its neck. The white underneath (latitude 29 01 00° N, longitude 84 small ponds, believed to be the extended from below the forearm 05 15° E, about 4,700 masl) lies origin of the Kali Gandaki River. The joining the white neck at its shoulder northeast of Jomsom and southeast gorge created by this river is believed blades. Such color pattern is unique of the forbidden kingdom of Lo- to be one of the world’s deepest. and raises many questions. Because Manthang, Mustang district, Nepal. The team reached this valley on of the commotion, it stood on its The terrain is predominantly cliffs, August 2, 1993. The weather was hind legs, and distinctly exhibited its talus, and scree interspersed with clear and dry in the lower valleys. white underneath for about ten vast stretches of alpine pastureland. However, as we moved higher into seconds. The bear then retreated to In summer the valleys are lush green, this sacred valley, gusts of clouds adjacent cliffs. This gave me the

12 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Eurasia

Damodar Kunda valley

opportunity to move closer to the the night some distance site. It remained there for half an upstream and had followed hour until the commotion subsided the river. The tracks and then resumed its digging and meandered along the bank turning over stones. The snout was (100 m) and shortly grayish white and became reddish or vanished in the gravely and tan as it extended towards the eyes. stony riverbed. The second The coat was fluffy and made it look set of pugmarks, which clumsy. The ears were relatively were mostly distorted, led small. The eyebrows were slightly up the cropped out on the forehead. This bank and feature was a major factor in into the Dhundup’s believing this bear was a pastures yeti, apart from the bipedal habit. at about The shoulder was humped very the place similar to brown bears. The esti- where mated length was about 1,5000 mm, the other and 1,0000 mm at shoulder height. set The strides were slow and steady origi- without much haste. nated. As evening light failed, it had Photos settled down to digging a marmot and hole. It was brutally turning stones measure- and clawing burrows with both its ments forepaws and had its back turned were towards us. It was under observation taken (page 14). Only the fied as Ursus arctos pruinosus-Blyth for two hours (from 1500 to 1700 undistorted and clear pugmarks were (1854) and is also suspected to range hrs) with a Bushnell spotting scope. measured. The length of the forepaw through the northern borders of Taking care not to disturb the bear I was 160 mm, and the hind paw 260 Nepal (Prater, 1990). As of February cautiously moved closer to get a mm. The width was 200 mm, for 2003, the subspecies U. a. isabellinus better look. At dusk, it was about a both the rear and front paws. The is included in Appendix I of CITES, linear kilometer distance from the distance between the hind and fore while the rest are in Appendix II. last observation spot. The many paw was approximately 3,000 mm. Judging from the pelage color, this photographs taken were of poor The pugmarks suggest typical bear bear closely resembles Schaller’s quality with low resolution due to footprints. (1998) description of U. a. pruinosus poor light, drizzling rain and a low In the Himalayas, the brown bear or U. gobiensis, which occur north of powered zoom lens. occurs in the mountain ranges of Nepal. Its occurrence in Mustang is The following morning (August 3, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Tibet, too far south for Schaller’s (1998) 1993), I went in search of signs along China and Bhutan (Jackson, 1990). proposed distribution. But Prater the river. I found two sets of Along the Himalayan-Tibetan region, (1990) suggested distribution of this pugmarks, both of similar size, two subspecies of brown bears have species includes Mustang. Whether suggesting the presence of another been reported (Prater, 1990; Schaller, subpopulations of this subspecies individual. Since I was not equipped 1998). The Himalayan brown bear occur in that range is unknown. to cross the river’s swift current, (often known as the red bear) is Regarding the subspecies U. a. backtracking was not possible. The classified as Ursus arctos isabellinus- isabellinus, which is also reported to presence of a second individual Horsfield (1862), and is suspected to occur in the northwestern moun- could not be confirmed. Moreover occur in the northwestern parts of tains of Nepal (Schaller, 1998), this the team was running late and hence Nepal (Schaller, 1998). The Tibetan bear closely resembles the pelage had to settle with what was available. brown bear also known as the blue or color for juveniles but not for adults. The bear had crossed the river during snow bear (Jackson, 1990) is classi- The observed bear seemed too large

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 13 Eurasia Brown Bear Observation in Nepal, cont’d.

for a juvenile of References the subspecies U. Jackson R. a. isabellinus. 1990. Threatened Compared to Wildlife, Crop grizzlies, which and Livestock have a body Depredation and length between Grazing in the 1,700 mm and Makalu-Barun 2,800 mm, tail Conservation length between area. Working 60-210 mm, and Paper Series. shoulder height Report No. 12. between 900- 105 pp. 1,500 mm MacDonald D. (Nowak, 1991), (ed.) 1984. The the observed Encyclopedia of bear’s size is close Mammals. Facts on

© M. K. Gurung to the lower Paw print of brown bear observed in the Damodar Kunda Valley. File Publications. range. A Nepalese New York. 879 pp. biologist agrees that there is a are known to be less aggressive, Nowak, R.M. 1991. Walker’s possibility this bear occurs in docile and relatively shy, unlike Mammals of the World. Fifth edition, Mustang (pers. com. Pralhad Mhetey, which are larger, more Volume II. The John Hopkins Yonzon). aggressive and arrogant. People who Unversity Press, Baltimore. The brute digging behavior of this have sighted Mhetey in Tibet, claim Prater S.H. 1990. The Book of bear is consistent with brown bear they have cropped up eyebrows, long Indian Mammals. Bombay Natural foraging behavior, similar to grizzlies hair and a relatively bipedal habit History Soceity, Oxford University I observed in Yellowstone National like hominids. Bears can also be Press. 324 pp. Park, USA. Brown bears are primarily bipedal and this behavior is very Schaller G.B. 1977. Mountain vegetarian although they eat flesh convincing to the local perception. Monarchs: Wild Sheep and Goats of when available (McDonald, 1983; Furthermore, the Mhetey is believed the Himalayas. The University Nowak, 1991; Schaller, 1998). Signs to live high among the broken and Chicago Press. Chicago 424 pp. in the form of excavated bulb and rocky cliffs where natural caves are Schaller, G.B. 1998. Wildlife of the root diggings or destroyed marmot abundant. Stories about local healers Tibetan Steppe. The University of and vole burrows have been noted (Amjis) being abducted by Mhetey in Chicago Press. Chicago. (Jackson, 1990). Schaller (1977) order to cure their sick are common. reported that they ate ibex, scaveng- The Mehtey is described more like a Acknowledgments ing on avalanche victims. In the primate than a bear as the name I thank my team members, Chang Tang reserve, diet included up itself suggests (“mhe” means man in botanist Mr. B.K. Sharma, (NCRTC); to 50% Tibet pikas, 20% grass and the Gurung language). The yeti myth coordinator, Mrs. Meena Joshi, 9% blue sheep (Schaller, 1998). has been slowly fading, paralleling (KMTNC); and Mr. Krishna Subba, Local people misidentify bears as the Big Foot myth in the USA. After our assistant. Dr. Chandra Prasad abominable snowmen or yetis. This an enormous effort, the Japanese Gurung (then member secretary of particular bear is believed to be the have concluded the yeti does not KMTNC), Siddartha Bajracharya and smaller form of the yeti or Chuktey. exist. The possible occurrence of this Mingma Norbu Sherpa deserve credit Locally, the yeti is classified in two bear in the Nepal Himalayas is for making this project possible. forms Chuktey and Mhetey. Chuktey intriguing and further research Funding was provided by WWF, would be worthwhile. Nepal and administered by Annapurna Conservation Area Project of the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation.

14 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Eurasia Moon Bear Phylogeography

Gary J. Galbreath • To make my data available to the western and eastern extremes of Biological Sciences authorities who may wish to release my study area may represent rem- Northwestern University captive bears into the wild, and who nants of an ancient haplotype Evanston, IL 60208, USA understandably wish to match such lineage that died out in the center of Email [email protected] animals genetically with local Southeast Asia during a glacial period haplotype(s). (when monsoons virtually termi- Since 1999, I have been conduct- Hair samples for DNA extraction nated, and the interior of this region ing a study of moon bear (Ursus are taken harmlessly from captive became much drier). Two apparent thibetanus) phylogeography in bears for which capture locality data lineages that today are widely Southeast Asia. This work has been exist. Locating such bears is often distributed in the region’s interior conducted in conjunction with the difficult; there are many captive may have migrated south relatively Royal Forest Department of Thai- moon bears, but valid locality data recently, occupying areas previously land, the Thai Society for the are often lacking. Extensive travel inhabited by the original clade. Conservation of Wild Animals, the has been necessary, sometimes to Helpful in assessing this model could national zoo and the Army of Laos, remote areas. Field work has been be greater availability of data for and the Wildlife Protection Office of conducted in the summer months evolutionary “out-groups” of moon Cambodia. During calendar years and/or in December, due to academic bears, from localities distant from my 2003 and 2004 my work has been duties at other times of year. Data study area. Individuals who might be significantly supported by the IBA have been acquired for western able to provide relevant hair samples Grants Program, for which I am Cambodia and for parts of Thailand or mitochondrial DNA sequences are extremely grateful. and Laos. This summer samples were urged to contact the author. Mitochondrial DNA has been obtained from the area of the Phang extracted and sequenced in the Hoei Mountains of central Thailand laboratory of Dr. Lisette Waits at the and from the area around Pa La-U University of Idaho. The sequenced in peninsular Thailand/Myanmar. portion of DNA includes the segment A tentative hypothesis has been coding for proline and threonine formed on the basis of existing tRNAs, plus parts of the “control data, which may or may not be region” and the cytochrome b gene. borne out when the study is Foci of my work are: completed. Certain samples from • To describe mitochondrial DNA variation in Southeast Asian moon bears. • To correlate DNA haplotypes with geography. • To use the above data to investi- gate Pleistocene and/or Holocene migrations and extinctions of these bears.

© Michael Keeney

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 15 Eurasia Recent Bear-Human Conflicts in Japan

Koji Yamazaki mental offices were hot to speculate From a long-term viewpoint, I Ibaraki Nature Museum/ about the reasons for the bear think these frequent bear appear- Japan Bear Network incidents, but determining the ances could be explained by two 700 Osaki, Iwai-city, Ibaraki reasons is not easy. With the excep- main factors. First, the zone between 306-0622 Japan tion of some areas, in most locales mountain and town areas, a tradi- Email [email protected] the existing biological data for bear tional agricultural area called management is still inadequate. satoyama (Washitani 2001), which The 17th IBA conference will be Furthermore, a nationwide system of originally divided the major bear held in Japan in 2006 (page 42), and information collection and analysis habitat from human activity, has lost it is our great pleasure to host the about the conflicts does not exist. its function as a buffer zone due to first IBA conference in Asia! Al- Unfortunately, bear biologists do the decline of these areas. Secondly, though bear news from Japan has not have an understanding of the as a result of declining hunting been scarce, Japanese bear biologists overall situation either. Although pressure in satoyama areas, there is a have recently committed to making interviews from mass media were new generation of bears that do not regular contributions to the bear rushed to us, we cannot offer a fear people. newsletter including news from scientific reason for the recent Because Japan has a large popula- neighboring countries such as Korea, conflicts. Nobody has statistical data tion restricted to a narrow land, bear Taiwan and China. on the density and fluctuations of habitat and human settlement are There has been a recent increase in the bear population, or information very close together or partly overlap. conflicts between Asian black bears about recent changes in bear distri- In this shared zone (satoyama), and humans in Japan that have been bution on a nationwide scale. conflicts between people and bears reported daily by newspaper, televi- The reason for these frequent have been constant historically. sion and radio news programs. conflicts is probably complex, and Traditionally, people have discour- As of 12 October 2004, 77 persons there have been signs of increasing aged the invasion of bears using guns were injured in 18 prefectures of conflicts for several years, which is and traps in an effort to maintain the Japan, and one person was killed why bear biologists have sounded land around their village for fire- (Japan Broadcasting Corporation the alarm. wood collection, charcoal produc- investigation). The person (61 year- There was a rumor circulated by tion, and agricultural cultivation. In old male) died in Nagano Prefecture hunters and local residents that the this way, the satoyama has func- in central Japan. Media reports said unexpected appearance of bears in tioned as a buffer zone separating that on the evening of 13 August he unusual areas was due to a shortage towns from mountain areas. was attacked by bear(s) while walk- of food in bear habitat. Most black Currently, the satoyamas are ing with a dog near his house. bear habitat has already been experiencing a rapidly decreasing Incidents have occurred throughout converted into industrial conifer and aging human population. As the black bear’s range, most fre- forests for species such as Japanese care of the satoyama is being forgot- quently on the Japan Sea side, in cedar and cypress. As a result of ten, food plants for bears in these areas such as Hokuriku and the forest policy dating from the 1970s, areas increases as compared with Chugoku district. more than half of the original food available in managed forests. The remarkable features of the broadleaf forests are gone. In recent The local people no longer use fruit conflicts this year were frequent years, oaks have been killed by from trees planted near houses, and appearances of bears in places (i.e., Raffaelea quercivora which also seems it attract bears and other wildlife towns) where bears were not usually to have affected bear food resources. including wild boar and Japanese seen, and invasions of houses by Many typhoons have passed through monkey. For example, many persim- bears. The reasons for these changes Japan recently, and as a result, mons (see photo) were planted in behavior is unknown. Conse- especially this year, acorns have been around houses in satoyamas as a quently, over 170 bears have been torn from the trees. precious sweet tasting food, and as killed by local government order in Thus the shortage of bear food survival food during famine. They the Hokuriku district alone (Fukui, could be one of the reasons for these have been loved by many people. Ishikawa, and Toyama prefecture). conflicts, but it does not explain the However, lifestyles change and now Mass media and related govern- whole situation. sweets can be found easily at the

16 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Eurasia

primary factors in the appearance of bears near human settle- ments this year. If this hypothesis is correct, the same conflicts will be repeated in the future. Table 1 shows the number of black bears recently killed by both sport hunting and nuisance control. Although the number by sport hunting is decreasing, the number of nuisance control kills is increas- ing. Frequent appear- ances of bears this year may increase the total number of nuisance control kills as compared with the past. This shows that

© Koji Yamazaki the present bear Persimmon tree in the Okutama Mountains, Tokyo. management system is store. Because of a declining and killing of bears, which had been not functioning. aging population, the persimmons carried out briskly, has also declined Although it is important to build a are left on trees. Such persimmons in response to the rise of negative system for responding to bears when attract wildlife like black bear and public opinion. they appear, it is more important to monkey, and have become a major These two methods of removing develop a management plan for cause of human-wildlife conflicts. bears from the population should preventing the appearance of Now the satoyama has become a probably be evaluated. However, any nuisance bears. Since governmental place that offers good and easy food change in the number of bears killed offices tend to react after a bear for bears. should be carefully monitored as part appears, the Japanese Bear Network Since 1992, the quota on black of a scientific management plan. (http://www.japanbear.org) and the bear sport hunting in Japan has been Bear food shortages in the moun- Mammals Society of Japan (http:// voluntarily reduced by the Japan tains, the changing structure of the www.mammalogy.jp/english/index- Hunting Association. During the satoyama, and lack of a scientific e.html) are planning to gather same time, the nuisance control management system could all be integrative-information about the bear-human conflicts. Table 1. Number of Japanese black bear harvested on Honshu-Island, Japan 1998-2001. Reference Washitani, I. 2001. Traditional Year sustainable ecosystem ‘SATOYAMA’ 1998 1999 2000 2001 and biodiversity crisis in Japan: Sport hunting 493 549 676 388 conservation ecological perspective. Nuisance control kill 725 1,473 980 1,725 Global Environ. Res. 5(2):119-133. Total 1,218 2,022 1,656 2,113

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 17 Eurasia Central Russia Brown Bear Expansion in Areas of Strong Forest Fragmentation

Leonid M. Baskin Institute of Ecology and Evolution Russian Academy of Sciences Leninsky pr. 33 Moscow, 119071, Russia Phone 7 095 246 53 81 Fax 7 095 954 55 34 Figure 1. New brown bear populations along southern border of bear range in Central Russia: 1. bear range border in 1960s, 2. bear range border in 1990s, Email [email protected] 3. new bear populations in 2004. & Mikhail A. Vaisfeld forestation of these regions. How- time-to-time, but no dens or females Institute of Geography ever, there are also exceptions. The with cubs were found. It was a Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow region has good forestation success to find small bear popula- Staromonetny pass 29 (41%) but only 0.004 bears per 1000 tions in regions with very low levels Moscow, 119017, Russia ha. The same was found in some of forestation. In Ulyanovsk region Phone 7 095 245 68 84 other regions. In regions where (only 26% of the territory is covered Fax 7 095 245 68 84 forestation is less than 40% there are by forest) a small bear population Email [email protected] still large enough forest islands to inhabits a forest island along the support viable bear populations. Sura River. In the Tatar Republic, The study of forest fragmentation The first important task of this with 16% forested territory, small as a limiting factor in brown bear project was to ascertain the extent of populations inhabit forest islands survival and distribution in European bear expansion, and determine what along the Ilet River. In the Orenburg Russia is supported by a grant from type and size of forest islands are region, with only 4.3% forested cover, IBA. This is a progress report after the preferred by animals. Walking bears exist in a forested hilly area. It is first year of the research. through habitats, talking with possible that the Orenburg population Since the 17th century the southern hunters and hunter managers, and is supported by migrants from the edge of brown bear range in Russia scientists and collaborators in Nature nearby Bashkir Republic where there is constantly retreated to the north Reserves, we found some areas where a mountain population of about 1,800 concurrent with declining forested animals appeared transient or animals. areas. The maximum withdrawal of formed a local population. We Preliminary analysis of satellite the southern border of bear range was considered observations of females images demonstrates the feasibility of observed in the early 1960s (Figure 1, with cubs or finding bear dens as identifying localities where bear dotted line). Then the bear population evidence of constant bear presence. populations have been found. Exami- growth in Central Russia was observed Besides mapping and reviewing nation of effects of land use and land to move south (Figure 1, chain line). numbers of animals and evidence of cover change in European Russia on Destruction of game management in their recent existence, we evaluated habitat availability for brown bear will Russia after 1991 led to mass extermi- security characteristics for bears be done during the next year. Both the nation of large animals. Then, an within these habitats (visibility in overall size of forest islands and the unexpected tolerance of bears to different types of forest, occurrence width of open corridors could be hunting was found. They successfully of thickets as suitable corridors for important factors. The task is to escaped hunter ambushes in oat fields dispersal, and movement of bears). develop criteria for characterizing and developed the successful strategy The first year of the research fragmentation. Obviously, in addition of reckless flight away from hunters confirmed brown bear expansion. to the distances between forests, the with dogs. More and more evidence The most numerous new populations location of highways, urban areas, and appeared of continuing bear range and migrants were found in the densely populated large river valleys expansion. southwestern corner of Central will also be considered as factors of Now, 21 regions of Central Russia Russia (Bryansk and Kaluga regions) fragmentation. Using satellite images are situated along the border of the (Figure 1, solid areas). Animals we have started work to create a map brown bear range. There is a high settled in large forest islands along of forest islands that probably could correlation (r = 0. 72, p<.000) rivers and lowlands. In small forest become home ranges of the new bear between current bear density and islets bear tracks were found from populations.

18 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Eurasia Georgia Bear Survey

Djuro Huber Borjomi- University of Zageb Kharagauli Na- Biology Department, Veterinary Faculty tional park (780 Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb km2) and resulted Republic of Croatia in 23 transects (3 Phone 385-1-2390-141 km each) and 130 Fax 385-1-244-1390 habitat points Email [email protected] done, with 33 scat samples collected. Georgia is one of the countries that

© Djuro Huber shares the Caucasus mountain range between the Black and Caspian Seas. and I returned The biodiversity of Georgia includes alone in September- brown bears, but there is insufficient October 2004. The knowledge about their population field survey has status. Timber and wildlife poaching been initialized to is evident, however the real impact assess the habitat on bears is not known. Additional conditions and bear habit concerns are the construction population size. My of pipelines for oil and gas crossing role was to train the the whole country from Azerbaijan local team. Meth- to Turkey. ods included field The NGO NACRES (Noah’s Ark transects with point Centre for the Recovery of Endan- sampling of habitat gered Species) obtained a grant from features and

© Djuro Huber British Petrol (which is constructing combining this data Bear habitat in Georgia. the pipeline) to investigate the bear’s with satellite photographs. All bear The plan is to complete a total of status and to propose appropriate signs were mapped. Bear scat (and 200 transects in the study area of conservation measures. They en- tissue) samples were collected for 2700 km2 before the end of 2004. gaged Jon Swenson (Norway) and genetic analysis and population size The initial results indicate that myself (Croatia) as foreign advisers. estimation. The first expedition of forest exploitation occurs every- Both of us visited Georgia in June, two weeks was done in and around where but the extent (at least in the area surveyed) seems to be sustainable at present rates, and not detrimental to the bear population. We found abun- dant bear food and excellent cover, including plenty of snags and fallen trees. Bear signs were abundant at some sites, but the wild ungulate populations seem to be sparse. In short, Georgia has plenty of high and steep mountains with great forests and should strive to save them in their present state. Proper bear and other wildlife management plans should be prepared and implemented.

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 19 Eurasia Bear Management Plan for Croatia Completed

Djuro Huber University of Zagreb Biology Department, Veterinary Faculty Heinzelova 55,10000 Zagreb Republic of Croatia Phone 385-1-2390-141 Fax 385-1-244-1390 Email [email protected]

For decades the bears in Croatia were managed by hunting organiza- tions which resulted in growth of the population from less than 100 in the late 1940s to over 600 in 2000. Over time, various reasons emerged as to why bear management needed to become more comprehen-

© Djuro Huber sive and to involve more than one Brown bear skins in Croatia. interest group, including: 1. International Legislation especially touchy issue. The question 5. Economic benefit for local resi- Signing the CITES and Bern of setting eventual limits is very dents through tourism and conventions required planned complex. hunting. management and strong population It took several years for administra- 6. Raising public awareness and augmentation for sport hunting. The tive authorities in Croatia to realize sharing management decisions. Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe the importance of the points listed In July 2004 the CITES Scientific (LCIE) created the action plan for above, and in fall 2003 the CITES Review Group made a very positive brown bears in Europe. This plan has Scientific Review Group placed an review of the Croatian bear manage- been adopted as a part of the Bern export ban on Croatian bear trophies. ment plan but delayed lifting the convention. One of its key action Finally in 2003 the serious work on a export ban on trophies until the end points is that each country draft a Croatian bear management plan of 2004, expecting to see progress in bear management plan. started. the plan’s implementation. 2. Habitat Concerns To make the procedure as demo- Through a project with Infrastructure development like cratic and as open as possible all EURONATUR, the Veterinary Faculty road construction and other human interest groups were invited to the in Zagreb has already secured initial intrusions into bear habitat require initial and final workshops, an funding to implement the action the application of conservation extensive human dimension survey points that are new concepts in measures on multiple levels. was done by Aleksandra Majic, and Croatian bear management. That 3. Public Interest in Bears the committee that worked on the includes involvement of local The general public is increasingly text included representatives from inhabitants (public interests, local interested in all large carnivore various groups. non-hunting tourism, sale of local issues. The brown bear in Croatia are The main points of the plan products with bear labels, damage mostly viewed positively by the include: prevention, problem bear preven- public and maintaining that attitude 1. Habitat preservation. tion), establishment of a bear is crucial. 2. Compliance with international emergency team, and advanced 4. Bear Population Growth and legislation. research including genetic estimation Expansion 3. Avoidance of risks for humans and of population size. The latter work is As the number of bears grows, new their property. underway through collection of field issues and concerns are raised. The 4. Determination and maintenance of fecal samples and their laboratory expansion into new territories is an desired bear population size. analysis. Furthermore the new

20 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Eurasia Slovakia and Poland: Different Countries, Different Attitudes

international LIFE project has been Robin Rigg are listed in Annex IV, is allowed accepted and will secure funding for Slovak Wildlife Society only in the absence of other satisfac- implementation of bear management PO Box 72 tory solutions. Therefore, hunting for action points in the next four years, Liptovsky Hradok other reasons seems not to be by which time the process will be 033 01 Slovak Republic allowed in the EU.” Slovakia joined self-sustaining. Email [email protected] the European Union, along with The good news is that in Croatia Poland, in May 2004. the bear is generally regarded very Bears in the neighboring Central Whilst so far legal hunting is not positively, except in individual European countries of Slovakia and reducing population size in Slovakia extreme situations. To maintain such Poland are part of the Carpathian (indeed, for several years the annual positive attitudes, bear management population of brown bears (Ursus quota has not been fulfilled and should continue including hunting arctos), one of the largest populations until 2000 estimated numbers of operations that keep the hunters on of bears in Europe (map page 22). bears continued to increase despite the side of bears. The case of the Restrictions on hunting begun in hunting), wrangling over how much wolf, which still cannot be hunted Slovakia in the 1930s have allowed hunting should be allowed and (total protection), clearly shows how the western part of this population under what conditions is increas- negative attitudes lead to excessive to recover from near extirpation to ingly overshadowing discussion of illegal shooting, and do not allow present estimates of about 600-800 other management options. In Tatry the population to increase and may individuals in Slovakia and up to 100 National Park, which forms the even threaten it. in Poland. Polish part of the bilateral Biosphere The CITES delay on removing the The Action Plan for the Conserva- Reserve of the Tatra Mountains on export ban for bear trophies makes tion of the Brown Bear in Europe the Slovak-Polish border, radio- the implementation of the plan quite (Swenson et al. 2000) emphasized telemetry research on bears is being difficult. In the present situation, the importance of cross-border conducted by Filip Zienba and his hunting managers have started cooperation for the conservation of colleagues. Electric fencing has been viewing bears as the cause of prob- Europe’s large carnivores across their successfully used to keep bears away lems rather than the source of fragmented distributions. A recent from refuse containers, hence income. Illegal hunting may escalate review concluded that pertinent reducing bear-human conflicts. In rapidly, and the existing cooperation legislation was broadly similar contrast, on the Slovak side there is among bear managers, conservation- among the Carpathian countries no equivalent government-funded ists, researchers and the general from Slovakia to Romania (Salvatori research program in Tatransky public is quickly losing ground. For 2002). However, there are some National Park, non-lethal prevention example, the motivation for manage- startling differences in current measures are rare and a representa- ment units to collect scat samples attitudes and management policies. tive of the State Nature Conservancy was high because they wanted to In Poland bears are fully protected responsible for bear management count all the bears in their area in year round. There is no open season was recently shown on national order to be assigned an adequate for bears in Slovakia, either, but an television saying that there was no hunting quota. In the present annual commercial hunt labelled alternative to shooting. situation, management units are “regulation shooting” is neverthe- Pressure for higher hunting quotas disinclined to report bear deaths as less conducted on the basis of a and relaxation of restrictions in order required. The result is that the reservation from the Bern Conven- to improve hunting success is now so trophy export ban certainly does not tion which “permits the regulation intense and so often justified by decrease the number of bear deaths. of [bear and wolf] numbers without citing incidents of human-habituated This current situation is one more detriment to their survival and to and food-conditioned bears as illustration of how administrative the functions of these species in the evidence of “over-population” that bans and limitations do not always natural ecosystems” (Council of there is very little awareness of help the welfare of the respective Europe 2002). Swenson et al. (2000) appropriate preventive measures. populations. noted that, “According to Article 16 Instead, problems with bears are of directive 94/43/EEC, the taking simply blamed on their “over- of a limited number of bears, which population.” For example, in re

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 21 Eurasia Slovakia and Poland: Different Countries, Different Attitudes, cont’d.

sponse to an article about fragmentation and possible erosion herds, farmers, hunters, foresters, sightings of a bear on the outskirts of of public support in the face of employees of mountain hotels Ruzomberok, a town in northern increasing bear-human conflicts, in (n=121). In addition, tourists Slovakia, we wrote to a local newspa- 2003 we started work on The BEARS (n=30) were surveyed in Liptovsky per to recommend the installation of Project: Bear Education, Awareness Mikulas. Our questionnaire was bear-proof waste containers and the and Research in Slovakia. To guide based on a survey designed by removal of the apples to which the the course of future policies and Alistair Bath of Memorial Univer- bear(s) had been attracted. We were activities, we began by conducting a sity, Newfoundland, Canada, informed by the editor that new questionnaire survey of the Slovak revised and adapted to suit Slovak

containers would not help because general public within the core area of conditions. The survey was evalu- the problem was not that bears were large carnivore distribution ated by Maria Wechselberger learning to get food from waste (Liptovsky Mikulas) and in a control (Wechselberger et al. in prep.). containers but that they were “over- area (Nove Mesto nad Vahom) with In general, we found that respon- populated in the area by almost only rare occurrences of large dents held neutral to positive 150%.” After we wrote to him again carnivores. The study aimed to attitudes toward large carnivores and two days later, his next reply stated identify and document knowledge their management. Around 40% of that bears were “more than 200% of and attitudes towards bears, respondents had positive feelings over-populated”! Could this be the wolves (Canis lupus) and lynx (Lynx toward bears, compared to around first case on record of brown bears lynx) as well as related management half for lynx and only a third for giving birth in October? issues. The target audience con- wolves. People in the core area were Due to concern that the long-term sisted of three distinct groups: more negative toward bears and prospects for bears in Slovakia could residents 16 years and older wolves than people in the control be threatened by such disputes (n=800), pupils aged 12-15 years area while people in towns had more combined with habitat loss or (n=157) and woods people (shep- positive attitudes to large carnivores

22 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Eurasia

than those in villages. The most The second most commonly References positive target group was “tourists,” mentioned issue among respondents Council of Europe (2002). Con- followed by “residents,” “pupils” and in the core area was that of the vention on the conservation of “woods people.” Socio-demographic “over-population” of bears. However, European wildlife and natural factors partially affected attitudes damage caused by large carnivores habitats. Secretariat Memorandum. toward large carnivores: males were was rated by the respondents of this Directorate of Culture and of Cul- significantly more knowledgeable survey as medium to low. People in tural and Natural Heritage, Council about and significantly more positive the core area rated the damage lower of Europe, Strasbourg. 55 pp. towards large carnivores than than people in the control area. Salvatori V., Okarma H., Ionescu females. People over 60 years old had Unsurprisingly, respondents who had O., Dovhanych Y., Fino S. and the most negative attitude toward already experienced damage by Boitani L. (2002). Hunting legislation large carnivores whereas those aged bears, wolves or lynx held signifi- in the Carpathian Mountains: 16-35 years had the most positive cantly less positive attitudes com- implications for the conservation attitudes. An increase in positive pared to those who had not. Fear and management of large carnivores. attitudes toward large carnivores seemed to be an important factor Wildlife Biology 8(1):3-10. among people with higher education affecting attitudes. Around half of Swenson J.E., Dahle B., Gerstl N. was also found in this study, but the respondents were scared of bears and and Zedrosser A. (2000). Action plan differences between the education wolves and 38% were scared of lynx. for the conservation of the brown bear levels were not significant. Among Relatively fearless people had the in Europe (Ursus arctos). Convention occupational groups, foresters had most positive attitudes whereas very on the Conservation of European the most positive attitudes towards fearful people had the most negative Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern large carnivores and shepherds the attitudes towards bears, wolves and Convention), Nature and environ- most negative. lynx. Bears were rated the most ment, No.114, Council of Europe Knowledge levels were seen to be dangerous of the three species and Publishing, Strasbourg. rather low: most participants of the were also the most feared. Wechselberger M., Rigg R. and survey could answer fewer than half The results of this survey have Beeková S. (in prep.). An investigation the knowledge questions correctly. allowed us to tailor education of public opinion about three large Lack of knowledge or information materials to different target groups, carnivore species in Slovakia — brown was regarded by respondents as the taking into account the form in bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus) most important issue relating to which they said they would prefer to and lynx (Lynx lynx). large carnivore management in receive information. We have taken Slovakia. Pupils were least knowl- steps to initiate research on genetics edgeable about large carnivores. as a means to improve population Surprisingly, people in the control estimates and as The BEARS Project area were significantly more knowl- progresses we intend to begin the edgeable than people in the core implementation of prevention area. Positive attitudes toward large measures, such as installation of carnivores decreased with more bear-proof containers at sites with knowledge among people directly chronic problems of food-condi- affected, such as woods people, tioned bears. otherwise more knowledge was associated with greater acceptance. We were encouraged to find that more than 90% of respondents were interested in learning more about large carnivores.

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 23 Eurasia Greece Common Declaration from NGOs Arcturos & Callisto

Alexandros Karamanlidis increasing in the country in the past For Arcturos, Yannis Boutaris Department of Genetics few years, this currently rare inci- For Callisto, Spyros Psaroudas Aristotle University of Thessaloniki dent, shows that the existing situa- 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece tion might easily change. Further- After 12 years of operation, the Email [email protected] more, it points out the necessity of environmental NGO Arcturos began & including mitigation measures in the revising its objectives and fields of Yorgos Mertzanis planning and building of large interest. During this process, internal Callisto, Wildlife and infrastructure projects and justifies disagreements and a divergence of Nature Conservation Society the decision to carry out a wildlife views developed on issues of strategy Thessaloniki, Greece monitoring project within the and final goals. The situation that Email [email protected] framework of the construction of a ensued drove former Arcturos staff major highway in the same area (see members to establish a new environ- Northwestern Greece: also: “Paving a new way for brown mental organization named Callisto. Tragic Bear Incident bears in Greece.” International Bear Arcturos will continue to exert In September, people in the village News 12(3):8-9). pressure in all directions for the of Perivleptos in northwestern protection of the environment by Greece informed public authorities Northern Greece: developing sensitization, environ- that a brown bear had fallen in an Rare Attack by Bear mental education, volunteerism and old drainage hole and that, with 20 Bear-human conflicts in Greece ecotourism actions. It still focuses on cm of water remaining in it after the are mainly restricted to livestock brown bear and wild fauna, but also summer drought, was in danger of depredation and crop damages by intends to expand its activities to the drowning. What caused the bear to bears. The cases where bears have conservation of traditional domestic fall into the hole, which lies at the attacked humans in Greece are rare animal breeds, as well as to new periphery of the species distribution and usually shrouded by a cloud of fields of sustainable development. in Greece, is not perfectly clear. A mystery concerning the circum- Callisto defines as its main shepherd, who stabled his flock just stances of the attack. However, on activities: scientific research, devel- a 100 m from where the incident the 10th of September a bear mauled opment and implementation of took place, reported hearing his dogs a shepherd in Grevena/Northern actions for the conservation of the barking loudly the previous night. Greece, while trying to escape the natural environment, and the Most probably the bear tried to shepherd dogs that had been chasing coexistence of humans and wildlife. attack the herd, was chased away and it. The bear inflicted serious injuries It has already initiated activities and accidentally fell in the hole. to the hand of the shepherd before cooperation in Greece and southeast- Despite the fact that several state his dogs could come to his rescue. ern Europe, focusing on the conser- agencies rushed to the bear’s aid Fortunately, the shepherd, who had vation of large carnivores and (forestry, fire, police...even the local to be hospitalized, refused to talk to biodiversity in mountainous areas, as state prosecutor was informed), help the media which tried to prey on the well as pressing for the creation and arrived too late for the exhausted cliché of the man-eating beast, and operation of Protected Areas and bear, which unfortunately drowned has returned to his work with European Ecological Networks in the little pool of water in the hole. (almost!) no hard feelings. (Natural 2000, Emerald). Despite the important achieve- It is obvious that despite their Fatal Bear-Car Collision ments in the field of bear conserva- differences, the two organizations A brown bear was killed at the end tion over the past years, these three share many points of common of September in a car collision in incidents show that there are still interest. In those fields, coopera- northern Greece. As the number of areas in which public authorities and tion will be sought, while in others vehicles and roads has been steadily NGOs need to work to secure the they will pursue their individual future of bears in Greece. specializations. Specifically: The Arcturos Environ- mental Center in the Prefecture of Florina is a common creation and as

24 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Eurasia Callisto, Wildlife and Nature Conservation Society

such, will be supported by actions of Press release from Callisto, larger and wider possible base of both Arcturos and Callisto. 28 September 2004. supporters, friends and members. The two organizations continue to Spyros Psaroudas Callisto’s main objectives include: closely follow, supervise and inter- Phone +30 6999 915200 • Protect the environment as a vene on the environmental plan Email [email protected] public good. implementation during the construc- & • Conserve biodiversity and areas of tion of large technical works, such as Yorgos Mertzanis high natural and aesthetic value, with Via Egnatia. For this specific project, Phone +30 2310 230693 emphasis on mountainous ecosystems Callisto and Arcturos members will Email [email protected] and forests in Greece, the Balkans and collaborate on the completion of the & neighboring countries. first phase of the project titled Constantinos Godes • Study, conserve and manage wild “Evaluation and monitoring of Phone +30 2310 235373 fauna populations, especially of large highway Via Egnatia impact on large Email [email protected] carnivores (bear, wolf, lynx, jackal) mammals and their habitats: ante Temporary mail address: that inhabit the above areas. construction and during construc- 16, Ethnikis Antistasis • Support the establishment and tion and operation of the highway GR-55337, Thessaloniki, Greece operation of Protected Areas and section Panagia-Grevena.” Further- Ecological Networks, in order to more, the two organizations intend Callisto (see Callisto in Greek preserve biodiversity, as well as the to cooperate on the implementation mythology on page 38) is a new natural and cultural heritage. of the project’s second phase. environmental NGO (a civil, not-for- • Develop scientific research and Both Arcturos and Callisto will profit society), recently founded in its applications as well as building support the operation of the Balkan Thessaloniki, Greece, by former staff national, trans-Balkan and interna- Large Carnivore Conservation members of the environmental NGO tional cooperation and networking Network (BALKAN-NET), which Arcturos (see previous article). The for the above purposes. interlinks specialists and environ- creation of a new NGO became To accomplish these aims, Callisto mental organizations in Greece and necessary when substantial divergence plans several activities in southeast- the Balkans. Specifically, Arcturos of views occurred within Arcturos, ern Europe, including: will contribute to the networking of concerning both the identity and the • Elaboration and implementation the Mountain Ecosystems Informa- strategic goals of the latter NGO. of projects for the protection and tion Centers in the Balkans, while The founding members of Callisto management of wildlife and the Callisto will provide specialized include experts with long experience natural environment. know-how for the implementation of and specialization in the field of • Information, awareness raising, common actions for the manage- nature conservation. The new society and activation of the public for ment of large carnivores and impor- intends to contribute to the conserva- imposing control on the decision- tant transborder areas. tion of the natural environment in making centers regarding environ- Finally, Arcturos will continue to Greece and the Balkans, and particu- mental issues. support the representation of the larly, to continue the work that began • Development of environmental environmental organizations in the in the framework of projects imple- education and training programs. NATURA 2000 Committee and the mented by Arcturos in the past decade. • Development of volunteerism, management boards of the Rodopi The staff of Callisto is closely following spirit of collectivity, solidarity and Mountain Range and the Northern the revision of Arcturos’ aims and initiative in order to better serve direct Pindos National Park by Mr. Spyros priorities, and will seek cooperation and concrete environmental actions. Psaroudas and Dr. Yorgos Mertzanis, where there are common objectives Callisto is establishing central both Callisto staff members. and/or compatible aims. offices in Thessaloniki, Greece creating For additional information, please Callisto plans to be independent member and volunteer divisions as contact: from state and corporate interests. It well as reactivating the Balkan Large Arcturos: Ms. Vasso Petridou, intends to follow democracy and Carnivores Conservation Network phone +30 2310 555920 transparency in decision making as (BALKAN-NET), which links many Callisto: Mr. Spyros Psaroudas, well as in the management of its experts and NGOs in Greece and the phone +30 6999 915200 own resources, representing the Balkans.

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 25 Americas First Essay of Semen Collection in an Andean Bear in Peru

Marco A. Enciso, DVM Student tion. Electroejaculation was chosen the best one to obtain semen, but Laboratory of Animal Reproduction as the most appropriate method, the voltage and dimensions of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine since it has been used in other ursids rectal probe should be adjusted, to San Marcos University with good results (Platz et al, 1983; obtain semen of better quality and in Lima, Peru Ishikawa et al, 1998; Kojima et al, more volume. We have been prepar- Phone 51-1-97060016 2001). ing an electroejaculation kit to fit the Email [email protected] The first test of the electroejaculation anatomy of the Andean bear, to & technique to collect Andean bear standardize the technique, and to Lizette Bermúdez, Biologist semen was carried out in January continue with the next phases of the Head of Fauna Area 2004, with an adult animal at the project. Huachipa Zoological Park Huachipa Zoological Park, Lima, Lima, Peru Peru. The bear, Yogui, was immobi- References Email lized chemically with a ketamine (8 Figueroa, J. 2003. Cacería del oso [email protected] mg/kg), xilazine (1 mg/kg) and andino en el Peru. Etnozoolgía y & atropine (0.04 mg/kg) protocol, then comercio, Cooperacion Tecnica Shirley Evangelista, DVM Student maintained with inhalatory anesthe- Alemana-GTZ/FANPE. Proyecto Oso Laboratory of Animal Reproduction sia (Isofluorane 3%). While anesthe- Andino Peru. Lima-Peru. 66p. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine tized Yogui was weighed and testicu- Ishikawa, A.; Matsui, M.; Tsuruga, H.; San Marcos University lar volume was measured, his Sakamoto, H.; Takahashi, Y. and Lima, Peru prepucial area was shaved and Kanagawa, H. 1998. Electroejaculation Email washed and placed in lateral decubi- and semen characteristics of the captive [email protected] tus. The kit used in this test was a Hokkaido Brown Bear (Ursus arctos & portable electroejaculator for small yesoensis). J. Vet Med. Sci. 60(8): 965-968. Gianmarco Rojas, DVM ruminants (Bailey Ejaculator, Kojima, E.; Tsuruga, H.; Komatsu, Huachipa Zoological Park Western Instrument Company) with T.; Murase, T.; Tsubota, T. and Kita, I. Lima, Peru a rectal transducer 17.5 cm long and 2001. Characterization of semen Email 2 cm in diameter, and a fixed voltage collected from Beagles and Captive [email protected] of 6v. Japanese Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus First, the rectal probe was lubri- japonicus). Theriogenology. 55:717- The Andean bear (Tremarctos cated with gel, and then was intro- 731. ornatus) is suffering a progressive duced about 15 cm into the rectum. Peyton, B. 1999. Spectacled Bear decrease in its population due to Four series of discharges of 15 conservation action plan. In: BEARS: numerous factors, such as hunting seconds were applied with pauses of Status survey and conservation and habitat destruction (Peyton, two minutes among the first, second action plan. Eds: Servheen, C.; 1999; Figueroa, 2003). For this and third series, and of 10 minutes Herrero, S. and Peyton, B. IUCN/SCC reason, our research group, PUMAS between the third and fourth series, Bear Specialist Group. Switzerland Group, has a project to preserve the additionally manual stimulation was and Cambridge. U.K. p:157-198. genetic material of the species applied. In the last series of dis- Platz, C.C.; Wildt, D.E.; Howard, J.G. through the use of reproductive charges a small quantity of semen and Bush, M. 1983. Electroejaculation biotechnologies. One way to help was obtained that was evaluated and semen analysis and freezing in the manage and conserve the Andean directly. The presence of spermatic Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). J. bear is collection of genetic material cells was observed with 50% motility. Reprod. Fertil. 67:9-12. (semen, oocytes and embryos) for The sample was fixed and later Wildt, D.E. 2000. Genome re- use in techniques such as artificial colored with Diff Quick stain, to source banking for wildlife research, insemination and establishment of a observe spermatic morphology. management and conservation. ILAR genome resources bank (Wildt, In this first essay of Andean bear Journal. 41(4):228-234. 2000), with the purpose of maintain- semen collection we conclude that ing the bear’s genetic diversity. The the electroejaculation technique is first step in the project was to evaluate a method of semen collec-

26 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Americas Intag Andean Bear Project Update Managing Carni- vores in Colombia’s Central Andes

Armando Castellanos possible to observe and easily film C. Esteban Payán Andean Bear Project Leader raiding Andean bears. Thus, we will Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fundación Espíritu del Bosque start a study on Andean bear behav- Bogotá, Colombia Barcelona 311 y Tolosa ior in cornfields, aiming to estimate Email [email protected] Quito, Ecuador the real value of the damages, and Phone 593 2 2239 703 generate a database for a compensa- I would like to make the following Fax 593 2 2504 452 tion program in the Intag. corrections to my article that appeared Email [email protected] At the end of May, Panchito, an in International Bear News 13(2):21-22: adult male bear removed his radio- The project “Diagnose, analysis and From September 2001 through collar 13 months after tagging, management proposals for the conflict March 2004 we radio-collared eight because the cotton-polyester spacer between carnivores and livestock in wild Andean bears (four females and disintegrated prematurely; this is the the central Andean region of Colom- four males) in the Intag region of second time we encountered this bia” was funded by the Royal Nether- Ecuador, as part of the effort to problem. We are currently radio lands Embassy. It was created as a propose conservation and manage- tracking five bears: three females and research and data analysis comple- ment alternatives for the population. two males. The latter do not have ment to an older (five years) ongoing This year we were expecting to spacers in their radio collars, and data collection and management capture two more bears, during corn they are progressively harder to find project on puma attacks on cattle, season (April through July), but and follow. Probably they came from developed by the Corporacion unfortunately, we did not succeed. very remote and inaccessible areas, Regional del Quindio (CRQ; Vargas et To increase the effectiveness of because they have disappeared for up al. 2004). One of the research partners, capture, we set Iznachi traps in to 20 days. the CRQ (regional government different cornfields, but only previ- We thought of using an airplane territorial agency involved in environ- ously radio-collared bears ap- for tracking, but it was not possible mental issues) has been increasing proached these sites, staying far away due to the strong turbulence caused protected area coverage and conduct- so that we could not recapture them. by the mountains. Since males have ing efforts towards carnivore preserva- After corn season, the Iznachi proved to be very difficult to find on tion and local attitude change. traps were set on bear trails in the the ground, for future captures we The Humboldt Institute’s second cloud forest away from radio-collared will consider the use of satellite or phase of the project will be to design and bears’ home ranges, where they are GPS collars. implement, in coordination with the now waiting for “new” bears. If we We are preparing the first article Institute’s Conservation Biology program do not succeed in capturing more on Andean bear hematology and and the Sustainable Biodiversity Use and bears in the next corn season we will blood chemistry, analyzing samples Valuation program, a predation control use trained dogs to chase bears up collected from September 1995 to pilot experiment on livestock protection trees, where we can immobilize them March 2004, from 30 free-ranging measures on the studied areas. with darts. and captive bears. We hope that our During the last corn season, the results provide reference values to Reference bears’ movements showed an help in the diagnosis of disease and Vargas, I. C., J. D. Duque-Montoya, C. increase of home range size when malnutrition for wild and captive A. García-Manrique, L. A. Cáceres-Marín, looking for cornfields. Females (n=4) animals. We expect feedback from L. G. Torres, R. Sánchez-Triviño. 2004. had an average of 28.95 km2 and experts on the manuscript prior to Incidencia de la depredación del león de males (n=2) 108.6 km2, estimated by publication. montaña (Felis concolor) en poblaciones a 100% minimum convex polygon. In the current year this project is de ganado vacuno, ovino y equino de los The last two males captured were not being supported by the International Municipios de Salento, Calarcá y Genova included in the analysis because of Association for Bear Research and del Departamento del Quindío, en el insufficient data. Management (IBA), Idea Wild, periodo comprendido entre noviembre For the next corn season, we Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and de 2001 y noviembre de 2003. Technical identified a cornfield where it is volunteers. report, Corporación Regional del Quindio (CRQ), Armenia, Quindio, Colombia.

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 27 Americas Fronti, B.C. Grizzly Bear Churchill the Andean Bear Plan Released Northern Studies Goes to Your School Funding Opportunity

Fatima Imaru Lameda Camacaro Matt Austin LeeAnn Fishback Natural Resources Student Large Carnivore Specialist Scientific Coordinator Universidad de Yacambu Biodiversity Branch Churchill Northern Studies Centre Barquisimeto, Venezuela British Columbia Ministry of Water, Canada Email [email protected] Land and Air Protection Email [email protected] [email protected] British Columbia, Canada Phone +0058-251-4465948 Phone (250) 387-9799 The Churchill Northern Studies Fax (250) 356-9145 Centre (CNSC) is pleased to an- El Impulso, a newspaper in Lara Email [email protected] nounce that applications are now State, Venezuela started a search for being accepted for the Northern the best 100 ideas to improve the The Honorable Bill Barisoff, British Research Fund (NRF) for 2005. The quality of life in the capital city of Columbia Minister of Water, Land application form and submission Barquisimeto, as part of the celebra- and Air Protection has accepted the guidelines are available to download tion of its 100th anniversary. A very Recovery Plan for Grizzly Bears in from the website: http:// wide variety of subjects were pro- the North Cascades of British www.churchillmb.net/~cnsc/ posed including urban planning, Columbia. The Minister has in- The goal of the NRF is to provide conservation, education, architec- structed the recovery team not to funding and enhance field research ture, health, culture and entertain- translocate grizzly bears to the North conducted by researchers utilizing ment. After scoring 450 proposals, Cascades until further direction is facilities and services of the CNSC. It “Fronti, the Andean bear goes to received (see Section 4.3 of the plan). is a matching funds program that your school” was chosen as one of The recovery plan includes the awards a combination of in-kind and the winners with honors. establishment of a liaison committee direct monetary support towards My goal in conducting this project comprised of representatives from expenses normally encountered is environmental education. Its main local First Nations and stakeholders during the course of field research objective is to spread information that will work with the recovery programs. NRF support for 2005, about threats to Andean bears and team during its implementation. available through the application their conservation to local schools, The recovery plan is on the process, will consist of: using Fronti, an animated Andean Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy (1) 250 user-days (CNSC accom- bear, as principal speaker. The project website: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/ modation and meals) and 100 contributes to the efforts of numer- wld/grzz/index.htm. vehicle-days (vehicle support from ous NGOs, scientists, and local Our immediate priorities are: the CNSC fleet) compliments of the organized groups in the promotion establishing the liaison committee, CNSC. of biodiversity and watershed initiating access management (2) $7,000.00 (CAD) in direct protection for Sierra de Portuguesa, planning, and beginning research on monetary support provided by at the northeast end of the Andes. It grizzly bears in Wells Gray Provincial Manitoba Conservation. is supported by Parque Zoologico y Park as a potential source area for (3) Various Winnipeg-Churchill Botanico Bararida, Fundacion population augmentation. The travel vouchers compliments of Andígena and Fudena. The hope is to recovery plan calls for the recovery Calm Air International. have a great impact on increasing team to develop an augmentation Using the CNSC’s board-approved the general public’s awareness of plan in consultation with the liaison fee schedule as a reference, the total Andean bear conservation and to committee by July 1, 2005 for valuation of all NRF support for the promote support for all the efforts in approval by the Minister of Water, 2005 field season will be approxi- the region. Land and Air Protection. mately $25,000.00 (CAD). Application Deadline: Friday, 19 November 2004.

28 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Americas Maskwa: The White Bear Cub McNeil River Access Permits

Hank Hristienko publish updated photos, people Joe Meehan Black Bear Programs Manager continued to drive out with food in Wildlife Biologist/Lands Coordinator Manitoba Conservation, Wildlife and hand, perpetuating the bear family’s Alaska Department of Fish and Game Ecosystem Protection Branch attraction to an easy meal. One Division of Wildlife Conservation Box 24, 200 Saulteaux Crescent group went as far as to say “what a Southcentral/Southwest Region Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 3W3, Canada wonderful eco-tourism opportunity” 333 Raspberry Road Phone (204) 945-7771 this was. Numerous pleas to leave the Anchorage, Alaska 99518, USA Email [email protected] family group alone were ignored. Phone (907) 267-2281 During the night of July 11th, the Fax (907) 267-2433 female bear was struck and killed by Email [email protected] a vehicle. Normally, orphan bear ADFG web: www.wildlife.alaska.gov cubs are not taken in for rehabilita- tion for reasons established through The Alaska Department of Fish policy. Because of its biological rarity and Game (ADFG) is now accepting and notoriety, and the fact it had applications for Special Access learned to become dependent on Permits at the McNeil River State people for food, reducing its likeli- Game Sanctuary in 2005. This hood for survival in the wild, the program is available to individuals female cub was captured and held that have a special need to visit the

© Darlene Stack until arrangements could be made to sanctuary. These needs may include Maskwa at Assiniboine Zoo July 2004. locate a facility willing to accept and (but are not limited to) scientists, Many pictures have been circu- raise the cub. Winnipeg’s Assiniboine land managers, educators, public or lated through emails claiming that a Park Zoo graciously accepted the 16 artistic media representatives, female black bear and her white cub kg cub and have placed it in an filmmakers, or others acting in an (cover photo) were from the sender’s isolated display area until it matures official capacity and who would region of the country. The following when it will be introduced into the benefit professionally by visiting is an account of the events that led general black bear population at the McNeil River. to the cub having to be placed in a zoo. Given the cultural and spiritual The application deadline is Winnipeg zoo, where it currently significance of this animal to people December 1, 2004. More information resides. from Chemawawin Cree Nation, the and application materials may be In early June 2004, the female and aboriginal community was consulted obtained online at http:// cub were first observed feeding on before the cub was rescued. They www.wildlife.alaska.gov/mcneil/ garbage thrown out of vehicles along suggested it be named Maskwa, Cree index.cfm or by contacting ADFG at a road allowance that passes through for bear. Today, the now off-white [email protected] or a narrow band of land between Lake colored cub weighs around 35 kg. (907) 267-2281. Winnipegosis and Cedar Lake, Blood samples will be forwarded to Please Note: this Special Access Manitoba. Pictures were published in the University of British Columbia to Permit program differs from the local newspapers and circulated by determine whether this cub has the permit lottery program (which is email. The media sensationalized the same double recessive coloration gene how most visitors obtain access sighting claiming the cub was a “rare that distinguishes the Kermode bears permits to the sanctuary). The lottery albino,” even after being advised it of British Columbia. program is available to everyone and was likely not. The bears’ celebrity Manitoba hopes to turn an the deadline for those applications is status spurred some people to drive initially unfortunate outcome into a March 1, 2005. out in the hopes of getting a glimpse positive result. A plaque will be of the white cub. Unfortunately, they placed informing zoo patrons that went supplied with buckets of although well-intentioned, the Kentucky Fried Chicken and other feeding of wildlife conditions them food items in hopes of drawing them to humans and human foods, which closer for better photo opportunities. can contribute directly to their Because the media continued to death.

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 29 Americas Yellowstone Grizzly Mortalities

Yellowstone Ecosystem Subcommit- state and federal agencies. We have Science Center, are currently under- tee news release, September 17, 2004, been working on mortality reduction way to evaluate and improve these Missoula, Montana, USA. since the mid-1980s and we continue limits. Dr. Schwartz noted that recent to work on it.” Dr. Servheen also science clearly indicates that grizzly Dr. Chris Servheen, the scientist in said,“As grizzly bears expand into bear numbers have increased in the charge of grizzly bear recovery for new habitats, particularly into places past decade and have expanded well the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and where people live, the agencies need beyond the current Recovery Zone Mark Brucino, Bear Management cooperation from local citizens to boundaries. He also said, “Although Specialist for the Wyoming Game help conserve grizzly bears. People we have reached the female mortal- and Fish Department announced must be willing to do their part by ity threshold this year, and it is today that an elk hunter killed an securing human foods and garbage certainly cause for concern, it does additional adult female grizzly bear from bears and trying to minimize not constitute a crisis. It’s the study in September in self-defense. This mortalities associated with elk team’s responsibility to monitor brings the 2004 female mortality hunting.” The Yellowstone Ecosys- mortalities as part of the recovery count in the Yellowstone Ecosystem tem Subcommittee has identified process. These mortality limits were to five. Dr. Servheen said, “With this sanitation as a key issue on private designed to raise red flags and alert death, we have hit the mortality lands and is working with local the agencies and the public to threshold for female bears estab- citizens and interest groups to deal increase efforts when necessary to lished in the 1993 Recovery Plan. with the issue. insure we continue to maintain a This mortality limit has not been Dr. Servheen also pointed out the healthy grizzly population. The exceeded since 1997.” mortality limits in the current process is working!” The female mortality limit allows Recovery Plan are conservative, for humans to kill no more than “When we established these mortal- 1.2% of the estimated minimum ity limits back in 1993, we intention- Memorial Bear population. The total number of ally set a conservative level to ensure female mortalities has been high the that the population would grow and Fund Grants 2005 last five years. Female deaths aver- expand. In the past 12 years, we have aged 3.2/year from 1995-1999, but exceeded the mortality threshold The Wyoming Chapter of the jumped to an average of 6.2/year three times, but we know that the Wildlife Society will be accepting since 2000. Most mortalities during population has been growing at applications for grants for the 2005 the last six years have been attribut- about 4% per year during the same field season. This is the eighth year able to two causes: self-defense and period.” Dr. Servheen stressed, “The we have awarded grants and we hope management removals. Self-defense public must understand that at the to award up to $4,000. To qualify, deaths are a result of hunters inad- rate the population is growing, projects must relate to bear manage- vertently bumping into grizzly bears, eventually all the suitable habitat in ment, research, law enforcement or usually while elk hunting, or protect- this ecosystem will be occupied by habitat. To obtain application ing an elk carcass from bears. Most grizzly bears. At that point people materials contact Bill Rudd at 320 management removals are a result of need to realize that we no longer Evans, Green River, WY 82935, USA, grizzly bears coming into contact need or want a growing population email [email protected]. with humans in developed areas. At and mortality limits will have to be Applications are due by March 1 and least 50% of these management adjusted to stabilize population awards will be made by April 15. The deaths have occurred on private land growth.” above address can also be used to outside the grizzly bear recovery As new information becomes obtain more information about the zone. available, adjustments to mortality fund or to make a contribution. The Dr. Servheen said, “Reducing limits are expected. These adjust- Memorial Bear Fund is a lasting female grizzly bear mortality is ments will always be based on the memorial to Ray Austin, Kirk Inberg, essential to eventually achieving best available science. Efforts by the Kevin Roy, and Fred Reed who were recovery and delisting for the Grizzly Bear Study Team under the killed in two separate plane crashes Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly direction of Dr. Chuck Schwartz, in Wyoming. population. This is the top priority of USGS Northern Rocky Mountain

30 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Americas The Bear Facts, Florida Update The Story of a North Carolina Treasure

Mark D. Jones Thomas Eason, Chief Dr. Oli from the University of Florida. Certified Wildlife Biologist Bureau of Wildlife Kim Annis is looking at “Determining Black Bear Project Leader Diversity and Conservation the impact of relocation on nuisance North Carolina Florida Fish and Wildlife Florida black bear in Central Florida” and Wildlife Resources Commission Conservation Commission Heather Scott is investigating “The 5275 NC 118 Highway Bryant Building, 620 S. Meridian Street ecology of Florida black bears in urban- Grifton, NC 28530-8829, USA Tallahasse, FL 32399-1600, USA wildland interfaces.” Phone (252) 524-3443 Phone (850) 413-7379 Events Fax (850) 921-1847 The Bear Management Program is The North Carolina Wildlife Email [email protected] hosting the 18th Eastern Black Bear Resources Commission (NCWRC) has Workshop from April 3-7, 2005 in produced a 30 minute made-for-TV Personnel Changes Tallahassee, Florida (page 39) — we hope video on the state’s American black In September Dr. Sandra Jonker to see many of you there for an interest- bear populations. The Bear Facts, The joined the Bear Management Pro- ing and productive meeting! In addi- Story of a North Carolina Treasure gram team as the new Assistant Bear tion, the bear program participated in contains five segments: history and Management leader. She has worked the Sixth Annual Umatilla Bear Festival biology, research and monitoring, on a variety of wildlife and habitat on October 30, 2004. coexisting with bears, hunting issues both nationally and interna- tradition, and the future of black tionally, and has an integrated bears in North Carolina. The pro- background with training in both New Jersey gram takes the viewer on location the biological and social dimensions across the state covering a variety of of wildlife biology and management. Black Bear Hunt black bear topics within the five Research and Management The New Jersey Department of segments. The results and recommendations Environmental Protection’s Division of Our main goal is to inform the from the five-year Ocala State Road 40 Fish and Wildlife announced that the public on black bear issues in North study are now available in the com- Fish and Game Council has adopted the Carolina in hopes of educating pleted final Florida Fish and Wildlife 2004 [American] Black Bear Hunting viewers on bear safety tips, bear Conservation Commission (FWC) Season. The Fish and Game Council is management, and to clear up myths report at: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/ responsible for adopting annual revisions about this North Carolina treasure. research-center/Completed_EMO.htm. to the Game Code including season The program contains excellent Progress is being made on the analyses dates, bag limits, permit quotas, hunting footage of black bears in North and the final report for the three-year procedures and other hunting and Carolina and interviews with experts Statewide Assessment of Road Impacts trapping regulation changes. The 2004 on bear-related issues. study and the report will be finalized Black Bear Hunting Season is similar to The video will air on local televi- by early 2005. The Bear Response the 2003 season; hunting is by permit sion networks throughout North Agent Program was successfully pilot- only and is limited to approximately Carolina, and NCWRC has plans to tested in Ocala to address the escalat- 1,500 square miles of northwestern New distribute the video to school ing human-bear conflicts in that area. Jersey. The season will be December 6-11, teachers, hunter education instruc- The program will now be expanded to 2004, concurrent with the firearm buck tors, libraries, museums, and other include response agents in other areas deer hunting season. The 2003 season parties. For those interested in of the state experiencing human-bear was the first season held in the state learning more about the video or to conflict situations. since 1970, and proved to be safe and purchase a copy, go to the North Student Projects effective with no hunting accidents Carolina Wildlife Resources Melissa Moyer, under the direction of reported. A total of 328 black bears were Commission’s website at Dr. Madan Oli from the University of taken by 5,450 permittees. The black www.ncwildlife.org. Click on the Florida, has successfully completed her bear management strategy is based on species links and black bear. Master’s thesis and graduated this biological data collected as a result of the summer. FWC is excited to be involved season and will maximize the recre- in two new Master’s projects that are ational and economic benefits of the under way with Dr. Melvin Sunquist and state’s renewable bear resource.

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 31 Captive Bears Captive Bears in India — A Brief Overview

The CZA maintains the animal inventory of all recognized zoos. Recently the CZA evaluated the captive bear population data in Indian zoos (Table 1) and Rescue Centers (Table 2). A total of 373 bears are living in 46 differnt zoos and rescue centers in India: 174 Hima- layan black bears; 188 sloth bears; eight Himalayan brown bears; one European brown bear; and two Malayan sun bears. There have been births of 43 Himalayan black bears and 14 sloth bears since 1995. India has four species of bears: sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), Himalayan black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) and

© B. K Gupta Malayan sun bear (Helarctos Himalayan black bear in an Indian zoo. malayanus). Found throughout Brij Kishor Gupta, Scientist ing of the zoos with respect to the tropical forested tracts, the sloth bear Email [email protected] prescribed standards. The CZA is endemic to the Indian sub- & recognizes or de-recognizes zoos, and continent and widely distributed. Bipul Chakrabarty, Scientific Officer by law a zoo cannot operate without The Western Ghats ranges and Central Zoo Authority CZA recognition. Central India are its distribution Ministry of Environment and Forests The CZA identifies endangered strongholds. Himalayan black bears Annexe VI, Bikaner House, species for captive breeding; coordi- are found in the Himalayas, at 3,000 Shahjahan Road nates the acquisition, exchange and to 3,600 meters above sea level and New Delhi 110 011, India loan of animals for planned breed- in Terai (gangetic plains) at 1,500 Phone +91-11-23073072, 23381585 ing; coordinates training and meters above sea level. The Hima- Fax +91-11-23386012 research in captive breeding and layan brown bear occurs in low educational programs; and provides densities in alpine meadows, scrub The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) technical and other assistance to and sub-alpine forests. The Malayan was established in February 1992 zoos for their proper management sun bear occurs in the hills of under the Indian Wild Life (Protec- and scientific development. The CZA northeast India; very little is known tion) Act of 1972, with the prime has evaluated 418 zoos and granted about its ecology and distribution. objective of overseeing the manage- recognition to 164 zoos. Since its In recent years, many zoos have ment of zoos and providing them inception in 1992, 91 zoos have been provided large, naturalistic enclo- necessary technical assistance. The closed and their animals rehabili- sures for sloth bears and Himalayan CZA specifies the minimum stan- tated. An additional 163 zoos have black bears, and plans are under way dards for housing, husbandry and been de-recognized and plans are to provide naturalistic enclosures for veterinary care of zoo animals, and under way to move their animals to other species. evaluates and assesses the function- recognized facilities.

Table 2. Status of bears in Indian rescue centers as of 30 June 2004. Rescue Center Sloth Bear Himalayan Black Bear Rescue Centre, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore, Karnataka. 8 3 Bear Rescue Facility, Wildlife S.O.S, Keetham, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. 56 0 Total 64 3

32 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Captive Bears Table 1. Status of bears in Indian zoos as of 31 March 2004. Species Zoological Park Male Female Unk. Total Brown Bear Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri 1 2 1 4 Jaipur Zoo, Jaipur 1 1 0 2 Mahendra Chaudhury Zoological Park, Chandigarh 1 0 0 1 Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore 1 0 0 1 Total 4 3 1 8 European Brown Bear Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai 1 0 0 1 Total 1 0 0 1 Himalayan Black Bear Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata 0 1 0 1 Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai 2 2 0 4 Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden, Guwahati 2 8 0 10 Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, Patna 2 3 0 5 Biological Park, Itanagar 5 4 0 9 Gandhi Zoological Park, Gwalior 1 2 0 3 Himalayan Nature Park, Kufri 4 1 3 8 Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Vishakhapatnam 2 1 0 3 Jaipur Zoo, Jaipur 0 2 0 2 Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park, Bokaro 2 2 0 4 Jodhpur Zoo, Jodhpur 1 1 0 2 Kamla Nehru Prani Sanghrahalay Zoo, Indore 2 2 0 4 Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden, Ahmedabad 2 2 0 4 Kanpur Zoological Park, Kanpur 1 3 0 4 Lucknow Zoological Gardens, Lucknow 2 3 0 5 Mahendra Chaudhury Zoological Park, Chandigarh 5 5 2 12 Maitri Baagh Zoo, Bhilai 0 1 0 1 Manipur Zoological Garden, Imphal 6 7 0 13 Nandankanan Biological Park, Bhubaneshwar 3 2 0 5 National Park, Bannerghatta Zoological Garden, Bangalore 2 2 0 4 National Zoological Park, Delhi 1 6 0 7 Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad 2 4 0 6 Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling 2 3 0 5 Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo, Nainital 1 3 0 4 Rajkot Municipal Corporation Zoo, Rajkot 1 1 0 2 Sakkarbaug Zoo, Junagadh 1 0 0 1 Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna 4 4 0 8 Sayaji Baug Zoo, Vadodara 1 1 0 2 Sepahijala Zoological Park, Sepahijala 7 2 0 9 Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore 5 1 0 6 State Museum & Zoo, Thrissur 1 0 0 1 Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Thiruvananthapuram 2 2 0 4 Udaipur Zoo, Udaipur 1 2 0 3 V.O.C. Park Mini Zoo, Coimbatore 1 0 0 1 Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan & Zoo, Mumbai 2 1 0 3 Zoological Park, Kohima 2 4 0 6 Total 78 88 5 171 Sloth Bear Alipore Zoological Garden, Kolkata 2 4 2 8 Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai 0 4 0 4 Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park, Ranchi 9 5 0 14 Bikaner Zoo, Bikaner 1 1 0 2 Bondla Zoo, Goa 0 1 0 1 Gandhi Zoological Park, Gwalior 2 1 0 3 Indira Gandhi Park Zoo & Deer Park, Rourkela 0 0 4 4 Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Vishakhapatnam 2 7 0 9 Indroda Nature Park, Gandhi Nagar 0 1 0 1 Jaipur Zoo, Jaipur 4 1 0 5 Kanpur Zoological Park, Kanpur 1 0 0 1 Lucknow Zoological Park, Lucknow 3 2 0 5 Mahendra Chaudhury Zoological Park, Chandigarh 4 4 0 8 Nandankanan Biological Park, Bhubaneshwar 5 6 0 11 National Zoological Park, Delhi 2 3 0 5 Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad 1 0 4 5 Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Parl, Pune 2 1 0 3 Pilkula Wildlife Safari, Madushedde 1 1 0 2 Sakkarbaug Zoo, Junagadh 4 2 0 6 Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Patna 1 0 0 1 Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore 3 3 0 6 Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park, Tirupati 0 0 8 8 Tata Steel Zoological Park, Jamshedpur 2 2 0 4 Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Thiruvananthapuram 2 2 0 4 Tiger & Lion Safari, Thyyarekoppa 1 3 0 4 Total 52 54 18 124 Malayan Sun Bear Manipur Zoological Garden, Imphal 1 0 0 1 Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore 0 1 0 1 Total 1 1 0 2

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 33 Captive Bears Construction of Large Bear Enclosures in European Zoos

Gerard Baars been kept since 1990 in the Berenbos the conclusion that at least some Alertis Fund for (bear forest) at Rhenen. Data collec- standards should be established, to Bear and Nature Conservation tion has recorded the adaptation of avoid mistakes and dangerous P O Box 9 the often-abused bears to their new situations. NL 3910 AA Rhenen, The Netherlands environment, and the improvement Therefore the Alertis Fund for Bear Phone 0031 317 650219 in their behavior has been regularly and Nature Conservation started to Fax 0031 317 613727 noted. collect all available data to develop Email [email protected] The designs we chose were quite those standards and collate them [email protected] new: only wire mesh fencing and into an easily accessible format. Web www.alertis.nl electric wire. Similar materials were As the subjects are rather complex, used at only a few other locations at the information is divided into three Bears were native in most Euro- that time. The idea was to house the main categories: construction; group pean countries until the 13th bears in their forest as free as possible management of bears including century. The growth of human and to “cage” the visitors. The introductions of new individuals; population, deforestation, and visitors walk on a bridge and later and veterinary care. agricultural development decreased through a tunnel — on the same Construction is a very important the habitat for large carnivores in level as the bears. subject. Zoo people can often cope western Europe. Fortunately brown Through 2002 at least seven of with the new ideas and principles, bears are still present in Central and these large bear enclosures have been but authorities that issue construc- Eastern Europe with numbers built throughout Europe for the tion permits have no background totalling 50,000 individuals, includ- European brown bear, the Asiatic information or frame of reference. ing the European part of Russia. black bear and the American black A CDROM explains in detail how However they often occur in rather bear. The principles of these designs the Rhenen facility was built and its small and isolated poulations. have also been used to create large 10 years of experience keeping bears The development of zoos in facilities for polar bears. in semi-natural enclosures are Western Europe started in the late As Eastern European countries are documented. Moreover, alternatives 18th century and a booming growth opening up and joining the Euro- used and approved in other countries was seen in the early 20th century. pean Union, new zoo and animal are presented. The housing principles were easy and welfare legislation will be imple- In 2005 the general management simple: concrete pits, steel bars and mented in these countries as well. component and the veterinary safety first. In this way humans The economic development of these aspects will be developed and could keep one of its most dangerous countries will again put pressure on published. species safe and nearby. Since the the bears’ habitat. Housing for For more information please early 1990s a new phenomenon, in nuisance bears will be needed. Large contact Alertis at the address above. the form of naturalistic large facili- enclosures built with a fence plus an ties for bears, has been developed. electric wire perimeter could be the In 1989 Ouwehand Zoo in appropriate housing solution for Rhenen, The Netherlands, acquired 2 these bears. ha [4.5 acres] of forested land from a In the EAZA (European Association nature conservation NGO and made of Zoos and Aquaria) Bear TAG agreements to develop a nature (Taxon Advisory Group) we came to conservation project. This resulted in a semi-natural enclosure for Euro- pean brown bears. These were not zoo bears — but bears that were liberated from their owners, who abused them as dancing bears in Central and Eastern Europe, and from circuses and private facilities. Animals like these have

34 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Captive Bears Bulgarian Sanctuary for Ex-Dancing Bears

Djuro Huber where they performed dancing and the wild. They will provide the best Biology Department, Veterinary Faculty begging shows. At the time of possible living conditions for these University of Zagreb opening 13 bears were already in bears. One of the challenges is to Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb residence, and since then the stop the stereotypic behavior many Republic of Croatia maximun capacity of 25 bears has of the bears are exhibiting as a result Phone 385-1-2390-141 been reached . of their previous stressful living Fax 385-1-244-1390 This expensive project will conditions. The other challenge is to Email [email protected] hopefully put an end to the Bulgar- train and group the bears to tolerate ian tradition of dancing bears which each other. That requires close In June 2004 a 12-ha complex with are chained, often malnourished, monitoring and careful manage- seven separate bear enclosures was blinded, and have their teeth ment. Such a sanctuary is a great opened in Belitza, Bulgaria. The funds broken. Similar previous actions by opportunity to teach the general for the project (1.9 m EUR) were raised other organizations have already public about the mistreatment of by the Vier Pfoten (Four Paws) NGO removed dancing bears from Greece many wild animals, and especially to from Austria and by the Brigitte Bardot and Turkey. raise public awareness about the state Foundation (France). The Vier Pfoten The benefactors of the Belitza of wild bear populations and their coordinated the construction work. sanctuary are aware that these bears habitat, and to promote coexistence The purpose of the facility is to cannot be rehabilitated for release to with humans. provide life long homes for bears confiscated from Bulgarian streets

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© Djuro Huber Bear enclosures at Belitza, Bulgaria. International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 35 Student Forum Funding – Part 2: Effective Networking — Investing Where it Counts

Diana Doan-Crider I can’t imagine a more fun job used. The world of philanthropy, IBA Student Affairs Coordinator than the one I have now. Basically, I while founded on honorable mo- King Ranch Institute get paid to socialize, and most of you tives, is filled with self-motivated for Ranch Management who know me will agree that I have people who have only one thing in MSC 137 the right equipment: a big mouth mind: to get and spend somebody Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a lack of shyness in any form or else’s money. There are fewer atti- Kingsville, TX 78363-8202, USA fashion. While many of you might tudes that turn me off more quickly, Phone (361) 593-5407 prefer to sleep in a bear den...with a and it is a feeling shared among the Fax (361) 593-5404 bear...than wade out into the shark- philanthropists that I know. The Email [email protected] infested waters of society to meet philosophy that has blessed me in people, I strongly recommend that my life is “cultivate relationships; you develop some simple strategies funding is only a result of seed well- for networking. It can mean the planted.” That may sound rather Truman success or failure of your bear project. patronizing to those of you who are Student List Serve In Funding – Part 1, we discussed starving, or are on the brink of losing the need to make your project “a your projects for lack of funding. I Are You an IBA Student? hospitable environment” for people’s guarantee you, however, that a Then You Need to Belong to the hard-earned money. In addition, I’d panicked “gimmee gimmee gimmee” Student Forum! like to emphasize the need to make approach will not get you to where SIGN UP NOW! yourself a hospitable environment for you are going any faster, and it is • For students and newcomers to other people’s trust. I have several counterproductive. It may chase the bear profession people in my life whose relationships away some potentially important • Discussions pertaining to bear I consider highly valuable. While friendships that could help you with biology, management, or study they themselves probably award other contacts later. People are design challenges millions of dollars to a variety of well- highly unlikely to give money to • Assistance with proposals and deserving causes on an annual basis, I someone they just met, or whom study design through IBA professionals am extremely hesitant to go to those they know nothing about. Like many • Job searches, announcements, sources to seek my own funding for ecological relationships, funding also information regarding the IBA and fear of compromising the friendships. has its share of time lags. Be patient, student membership Much like a farmer who has seed to though, and the funding opportuni- • Planning for IBA student activi- sell, but keeps a portion to replant for ties will start to appear. Some ties and meetings the next year, it’s wise to invest your simple keys are: 1) be patient; 2) • IBA membership is encouraged, best seed in your friendships. What I diligently cultivate and maintain but not required for initial sign-up have gained from these friends is a far your friend- INSTRUCTIONS more valuable asset than any dollar ships; 3) get out • Contact Diana Doan-Crider at d- amount: their trust and endorsement. and meet [email protected] to enroll With this comes a magnificent ripple people; and 4) • After enrollment, go to: effect on my life because their polish up your http://aristotle.tamuk.edu endorsements have led to hundreds project using the • Click on Agricultural Lists upon hundreds of contacts and tips we discussed • Click on Truman further leads for funding. I have in “Funding — • Enter your email address and the endless stories of how thousands of Part 1.” password “Bears01” dollars came tumbling into my lap • Go to Create Message (and I’m not exaggerating), simply because somebody thought well- GET READY FOR ITALY! Do NOT reply to list serve messages enough of me to mention my project See page 40 for details using your “reply” button. You must to another person, or get me an IBA Travel Grants are Limited return to Truman and respond within audience with one of their friends. Start saving your money now! the list serve or else other members People are not easily deceived, Look for outside sponsors! will not receive your response. and they know when they are being Stay posted via the Truman List Serve

36 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Student Forum Student Spotlight: Alexandros Karamanlidis, Greece

Photo courtesy A. Karamanlidis

I just love tenacity. I also love the Pindos.” Interestingly, Alex found yet, he made many new friends. kind of people that just seem to look that Greek brown bears had a We’ve been cheering him on as he at the formidable peaks of impossi- propensity for rubbing on power finishes the final phases of the bear bility and start climbing. Alexandros poles; which is how he was able to research, which includes the collec- Karamanlidis joins the Student survey the population using the tion of bear hair from over 3,000 Spotlight Hall of Fame for just those DNA analysis of bear hair. Of course, power poles across 200 km…on foot! characteristics. I met Alexandros those of us at the IBA were thrilled While he hopes to stay involved with through Truman, our Student List to hear that there were continuing bears, he recently took a job survey- Serve, as we were preparing for the efforts to study brown bears in ing monk seal pup production over San Diego meetings this past year. Greece. What was even more the next few months. Meanwhile, he Interestingly enough, Alex was surprising was that Alex had taken remains faithful to the IBA, contin- formerly known for his work on the the initiative to pursue the project ues to stay involved with the Student rare Mediterranean monk seal, but despite challenges with funding and Forum, and is a European correspon- his interest in wildlife and genetics study design. Once he latched onto dent for this newsletter. From the peaked his curiosity and brought us at the IBA through Truman, he looks of it, we’ll be seeing him in him to his advisors at the Aristotle spared no effort to make it across the Italy for the upcoming meetings! University of Thessaloniki to study “big pond” to the San Diego meet- Congratulations to you and your bears. His thesis was titled: “Study of ings. He was able to present his supervisors, Alex, and keep up the the behavior, and genetic and proposal at the brainstorming good work. You are an inspiration to population status of the brown bears session, and got some excellent us all. (Ursus arctos) in the Northern input from IBA professionals. Better

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 37 Bears in Culture Callisto in Greek Mythology

Press release from Callisto, Wildlife all of the young women who Years later, when Arcas was out and Nature Conservation Society, followed Artemis disrobed to bathe hunting as a young man, he Thessalonika, Greece, together in a spring. By now encountered the bear. Callisto 28 September 2004 (see page 25). Callisto’s pregnancy was beginning recognized the handsome youth as to show, and once she was naked the son she could not raise herself. The name of the new environmen- her secret was revealed. Artemis was Forgetting her present form, she tal NGO Callisto refers to the furious and she banished the young tried to come near him, but her constellation Ursa Major (Great woman from her fold. Callisto loving mother’s arms were now Bear), which, strong, furry paws, according to Greek and her once mythology, took its soothing voice was name from Callisto, now a rumbling daughter of King growl. The bear Lycaon of Arcadia, scared Arcas, and and most beautiful he took aim at her of all the followers with his spear. Zeus of the goddess of took pity on his the hunt, Artemis. former victim and Young women intervened. He who were devoted to placed Callisto in the goddess hunted the sky as the with her regularly, constellation Ursa and remained Major, or great virgins, like Artemis bear, and then took herself. Callisto had Arcas and placed upheld these ideals him in the sky near faithfully, and she his mother as Ursa quickly became Minor, the little Artemis’ favorite. bear. While Callisto spent Hera was not her days and nights pleased with this with Artemis’ other arrangement, followers, she caught especially since the eye of Zeus. Callisto repre- Knowing that the sented another of maiden had taken a her husband’s vow of chastity, Zeus infidelities. She

© Djuro Huber resorted to decep- European brown bear cub. went to her nurse, tion to trap Callisto. Tethys, the wife of He came to her disguised as Artemis, wandered off to have her child Oceanus, and beseeched her to and the young huntress let down her alone. punish Callisto and Arcas. Tethys guard. Seizing the opportunity, Zeus Hera decided that this was the decided to deprive the pair of water, raped her. time to exact her revenge. She and so the great bear and the little Callisto became pregnant, and gripped Callisto’s hair and threw bear are cursed to circle in the skies, tried desperately to conceal her her to the ground where the new never to dip below the horizon for a condition from the goddess. After all, mother was transformed into a bear. refreshing bath or a cool drink. In she had, unwillingly, broken her vow The hunter became the hunted. this way, the peoples of ancient to the goddess and she feared her Callisto’s son Arcas remained with Greece explained why the two anger. Callisto had been successful Artemis and he grew up to be a fine constellations are circumpolar, for a time, but then a day came when hunter himself. visible all year round.

38 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Events

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 39 Events 16th International Conference on Bear Research and Management Riva Del Garda, Italy, September 27–October 1, 2005

Travel Grants canals connected by hundreds of To apply for a travel grant, use the bridges, is an artistic and architec- application form on the conference tural treasure (minimum 10 partici- website. An application form also pants). will be published in the February Trentino Art, History (and Wine) 2005 International Bear News. Trentino has been defined as a large museum, rich in works of art Banquet able to attract the attention of the The conference banquet is sched- most distracted tourist. Try it to uled for the second day of the believe it! You will visit the beautiful conference, September 28, in the Contemporary Art Museum in Toblino Castle, about 20 km from Rovereto and the ancient Castello del Riva del Garda. This is one of the Buonconsiglio in Trento. A visit to a most beautiful castles in Trentino wine cellar is also scheduled, with a (XII-XVI century), on a lake shore wine-tasting session and guided tour surrounded by a Mediterranean forest of Trento’s old town center (mini- of evergreen oaks (Quercus ilex). mum 10 participants).

Excursions Riva del Garda Attractions There are three mid-conference If you love sports, Riva del Garda excursions planned for Thursday, offers some extraordinary excursions. September 29: Biking Over Lake Garda Hiking in Bear Habitat A mountain bike tour to the top of Conference Program A trip to the Tovel Valley, where Monte Baldo, right over Lake Garda, The conference will begin on the last native bears survived until a which then descends a very long Tuesday morning September 27 and few years ago and where the translo- downhill dropping over 2000 m of will end Saturday afternoon October cation of Slovenian bears is being altitude back to Riva del Garda, 1. Program details are posted and will conducted. The excursion, organized across one of the most important be regularly updated on the confer- in cooperation with the Adamello- floral areas in the Alps. ence website: www.provincia.tn.it/ Brenta Natural Park, will take you to Canyoning foreste/16IBAconference and in the very heart of the park, in the The Garda area is a paradise of this International Bear News. wonderful Brenta massif, where you recent sport. Breathtaking dives into will have the chance to see one of water, in ever-changing shades of Registration the most beautiful areas of the entire color depending on the intensity of We encourage participants to Alpine arch. During the trip you will the light and the river bottom, register online and early, taking have the chance to observe many gorges and natural pools, narrow advantage of the discount. Use the wildlife species including chamois, passages to glide along like on a form on the conference website, red deer, roe deer, marmot and sledge on the snow — all this is which also explains payment golden eagle. canyoning. Two or more hours of methods. We will also publish a Venice excitement in the hands of experts registration form in the February Venice (about 150 km from Riva who guarantee a completely safe run. 2005 International Bear News. del Garda) is the most unusual, the Visit the excursions page on the most breathtakingly beautiful, most website for more information. Conference Fee romantic and by far the most Conference fee is euro 270 for those magical place in Italy. No, make that registering before 31 July 2005. Late Europe. Or, indeed, the world. Venice registration is euro 320. Student fee is is the only city of its kind in the euro 125, and late registration is euro world: it was built on over 100 150. The fee includes coffee breaks but islands in a lagoon. The entire not the conference banquet. historic center, criss-crossed by

40 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Events

Post Conference Travel if you need other media (slides, Deadline If you want to visit other areas in video, etc.) please contact the Deadline for submitting abstracts Italy after the conference, we are conference office. Maximum poster is 30 April 2005. Abstracts should trying to arrange a few options. size is 90 x 150 cm. Posters should include contact information for the In cooperation with the National include a picture of the author. papers’ authors. Please submit your Forest Service, we are organizing a abstract to Piero Genovesi at email visit to the Abruzzo Mountains. The Standards for Abstracts [email protected] Abruzzo has one of the very few Abstracts should be one page long remnant bear populations (30-50) of and in English. Submit them elec- Ursus Submissions Western Europe. The range of this tronically as an attached document Submission of a full manuscript to highly threatened bear population is in Word or RTF and indicate whether Ursus (the peer-reviewed journal of primarily within Abruzzo National you prefer to make an oral presenta- the International Association for Park, in the beautiful mountains of tion or present a poster. The scien- Bear Research and Management) is Central Italy. We will post informa- tific committee will decide whether encouraged and will be a factor in tion on the conference website as the the contribution will be presented, selecting papers. Authors of poster program develops. and whether it will be an oral presentations also are encouraged to presentation or a poster. submit full papers to Ursus. Appli- Conference Updates Specific Format Requirements cants are asked to indicate whether For more information visit the Margins 3 cm. Title: Times, 14 pt, their presentation will be accompa- conference website: www.provincia.tn.it/ bold, centered. Author line: Times, nied by submission of a manuscript foreste/16IBAconference or 12 pt, centered. Example: Smith DG, to Ursus. Consult the journal website www.bearbiology.com/workconf1.html Miller AB, University of XY, Ger- (www.ursusjournal.com) for instruc- and check upcoming issues of Interna- many, and email address. Maximum tions to authors and other informa- tional Bear News. length two lines. tion. Body of text: Times, 12 pt, right Workshops and Meetings justification, single-spaced lines, no IBA standing committees, IBA indents. Use a space line after title, working groups, and workshop author line and after each paragraph. organizers who wish to schedule Tables, figures or references are meetings/workshops during the optional, and should be incorporated conference please contact Claudio into the text (please ensure that Groff at [email protected] lettering in tables and figures is large to schedule these events. enough to be legible). Maximum length 1 A4 page (cm Call for Papers and Posters 21x29.7). We invite abstracts for consider- ation as oral papers or posters. The conference will cover all aspects of bear biology and conservation. Specific topics may include: conser- vation of bears in Europe, human dimensions, genetic monitoring, harvest planning. There are three types of presentations, 1) Invited speakers (25 minutes, 5 minutes for questions); 2) Oral presentations (15 minutes, 5 minutes for questions), and 3) Posters. Powerpoint and overhead presentations are possible,

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 41 Events 17th International Conference on Bear Research and Management October 2-6, 2006 Karuizawa Town, Nagano, Japan

Toshiki Aoi Since the Planning Committee Chair 1990s, bear- Faculty of Agriculture human con- Iwate University flicts have 3-18-8 Ueda, Morioka-city become a Iwate 020-8550, Japan major concern Phone & Fax +81 19 621 6136 in Karuizawa. Email [email protected] Food-condi- & tioned bears Koji Yamazaki repeatedly visit Planning Committee Secretary General garbage Zoological Laboratory stations in Ibaraki Nature Museum residential 700 Osaki, Iwai-city areas. In 1998, Ibaraki 306-0622, Japan an effort to Phone +81 297 38 2000 manage Fax +81 297 38 1999 garbage bears Email [email protected] was started by a private The 17th IBA Conference will be institute, the first IBA conference held in Asia. established by A planning committee has been a resort arranged for the conference, cooper- company. ating with government agencies, The confer- NGOs, and the locals for a successful ence site, Hotel meeting. We hope that the confer- Bleston Court ence will inspire more research and of Hoshino effective management plans for bears Resort, has in Asia. sophisticated facilities. There are also many other Conference Venue lodging facilities nearby. Various Call for Papers Karuizawa is a popular resort town leisure activities are available in the Please prepare your papers. located in the central part of Japan. area: hiking and bicycle trails, tennis Detailed information on conference Half of the town is within the courts, golf courses, shopping malls, schedule and presentations will be Jyoshin-etsu Plateau National Park, art museums and historic sites. posted in International Bear News and featuring 2000 m mountains, several It takes about 2.5 hours from Narita on the conference website. Presenta- volcanoes, and many hot springs. A International Airport on the super- tions on Asian bears are especially rich natural environment remains in express train to reach Karuizawa. encouraged. the park, and large mammals, such as Japanese black bears (Ursus Conference information Field Trips thibetanus), wild boars (Sus scrofa), More information for the confer- After the conference, we will offer sika deer (Cervus nippon), Japanese ence will be announced in upcom- various excursions which are enjoy- serows (Capricornis crispus), and ing issues of International Bear News able and reasonably priced. Some Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata), and on the conference website trips will visit bear habitat guided by have healthy populations. www.japanbear.org/iba2006.html. Japanese researchers. Right now, For more details on Karuizawa please plan your schedule for the town, visit http:// conference. We look forward to www.town.karuizawa.nagano.jp/ seeing you in Japan! html/English/index.html

42 International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 Events 18th International Conference on Bear Research and Management Fall 2007 Monterrey, Mexico

Diana Doan-Crider Monterrey Office of Conventions Monterrey’s two distinguished King Ranch Institute and Visitors (OCV) coordinated a universities are assisting so student for Ranch Management recent UN Summit at the participation should be high. Direct MSC 137 CINTERMEX Conference Facility, communication with the Mexican Phone (361) 593-5407 and will help organize the IBA Consulate will ensure smooth travel Fax (361) 593-5404 conference at the same venue for non-North Americans. Canadian Email [email protected] (www.cintermex.com.mx/ and and USA visitors need a Tourist Visa & www.parquefundidora.org/) includ- on entry which requires a passport or David G. Hewitt ing translation services (Spanish, birth-certificate (2004 regulations). Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Inst. Russian, Japanese, et al), field trips, Nearby are the historic downtown, MSC 218 travel permits, and logistics. Five-star natural and scenic areas. Field trips Phone (361) 593-3963 lodging (US$80/night/2004) is will include Chipinque, Sierra los Fax (361) 593-3924 connected to the 350-acre enclosed Picachos, and Cumbres National Email [email protected] site, which includes an eco-park, Parks (American black bear study Texas A&M University-Kingsville museums, banks, restaurants, family areas), Garcia Caves, Horsetail Falls Kingsville, TX 78363-8202, USA areas and an immaculate, newly and Mina Archeological Area. Nature & renovated international hostel (225 watching includes red-fronted Rodrigo Medellin L. beds, US$6/night/2004). Cheaper parrots, migratory songbirds and Centro de Ecologia hotels (US$30-45/night) are within a monarch butterflies. The OCV will Universidad Autonoma de Mexico five-minute metro-ride. Corporate also coordinate discount travel for Apartado Postal 70-275 sponsorship should support confer- those wishing to visit more of 04510 Mexico, DF, Mexico ence meals, field trips, and special Mexico. Email events, keeping registration costs at a [email protected] minimum. The OCV is funding Phone +52-5-5622-9042 organization and printing. Fax +52-5-5622-8995

Monterrey, Mexico’s third largest city (two hours south of the USA), is beautifully situated in the Tamaulipan thornscrub/Chihuahuan desert at 800 masl next to the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains which rise dramatically 2000 m to pine/oak forests. Autumn promises bear activity and pleasant weather. Nearby increasing bear-human conflicts make interest in bears high. Bear research and management has state and federal attention, but there is no active conservation strategy. This conference will focus attention on bear conservation at a critical point, and will encourage biologists to seek bear research and manage- ment training. Monterrey is very progressive, and conference facilities are ideal. An international airport has 250 daily direct flights from major cities. The

International Bear News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 43 IBA Officers & Council

Harry Reynolds, President* Andrew Derocher* Michael R. Vaughan^ Alaska Department of Fish and Game Department of Biological Science Virginia Cooperative 1300 College Road University of Alberta Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada 148 Cheatham Hall, Virginia Tech Phone (907) 459-7238 Phone 1 780 492 5570 Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321, USA Fax (907) 451-9723 Fax 1 780 492 9234 Phone (540) 231-5046 Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Fax (540) 231-7580 [email protected] Email [email protected] Isaac Goldstein^ Jon Swenson Wildlife Conservation Society Koji Yamazaki* Vice President for Eurasia^ PO Box 833 Zoological Laboratory Department of Ecology and IPOSTEL Merida Ibaraki Nature Museum Natural Resource Management Estado Merida, Venezuela 700 Osaki Agricultural University of Norway Phone 58-414-7176792 Iwai-city, Ibaraki 306-0622, Japan Postbox 5003 Email [email protected] Phone +81 297 38 2000 N-1432 Ås, Norway Fax +81 297 38 1999 Phone 47 64 94 85 30 John Hechtel* Email [email protected] Fax 47 64 94 85 02 Alaska Department of Fish and Game Email [email protected] 1800 Glenn Highway, Suite 4 Teresa DeLorenzo (non-voting) Palmer, AK 99645, USA International Bear News Editor Karen Noyce Phone (907) 746-6331 10907 N.W. Copeland St. Vice President for Americas* Fax (907) 746-6305 Portland, OR 97229, USA Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources Email [email protected] Phone (503) 643-4008 1201 East Highway 2 Fax (503) 643-4072 Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA Djuro Huber^ Email [email protected] Phone (218) 327-4432 University of Zagreb Fax (218) 327-4181 Biology Department, Veterinary Faculty Diana Doan-Crider (non-voting) Email [email protected] Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb IBA Student Affairs Coordinator Republic of Croatia King Ranch Institute Joseph Clark, Secretary* Phone 385 1 2390 141 for Ranch Management U.S. Geological Survey Fax 385 1 244 1390 MSC 137 Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory Email [email protected] Texas A&M University-Kingsville University of Tennessee Kingsville, TX 78363-8202, USA 274 Ellington Hall Ole Jakob Sørensen* Phone (361) 593-5407 Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Nord-trondelag University College (361) 593-5401 KRIRM Office Phone (865) 974-4790 Faculty of Social Sciences and Fax (361) 593-5404 Fax (865) 974-3555 Natural Resources Email [email protected] Email [email protected] Box 2501 N-7729 Steinkjer, Norway Richard B. Harris (non-voting) Frank van Manen, Treasurer* Phone +4774112052 Ursus Editor U.S. Geological Survey Fax +4774112101 218 Evans Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory Email [email protected] Missoula, MT 59801, USA University of Tennessee Phone & Fax (406) 542-6399 274 Ellington Hall Email [email protected] Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Phone (865) 974-0200 Fax (865) 974-3555 Email [email protected] ^term expires 2005 *term expires 2007

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About the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) The International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) is a non-profit tax-exempt (USA tax # 94-3102570) organization open to professional biologists, wildlife managers and others dedicated to the conservation of all bear species. The organization has over 600 members from about 60 countries. It supports the scientific management of bears through research and distribution of information. The IBA sponsors international conferences on all aspects of bear biology, ecology and management. The proceedings are published as peer-reviewed scientific papers in the journal Ursus. IBA Mission Statement Goal: The goal of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) is to promote the conservation and restoration of the world’s bears through science-based research, management and education. Objectives: In support of this goal, IBA’s objectives are to: 1. Promote and foster well-designed research of the highest professional standards. 2. Develop and promote sound stewardship of the world’s bears through scientifically based population and habitat management. 3. Publish and distribute, through its conferences and publications, peer-reviewed scientific and technical information of high quality addressing broad issues of ecology, conservation and management. 4. Encourage communication and collaboration across scientific disciplines and among bear researchers and managers through conferences, workshops and newsletters. 5. Increase public awareness and understanding of bear ecology, conservation, and management by encouraging the translation of technical information into popular literature and other media, as well as through other educational forums. 6. Encourage the professional growth and development of our members. 7. Provide professional counsel and advice on issues of natural resource policy related to bear management and conservation. 8. Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. 9. Encourage full international participation in the IBA through the siting of conferences, active recruitment of interna- tional members and officers, and through financial support for international research, travel to meetings, member ships, and journal subscriptions. 10. Through its integrated relationship with the Bear Specialist Group of the World Conservation Union (IUCN)/Species Survival Commission, identify priorities in bear research and management and recruit project proposals to the IBA Grants Program that address these priorities. 11. Build an endowment and a future funding base to provide ongoing support for IBA core functions and for the IBA Grants Program. 12. Support innovative solutions to bear conservation dilemmas that involve local communities as well as national or regional governments and, to the extent possible, address their needs without compromising bear conservation, recogniz- ing that conservation is most successful where human communities are stable and can see the benefits of conservation efforts. 13. Form partnerships with other institutions to achieve conservation goals, where partnerships could provide additional funding, knowledge of geographical areas, or expertise in scientific or non-scientific sectors.

48 Deadline for the February 2005 issue isInternational January 15, Bear 2005 News November 2004 vol. 13, no. 4 printed with soy-based ink on Vanguard Recycled Plus chlorine-free, acid-free, 10% hemp or flax, 90% post-consumer waste paper