International Bear News Quarterly Newsletter of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) and IUCN/SSC Bear Specialist Group November 2009 Vol. 18 no. 4 © WCS Eastern© WCS Forest Survey Team
Now for some good news from Afghanistan ... (See page 14.)
IBA websites: www.bearbiology.org www.bearbiology.com Ursus website: www.ursusjournal.com Table of Contents
Council News Eurasia 3 From the President 20 Greece-Egnatia Highway: fence failure 4 Experience and Exchange Grants makes it a deadly barrier for brown bears 5 Online Membership is Here 21 Sun Bear Education Center in East 6 Change in Proposal Submission Deadline Kalimantan 6 Bear Conservation Fund Americas Opinion 23 Coexisting with Carnivores in the Madison 7 Court Orders Yellowstone’s Grizzlies Back Valley: finding some common ground on the Endangered Species List 24 Update to American Black Bear Range Map
Bear Specialist Group Captive Bears 8 A Swath of Bears 25 Large Bear Enclosures 8 Brown Bear Conservation in France: four years after the translocation of five bears Student Forum from Slovenia 27 Student Highlight: Lori Homstol 10 Egnatia Highway: connecting people, 28 Truman’s List Serve fragmenting bear habitat and populations 28 Student Forum 12 Brown Bear Research Gets a Boost in Turkey with GPS Collars Publications 14 The Asiatic Black Bear Still Survives in 29 November 2009 Recent Bear Literature Nuristan, Afghanistan 16 Ecological Studies on the Asiatic Black Bear Events (Ursus thibetanus) at Dachigam National 29 19th International Conference on Bear Park, Kashmir - an Update Research and Management 18 Sloth Bear – Human Conflict Mitigation Effort: wetland creation IBA 19 Bear Specialist Group Coordinating 31 IBA Membership Application Committee 33 IBA Publications Order Form 35 IBA Officers and Council 36 IBA Mission Statement
Cover photo: Adult Asiatic black bear and cub photographed by a camera-trap in the central-south part of Nuristan province, Afghanistan, November 2007. Photo courtesy of WCS Eastern Forest Survey Team.
International Bear News, ISSN #1064-1564, quarterly newsletter of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) Editors: Matt Durnin (Managing), Jordan Schaul (Correspondence), Janissa Balcomb (Layout), Jim Tomlin (Production/Distribution), Tanya Rosen (Translation) PO Box 462, Brookeville MD 20833 USA, Phone: +1 415-321-8369, Fax: +1 415-321-8637 Email: [email protected], Websites: 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. Submissions of about 750 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 2010 issue is 5 January 2010 Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue. Artwork is copyrighted – do not reproduce without permission. Membership Use the form on page 31 to order or renew memberships, make donations, and/or update member information. International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Council News for scientific studies in the former people may be less likely to actually From the President Soviet Union (Zapovedniks) to Game read an electronic newsletter. Maybe Reserves in many African countries. I’m more old-fashioned than I want Frank T. van Manen As we all know, the importance of to admit but I like sitting down with U.S. Geological Survey these reserve systems cannot be over- a delicious home-made espresso and University of Tennessee stated. It’s gratifying to see that new taking time to read the newsletter, Dept. of Forestry, Wildlife and reserves are still being established in something I have yet to do with any Fisheries many countries, and bears often serve electronic newsletter. Of course, you 274 Ellington PSB as the flagship species. One of the always have the option of printing Knoxville, TN 37996, USA best examples I know of is in China, the ‘e-newsletter’ but that defeats the Email: [email protected] where efforts to protect and link giant purpose. panda habitat areas on a regional Many of these arguments were dis- Worldwide, many of us work in or scale are truly remarkable. Given the cussed and Council, together with the near national parks, nature reserves, tremendous challenges we face in bear IBN editorial team, decided to go to a or other protected areas, often conservation, one can only hope that ‘hybrid’ format by using an electronic because those areas have been crucial every country has its John Muir or format for the winter (February) for the protection of bear populations. Devanampiya Tissa. issue. If deemed successful we may But we often forget the incredible extend this to the summer issue as efforts it took to establish those well but keep the spring and fall issues protections. Without the foresight Electronic Newsletter in a hardcopy format. Thus, our first of extraordinary people that helped Over the past few months, Council e-newsletter is scheduled for February establish these areas, I wonder what has discussed the idea of changing our 2010. This is more or less the first the status of bears and other large newsletter to an electronic format. step in moving to a multi-format ap- carnivores would be in many places. This would be a radical change so proach to deliver news and features to I started contemplating all this we had lengthy discussions weighing IBA members (other ideas include the while watching an excellent 6-part the pros and cons. There are several use of ‘e-blasts’ for time-sensitive an- documentary by Ken Burns on important advantages of providing In- nouncements). We established a com- America’s National Parks that was ternational Bear News in an electronic mittee to come up with an effective broadcast in the U.S. a month ago. format. First, although the newsletter format and design: Janissa Balcomb John Muir was rightfully credited is printed on 100% recycled, post- (Layout Editor), Andreas Zedrosser in the documentary for developing consumer paper, it will save precious (Council), Diana Doan-Crider (Secre- the idea of setting aside protected resources and IBA funds. Secondly, tary), and myself. Please feel free to areas for the enjoyment of the people, it would also lighten some of the provide feedback to this committee not just as a hunting reserve or workload for our busy editorial team so that we can incorporate your ideas other ‘elite’ forms of protection used as the printing and shipping stages in our first e-newsletter. After the elsewhere. From the initial protec- are eliminated. Finally, we would February newsletter is published, we tion of Yosemite Valley the concept have more flexibility in terms of will conduct a survey to determine if of the National Parks was developed. format compared with the hardcopy you like the new format and to solicit Initially, however, the national park format (e.g., color photos, in-depth your ideas for improvement. idea was to protect the scenery more articles). Importantly, an electronic so than its wildlife. It wasn’t until newsletter takes much less time to much later that the protection of all distribute so we could provide more Georgia Conference wildlife was recognized as an impor- timely articles. For example, Sterling Mark your calendars for the Geor- tant national park objective. Miller contributed an article in this gia IBA conference in 16–22 May!! It Interestingly, the idea of wildlife issue regarding a recent decision by a may seem like this is still a long time protection predates the national park judge in Montana to relist the grizzly away, but you should start planning idea. Possibly the first wildlife reserve bear in the Yellowstone Ecosystem as soon. Although this conference had of sorts, Mihintale Wildlife Sanctu- threatened under the U.S. Endangered to be postponed to provide more time ary, was established in Sri Lanka Species Act. This is very much a for fundraising after the political some 2,200 years ago by the king developing issue and a good example conflicts, those concerns have now Devanampiya Tissa, who commanded of how an electronic newsletter could been addressed. The registration fees people not to kill animals or cut trees. provide members with more up-to- have been lowered as well. I strongly Nowadays there are many versions date information. urge you to attend the conference. of wildlife reserves, ranging from the However, there are also some This is a critical conference for bear strictly protected areas accessible only disadvantages to an electronic conservation in this region that rep- newsletter: the biggest concern is that resents a crossroads between the East
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Council News and the West. NOTE: the deadlines tion. The committee consists of for submission of oral and poster Mike Vaughan (Committee Chair), Experience and presentations have been changed to who recently retired, Piero Genovesi, Exchange Grants 31 December 31, 2009. Important Alexandros Karamanlidis, Jeff Stetz, details are provided elsewhere in Andreas Zedrosser, Marty Obbard, 2010 Experience And Exchange Grant this newsletter as well as the confer- and Sterling Miller. This committee Proposals Due ence website: http://www.nacres. will provide Council with recommen- 1 December org/bearconference/. dations and guidelines so that we can address this issue. Please feel free to Please note that E&E grant pro- Soliciting Bids for the share your thoughts on this topic with posals have a new, earlier deadline. any members of this committee. Proposals for 2010 grants are due on Eurasian Conference 1 December (coinciding with the new Speaking of conferences, we are deadline for Research and Conserva- now seeking bids for the next Eurasian Marketing Class Project tion grants). conference. Conference bids should Based on the membership survey E&E grants provide travel funds to be submitted by 1 May 2010 so that we conducted earlier this year, it was facilitate on-site working exchanges Council can discuss and vote on the evident that many of you thought we between project personnel. These location of the Eurasian conference should try to raise our profile as a exchanges provide opportunities for in Tbilisi, Georgia. Please contact me non-profit, science-based organiza- hands-on training and for forging on- if you have any questions regarding tion and, in the process, improve our going partnerships between projects conference bids or if you know of key ability to raise funds for our Bear for training, collaboration, advice, individuals or organizations eager to Conservation Fund. I’m taking a first and information exchange. Grantees host a conference. small step in this by working with a graduate class at the University of receive up to $1500 USD, primar- Tennessee’s Retail and Consumer ily for travel expenses, and the host Conference Scheduling Sciences program. The graduate project is expected to provide (or find Committee students will use IBA as a case study support for) living expenses for the A number of members have for a class project to make recommen- visiting biologist. Exchanges typically commented in recent years that dations as to how we could raise our are designed to last several weeks to some North American members profile and improve our fundraising. several months. may have started feeling somewhat These recommendations may cover For more information and for disconnected from IBA. This topic anything from improving our abil- application instructions, visit the IBA was brought to Council’s attention ity to solicit donations through the website at www.bearbiology.com or recently, which was precipitated website to various retailing options. contact Ole Jakob Sørensen, Chair, at by the report of the Western Black The class project should be finished by [email protected] Bear Workshop in the August issue the end of this year so look for more of International Bear News. This information on this in the February APPLICATION FORM EXPERIENCE AND EXCHANGE GRANT workshop was well attended and was newsletter. International Association for Bear Research and Management
a great success but some thought that The deadline for 2010 applications is: December 1, 2009.
APPLICANTS (Guest): ______these workshops may start to become Online Membership Renewal (Host):______‘replacements’ for the IBA conferences ……………………………………………………………………………………. because of less frequent conferences in … almost there! GUEST (Visiting party) INFORMATION: This has taken quite a bit longer POSITION:______North America. Although the 3-year INSTITUTION:______than we envisioned but we are INSTITUTION ADDRESS:______time period between North American COUNTRY: ______working on the final iterations of the INSTITUTION PHONE AND FAX:______conferences has not changed, this perception may have been due to online membership page. You may Home address:______Home phone:______numerous members not being able to have already received an e-mail notice E-mail(s):______regarding this new feature by the time attend the North American confer- HOST INFORMATION: you receive this newsletter. So no POSITION:______ence in Mexico. These feelings and INSTITUTION:______more faxing or sending a check, renew INSTITUTION ADDRESS:______perceptions are an important concern COUNTRY:______your membership online and while INSTITUTION PHONE AND FAX:______and we have established a committee to have an in-depth look at the impact you’re at it, donate a gift membership Home address:______Home phone:______of the conference schedule, location, for someone with limited resources! E-mail(s):______
and finances on member participa-
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Council News Change in Proposal Submission Deadline Fred Dean, Committee Chair Research and Conservation Grants Email: [email protected]
As we announced in the last issue of the News, the deadline for submis- sion of proposals for grants has been changed to midnight on 1 December. This is true for both Experience and Exchange Grants and Research and Conservation Grants. If you did not see the explanation in the last issue, please take a look at it. A revised version of the application form for R&C grants has been posted on the Website. For anyone who may need to apply for a waiver of overhead that is often charged against grants, especially by universities, there is a PDF copy of a letter on IBA letterhead explaining the R&C Grant Committee’s position with respect to overhead. This can be downloaded if needed. We recognize that overhead charges are generally legitimate; however in the case of IBA’s small grants we cannot support them. Applicants should incorporate the costs of items or services that are often covered by overhead in the pro- posal budget as identifiable expenses to the greatest extent possible. Please note that I appreciate the friendly thoughts several people have had in extending invitations to join in web-based interactions. I am not try- Bear Conservation Fund ing to be unfriendly by not responding Special thanks to the Bear Conservation Fund's newest donor, Gabe to these invitations, but I am not Huang. We recently received the following letter from Gabe: planning to setup a Facebook or other personal Web page or participate in "Dear BCF, I'm Gabe and I'm 4 year old. I love bers. My game sites on the Web. I have enough favorit bears are Kodiaks, Alaskin Brown Bear and Polar trouble keeping up with my “to do list” Bear!! Here is some money to help the bers." as it is. I also feel that putting personal information into such public forums Enclosed was $25 USD he had saved. may increase the chances of iden- tity theft (which I have experienced It is at this time of year that we ask IBA members and others to give to without that sort of assistance). I will the Bear Conservation Fund, to support IBA's grants programs. If Gabe can communicate with IBA grantees and come up with a donation, maybe we can each do so, too. Donate online at: potential applicants to the best of my www.bearbiology.com. ability, but please use normal e-mail or the telephone.
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Opinion in Yellowstone are once again subject Fish and Wildlife Service and others Court Orders to federal management under the strongly disagreed. Judge Malloy Yellowstone’s ESA rather than state management was also critical of the delisting rule under the state management plans because the proposed management Grizzlies Back on that formed part of the delisting rule regimes for delisted bears by state and the Endangered (these and additional information are federal agencies was “unenforceable available at: http://www.igbconline. and non-binding” and did not assure Species List org/html/y-delisting.html). Other that the species might again need to grizzly bear populations south of be relisted. The judge disagreed that Sterling Miller Canada remain listed and were unaf- the monitoring grizzly bear num- National Wildlife Federation fected by either the 2007 delisting or bers, grizzly bear foods, grizzly bear Email: [email protected] the recent ruling by Judge Malloy. mortalities, and grizzly bear reproduc- Judge Malloy’s decision did not tion followed by adaptive management On Sept. 21st, District Court disagree with the Fish and Wildlife designed to address problems that Judge Donald Malloy for the State of Service that all of the recovery might eventuate constituted “adequate Montana ordered the grizzly (brown) criterion in the Grizzly Bear Recovery regulatory mechanisms”. He said bears in and surrounding Yellowstone Plan had been achieved. He found, “these monitoring requirements are National Park back on to the list of however, that the state and federal unenforceable and do not protect the endangered species under the US plans for management of the delisted grizzly bear population” …. because Endangered Species Act (ESA). Griz- population in Yellowstone were they “…offer only a plan or promises zly bears were listed under the ESA inadequate to assure that the spe- of future action” and do not “compel” in 1975. Subsequently, following a cies in this area would not decline agency actions. He faulted both the collaborative recovery effort between because of changes in one of the federal and state government plans for federal, state, county, and tribal important foods that might occur failing to compel specific actions. natural resource management agen- because of climate change and other In his decision, Judge Malloy cies, assisted by some conservation factors. In its delisting rule, the FWS deferred to the USFWS’s expertise on organizations, The US Fish and Wild- had maintained that impacts of the the issue of whether there was insuf- life Service removed the grizzlies in possible loss of one food (whitebark ficient genetic diversity in the isolated the Yellowstone area from protection pine nuts) were unknown because Yellowstone population to avoid under the ESA and returned them to grizzly bears were generalist species, genetic problems. He also deferred management by the states of Montana, because grizzly bear populations to the FWS that the finding that the Wyoming, and Idaho on 29 March, continued to grow at 4-7% per year in Yellowstone grizzly population did not 2007 (delisting rule in the Federal the Yellowstone ecosystem over the represent a “distinct population seg- Register Vol. 72, No. 60, 50CFR Part past 15 year even as whitebark has ment” (a point not challenged by the 17:14866-14938). The Greater declined during the same time period. Plaintiff in his case) or that delisting Yellowstone Coalition, Inc. filed suit Judge Malloy criticized these findings wasn’t appropriate because bears were to overturn the delisting decision in as not based on the “best available not recovered in a significant portion Judge Malloy’s court and he found in science” with respect to whitebark of their former range (which would favor of their arguments. Some other pine, a contention with which the include New Mexico and California). conservation organizations, includ- ing the National Wildlife Federation, supported the delisting decision. Additional litigation on the same issue is still awaiting a decision by a District Court Judge in Idaho; this judge may agree with Judge Malloy, disagree with him, or defer making a decision since Judge Malloy’s decision included areas outside of Montana. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has not decided whether to appeal Judge Malloy’s decision, to revise its delisting rule in light of Malloy’s concerns, or some other possible responses. Regardless, the approximately 600 grizzly bears © NPS (U.S. National Park Service)
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group Think also about the variety of hu- Office of Game and Wildlife (ONCFS) A Swath of Bears man cultures occupying this swath of was in charge of the technical aspects land. Despite differences in language, of the translocation and monitoring Dave Garshelis religion, customs, land use, economy, across the French Pyrenees. Today, as Minnesota Department of Natural governmental structure, political the restoration plan is coming to an Resources strife, etc., local people are facing end, it is time to assess the results of Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA remarkably similar issues with bears, this operation. Email: [email protected] and bears are facing similar issues This synthesis reports on the status with people, mainly lack of space and of the bear population in the French Bruce McLellan lack of tolerance. Pyrenees through trends in bear British Columbia Ministry of Forests Put on your boots (sneakers, numbers and distribution, within a Darcy, BC V0N 3K0, Canada sandals, clogs, whatever), and enjoy sociopolitical context. Email: [email protected] the tour. Co-chairs Bear Specialist Group Trends in Population Size Each year we estimate the mini- Picture in your mind this swath of mum number of individuals, using a bear habitat (or consult a map, if your combination of data sources: DNA geography isn’t too good): starting from hair traps, DNA from oppor- in the Pyrenees Mountains between Brown Bear tunistically-collected scats, collared France and Spain, move eastward (and bears, distinguishing characteristics of slightly south) across Italy, Greece, Conservation observed or photographed bears, and and Turkey, and then through Iran, in France: four measurements of tracks (from which Afghanistan, Pakistan, and into we can discern size classes). The peninsular India. This narrow slice years after the DNA and collared bears also provide of the Earth contains a diverse array information on sex composition. The of habitats, harbors 3 species of bears, translocation of five following information relates only and exhibits a host of “classic” con- bears from Slovenia to bears on the French side of the servation issues. BSG members are Pyrenees, although the bears regularly working hard to resolve these issues in Frédéric Decaluwe move across the international border, all of these countries. Pierre-Yves Quenette and both Spain and Andorra were The following group of articles, ONCFS, Equipe technique ours involved in the decisions to augment from five of the countries intersected Impasse de la Chapelle 31800 this population. by this swath, provides a flavor for the Villeneuve de Rivière, France Among the 4 adult females extraordinary diversity of this con- Email: [email protected] released in the central Pyrenees, 2 servation work. No two projects are [email protected] died between 2006 and 2007. One of the same, but they all deal with one Tel : +33 / (0)5.62.00.81.08 them was fatally injured from a fall or more of the following issues: small 4 months after the release, and the population size, population fragmen- Near extinction in 1995 with only other was accidentally run over by 2 tation, conflicts with (impacts on) 5 or 6 individuals, the brown bear cars. Only 1 of the females (Hvala) humans, unsustainable human-caused population in the French Pyrenees reproduced during the period evalu- mortality, and basic problems related was augmented in 1996 and 1997 with ated. It gave birth to a litter of 2 female to uncertainty about population the release of 2 females and 1 male cubs during the winter of 2006–2007, status, future prospects, and the best from Slovenia. In 2005, the population and to a second litter of 2 cubs during ways to move forward. The articles was estimated at 14 to 18 individuals the winter of 2008–2009. The other relate high-level, wide-ranging efforts distributed among 3 distinct core living female (Sarousse) has not yet by professionals, including population areas. Following a period of consul- produced any cubs. augmentation, DNA hair-snaring, tation with local actors and viability Taking into account released GPS-collaring, and camera-trapping, analyses, the Ministry in charge of individuals, reproduction, and mor- to a local landowner’s efforts to put ecology set up a restoration plan for talities, minimum numbers of bears in a water hole for thirsty bears. Not the 2006–2009 period. This included yearly detected has remained quite all of these efforts were as successful among other concrete actions, the stable. At the end of 2008, 4 male as hoped, but from each a greater reintroduction of 4 Slovenian females individuals were estimated to occupy understanding was achieved, setting and 1 male equipped with GPS/GSM the western core, the central core the stage for future improvements. collars during 2006. The National was composed of at least 9 animals (including at least 4 adult females),
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group and the eastern core contained at variable intensity and duration. The during 3 consecutive years, suggesting least 3 individuals, at least 2 of which male Balou and the female Franska that he has not settled yet. were males. Minimum total numbers had home ranges of 1,500 km² and The area covered by the whole of individuals detected across the 1,800 km² (minimum convex poly- population on the French side is Pyrenees were on the order of 15 to 16 gons) respectively, whereas the 3 other estimated to be about 5,000 km² individuals a year, including 13 on the individuals apparently settled faster, annually, with a distinct separation French side, distributed over a large as judged by their more compact home between cores areas. Although the mountainous area. ranges (450–900 km²). Of note, Balou total area used each year by brown and Sarousse were translocated after bears in the French Pyrenees is quite Movements and Distribution they were recaptured due to problems stable, the portions actually used The individuals released in 2006 with their radio-collars. Balou has change year to year, so the cumulated displayed an exploratory phase of moved long distances toward the east area of use, from 2004 to 2008 (9,000 km²), is nearly twice the annual area of occupancy. Thus, as bears move into new areas, there are increased chances for interactions between bears and human activities.
Socio-political Context As for many large carnivores, interactions between human activities and the bear population are very important in the accep- tance of a conservation program for this species in the Pyrenees. The released bears, in particular, are viewed by many as potentially more prone to cause conflicts with livestock-rearing because they move about more (until settled), they are considered by local people to be more dangerous (because they come from Slovenia), and they can be tracked with telemetry, so a Brown bear distribution in the French Pyrenees during 2008, showing 3 distinct core high proportion of their conflicts areas. Home ranges of 3 collared Slovenian bears, introduced in the population in 2006 can be recorded. and still living, are also shown. The majority of Pyrenean livestock breeders are still strongly opposed to bear presence, a view supported by most local council- lors. Sporadic predation events regularly stir up the situation; this was certainly the case when the bear Franska killed about 130 sheep in 3 months during the summer pasture season of 2007. Even more, opposition to bears has been organized with the creation of several departmental associations with media presence. Wild boar and large ungulate hunters have long been favorable or at least neutral to the issue, and © P. Touchet/ ONCFS-ETO Touchet/ © P. have even participated in moni- Bear habitat in French Pyrenees, showing municipality of Melles.
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group the Pyrenean valleys, to allow the population to expand numerically and geographically.
References and Further Reading Chapron G., P. Y. Quenette, S. Legendre, and J. Clobert. 2003. Which future for the French Pyrenean brown bear (Ursus arctos) population? An approach using stage-structured deterministic and stochastic models. C. R. Biologies 326: 174-182. Quenette P. Y., M. Alonso, L. Chayron, P. Cluzel, E. Dubarry, D. Dubreuil, S. Palazon, and M. Pomarol. 2001. Preliminary results of the first transplantation of brown bear in © C. Cabal / ONCFS - ETO the French Pyrenees. Ursus 12: 115-120. Female bear named Palouma, brought from Slovenia to the French Pyrenees, died in 2006. www.ours.ecologie.gouv.fr (all in French) toring activities across the massif. number of individuals detected with One federation, however, withdrew certainty remained stable. Moreover, from the program prior to the 2006 no female has been detected in the releases. In addition, a complaint was western and eastern cores. The made by some nature protection as- western core, which still comprises sociations against the French State, for 1 to 2 individuals of native Pyrenean Egnatia Highway: a lack of specific hunting regulations stock, is therefore near extinction connecting people, within bear distribution (i.e., regula- without reinforcement of individuals tions to reduce chances of bears being from elsewhere. fragmenting inadvertently shot). This has increased Given the small number of bears the complexity of the situation. that were released, it is not altogether bear habitat and Indeed, in 2008, the male Balou was surprising that the augmentation did populations injured on its leg by a hunting accident not immediately and significantly on a boar drive hunt. boost the population size. That 2 of Charilaos Pilidis Working groups are underway the females were killed, 1 has not yet N.G.O “CALLISTO” to try to improve the situation with reproduced, and the 1 male moved 123, Mitropoleοs St. hunters. However, stakeholder out of the area occupied by females Thessaloniki, Greece 54621 representatives of livestock breeders are certainly setbacks. However, 1 & Mammal Research Unit are still opposed to any discussion of female has added 4 bears to this small School of Biological Sciences the issues. population and the other is expected University of Bristol to produce sometime in the near Email: [email protected] Conclusions and future. Two issues still require more work. Alexis Giannakopoulos, and Conservation Implications First, we suggest the implementa- Yorgos Mertzanis Results of the genetic analyses from tion of more consistent monitoring N.G.O “CALLISTO” 2008 enabled us to update the 1996 methods on each side of the border 123, Mitropoleοs St. population genealogy and to monitor to make more accurate assessments Thessaloniki, Greece 54621 indirectly those bears not equipped of trends in this cross-border popula- with radio transmitters. No new tion. Second, we believe that more Greece holds the southernmost genotype has been identified since efforts should be directed toward populations of brown bears in Europe 2004, except Hvala’s offspring, and the social acceptance of the species in with a distribution split into two
10 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group distinct nuclei, covering a total range of 16,500 km2. Over the past two de- cades, intensive conservation actions directed at this species at a range scale have been implemented by NGOs. As an indication of success, bears have recently been observed outside their known distribution. While this is encouraging and may well indicate a possible re-colonisation of their historical range, bears have been facing a new threat due to the rapid development of the transportation infrastructure that can be observed throughout the country. An example of such development is Via Egnatia, a 680-km long, fenced highway, which is part of the trans-European highway network (TENT). The highway, now fully operational, connecting the east- Current distribution of brown bears in Greece, fragmented by Egnatia Highway ern and western parts of the country, leaving a permanent effect on the landscape, and threatening to further fragment bear distribution into several sub-populations. This development has lead to a direct increase in bear mortality. Over the past two years 9 bears have been killed in road traffic accidents. We aim to investigate the unseen effects of this development in terms of fragmentation and viability of bear sub-populations, and provide an update on the current conservation status of bears in Greece. Our specific objectives are to:
• Collect hair and scat samples
© NGO"CALLISTO" (Reconyx cam trap) representatively across the brown Bear rubbing on tree bear distribution in Greece, and use genetic methods to investigate population structure and diversity. • Assess the barrier effect of the fenced Egnatia Highway on the movements and gene flow of bears. • Identify the major recolonisation routes that need to be preserved, and establish guidelines to ensure habitat connectivity.
The project is being conducted in collaboration with the Mammal Research Unit of the University of Bristol, and with the valuable sup- port from Euronatur. We hope to © Mertzanis/NGO "CALLITSO" Bear on highway contribute significantly to knowledge
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 11 Bear Specialist Group on the genetics of Europe’s largest carnivore. The project falls under a larger framework of activities target- ing bear conservation and the mini- misation of ecological impacts of large scale infrastructure on wildlife. The intention is to utilise the results of the project toward the update and further development of the existing National Bear Action Plan.
Location of two study sites where five bears were captured and collared
1. Conducting research to understand program specifically designed for Brown Bear the reasons and mechanisms of the Turkey, Research Gets a conflict, 5. Working for brown bear habitat 2. Implementing and testing pilot restoration, gathering data on the Boost in Turkey damage prevention techniques, conflict at the national scale, and such as electric fences to protect identifying the gaps in the current with GPS Collars orchards and crops, and elevated wildlife legislation related to bear management in Turkey. Özgün Emre Can platforms to protect apiaries in John Beecham major human–bear conflict areas, Within the framework of the Eray Çağlayan 3. Increasing public awareness of Brown Bear Research and Conserva- Emin Nasuhoğlu human–bear conflicts by working tion Project, we successfully trapped Turkish Nature Association & with Turkish media, a total of 5 bears in Artvin (August Carnivore Initiative for Turkey 4. Training teachers and children by implementing a bear education 2008) and Kastamonu (June 2009) Taner Hatipoğlu Hasan Emir Fehmi Arıkan Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Email contact: emre.can@dogad- ernegi.org
The Turkish Nature Association (Doga Dernegi-DD) and the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Forestry signed a protocol in 2008 to become official partners in all aspects of brown bear research and management in Turkey. The Brown Bear Research and Conservation Project, directed by DD, is funded by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) with support from the Turkish Min- istry of Environment and Forestry. The project is focused on five levels © John Beecham of human–brown bear conflicts in Turkish brown bear capture team, left to right, front: Ö. Emre Can, Emin Nasuhoğlu, Turkey using a holistic approach: Taner Hatipoğlu; standing: Fehmi Arıkan, Eray Çağlayan
12 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group by-products purchased from local outlets. Captured bears were immo- bilized with intramuscular injections of Zoletil and Medetomidine using a Dan-inject capture rifle. Once immobilized, the bear’s physiologi- cal condition was monitored, while body measurements recorded and the bears were fitted with GPS-GSM collars manufactured by either Vectronics Aerospace (Germany) or Lotek (Canada). Leather spacers were placed on all collars as a backup to the electronically programmed collar release mechanism. The GSM systems of the GPS collars are not currently working due to a technical issue with the network in Turkey, but data are
© Barış Koca being stored in the collars. A view from the study site at Cide, Kastamonu, Turkey. The project partners will continue working on human–bear conflicts at the national level in 2010 and will provinces (see map). The primary The team captured 2 brown bears implement a capacity building and objectives of the GPS collaring effort (4 year-old 110-kg male, and 8 year-old training program for universities and were to collect hard data on habitat 140-kg male) in Artvin province and local wildlife authorities. use, movements, and activity patterns, three bears (3 year-old 65-kg male, and to investigate the dynamics of 7 year-old 80-kg female, and a 12 human–bear conflicts for the first year-old 170-kg male) in Kastamonu time in 2 geographically distinct areas province using Aldrich foot snares. within Turkey. Trap sites were baited with animal .0 © Tim Ellis, 2 License: CC BY-NC
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 13 Bear Specialist Group The Asiatic Black Bear Still Survives in Nuristan, Afghanistan Stephane Ostrowski Peter Zahler Alex Dehgan Kara Stevens Maria Karlstetter Peter Smallwood
Wildlife Conservation Society Email contact: [email protected]
Although data on population sizes and trends are lacking for the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) across great swathes of Asia, the documen- tation of widespread illegal killing – both retaliatory and especially for trade in parts for traditional medi- cines – combined with loss of habitat, support the conclusion that this spe- cies is likely declining in most parts of its range (IUCN 2008). Worldwide the species is listed as vulnerable. Little recent information exists about Asiatic black bears in west- ern Asia (Gutleb and Ziaie 1999, Ahmadzadeh et al. 2008) and virtu- ally nothing concerning its status in Afghanistan. Habibi (2003) declared WCS study site (shaded area) and camera trapping area (square blocks) the species threatened in the country where Asiatic black bears were detected in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. based on observations made in the late 1970s and claimed that indiscriminate hunting had probably depleted the population in large parts of its range. Nuristan on the border with Kunar photographed on 44 occasions during Once occurring across most of eastern province (see map). The study was November and December 2007 in Afghanistan, nowadays it is said to conducted in the framework of the deciduous, coniferous and evergreen subsist only in isolated pockets of WCS Biodiversity Conservation oak forests. forests in remote parts of the eastern Program, a wider conservation initia- Black bears appeared widespread provinces. Based on these indications, tive in Afghanistan implemented by in the study site, and although we still on the occasional occurrence of cubs WCS and funded by the United States lack actual data on their abundance, for sale in eastern Afghanistan and Agency for International Development survey teams composed of local on the presence of four young adult (USAID). people considered them numerous. specimens at the Kabul zoo, allegedly Between December 2007 and De- Paradoxically, this status may result procured as cubs from the central part cember 2008, evidence of the Asiatic from habitat degradation in adjacent of Nuristan province, in December black bear was found in Nuristan at districts. In Nuristan the species cer- 2006, the Wildlife Conservation altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 2,600 tainly suffers habitat loss in the east of Society (WCS) launched a series of m, consisting of 19 direct sightings the province, which has experienced a wildlife surveys to detect the presence and numerous scats and tracks. dramatic decline of its forested range of Asiatic black bears in south-central Using camera traps, the species was in recent years due to illegal logging
14 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group Hemat, Ghulam Haidir, Abdul Qahar, Abdul Haq, and Mohammad Jamal. Rohullah Sanger, WCS Afghanistan GIS Analyst, provided his skills to create the map.
Literature Cited Ahmadzadeh F., H. Liaghati, B. H. Kiabi, A. R. Mehrabian, A. Abdoli, and H. Mostafavi. 2008. The status and conservation of the Asiatic black bear in Nikshahr county, Baluchistan District of Iran. Journal of Natural History 42:2379-2387. Gutleb, B. and H. Ziaie. 1999. On the distribution and status of the brown bear, Ursus arctos, and the Asiatic black bear, U. thibetanus, in Iran. © Drs. Ali and Rita/WCS Eastern Forest Survey Team Zoology in the Middle East 18:5-8. Dr Ali, who led the WCS survey team in Nuristan in 2008, with two or- Habibi K. 2003 Mammals of Afghan- phaned Asiatic black bear cubs recovered from a local resident in central istan. Zoo Outreach Organisation, Nuristan, Afghanistan, May 2008. Bear cubs are occasionally captured and Coimbatore, India, 168 + vi pp. kept as pets or sold to Pakistan, usually after killing the mother bear. IUCN 2008. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. activities (UNEP 2003). It is therefore Acknowledgements
and the increasing pressure of illegal Eastern© WCS Forest Survey Team armed loggers. Asiatic black bear camera-trapped in the central-south part of Nuristan province, Afghanistan, November 2007.
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 15 Bear Specialist Group where we checked for bear sign. These for different camera traps ranging Ecological Studies transects and trails covered all the from 1.9 to 8.6 photos/100 trap-days. on the Asiatic major habitats of black bears in the Capture rate was highest in sum- study area. In the last two years, we mer, followed by autumn, spring Black Bear (Ursus recorded 89 black bear sightings, 234 and winter. Time stamps on camera thibetanus) at scats, 101 feeding signs and 144 other trap photos indicated that the black signs along these transects and trails. bears were crepuscular in all seasons Dachigam National Based on these sightings and signs, we except spring, when they were mostly found that the black bear distribution nocturnal. Park, Kashmir - an in Lower Dachigam was clumped in We observed a significant differ- Update riverine and lower temperate habitats ence in the use of habitats by black during summer, but was uniform bears in different seasons: most signs S. Sathyakumar, Ph.D., during spring and autumn. Encounter were in riverine and oak plantation Scientist- F & Principal Investigator, rates varied by season: highest in habitats in all seasons, and the fewest Samina Amin Charoo summer (1.14 sign or sightings/km), signs were in temperate grasslands. Senior Research Fellow, followed by autumn (1.01), spring We opportunistically observed bears Lalit Kumar Sharma (0.52) and winter (0.18), apparently feeding (n = 67) and also collected Senior Research Fellow related to movements of bears in and and analysed scats (n = 234). Results Wildlife Institute of India out of the study area. indicated that the diet was dominated P.O Box 18, Chandrabani We collected 78 hair samples, by herbs and grasses (54%) during Dehradun 248 001, India which will be used to estimate spring, and mostly fruits during sum- Email contact: [email protected] population size. We obtained 399 bear mer (72%) and autumn (75%). photo captures, with capture rates The Kashmir Valley in the Jammu and Kashmir State of India has become a hot spot for bear–human conflicts — as a result, both the bears and humans have become victims. The persistence of the situation can be a major problem for the locals and in turn for the conservation of black bears in this region. Keeping this in view, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, initiated a research project during 2007 to understand the ecology, behaviour and conflict issues related to Asiatic black bears (see IBN May 2008 16:22-23). The following is an update of the progress of field research activities carried out under this project. Our main study site was in the Lower Dachigam area (ca. 90 km2) of Dachigam National Park, Kashmir. We assessed bear–human conflicts using questionnaire surveys (n = 314) in the surrounding areas from June 2007 to July 2009. We divided our intensive study area into 23 grids of 2 x 2 km to assess the distribution, relative abundance and habitat use by black bears. In each grid we placed one hair and camera trap station, and marked random transects (n = 10) or Map showing study area, Dachigam National Park, India, and the contiguous protected marked existing natural trails (n = 3), areas.
16 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group where it was released in the park for 20 days, but then moved outside and got involved in conflicts again. After 54 days, the bear was rescued from the same village from where it was first rescued. The current practice of rescuing bears from conflict areas and releasing them into bear habitats may not be an effective option for managing bear–human conflicts in the region. We suggested and initiated other measures to mitigate black bear–hu- man conflicts in the area. These include: development of a spatio-tem- poral database of conflicts, awareness program for local villagers, support and strengthening of local traditional protection measures (e.g., drumming
© WII of empty metal containers, barbed Black bear in hair trap station in the study area. wire fencing, guard dogs, scarecrows), improvement of cattle sheds (e.g., replacement of wooden doors with Major black bear–human conflicts resulted in human injury, either when iron doors), and marking of rescued included crop and livestock depre- a bear charged a human or when a animals by color-coded collars or dations, and human attacks. Crop human chased a bear. ear tags to monitor their movement depredation (apple, cherry, walnut Many instances occurred when the patterns. We plan to continue our re- and maize) resulted in significant Department of Wildlife Protection search on black bears during the next economic losses for some farmers. “rescued” bears from conflict areas two years and have plans to employ The duration of crop damage in the (captured and released back into the ARGOS collars to aid in understand- Central Wildlife Division was longer park). In one such case, we fitted a ing habitat utilization, activity, and than the South Wildlife Division be- GPS-collar on a bear rescued from movement patterns cause of changes in cropping patterns Danihama village. It remained near in the recent past. Villagers in the Central Division have started growing cherry in place of apple because of its high economic value. Local villagers used different crop protection measures against black bear crop damage. About 80% used the traditional method of drumming empty metal containers. About 21% had used an animal-proof cement wall, which was found to be effective but was unaffordable to many. Most bear attacks occurred during summer at dawn or dusk, when people were either going to or returning from crop fields and orchards. About 56% of people who had encountered a bear (n = 68) reported that they tried to stay calm and move away. About 10% acted in a risky manner by chasing the bear and not giving it an adequate escape © WII route. Notably, 54% of the encounters Black bear in hair trap station in the study area.
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 17 Bear Specialist Group 1995, Ratnayeke 2007), and it has been is still home to sloth bears, as well as Sloth Bear – Human postulated that myrmecophagous other large predators including leop- Conflict Mitigation mammals are better able to survive in ards and wolves. However, the area is fragmented habitat (Abensperg-Traun quite fragmented and is surrounded Effort: wetland 1991), fragmentation and loss of habi- by farming and other various legal and creation tat are still perhaps the greatest threat non-legal commercial interests, such to sloth bear existence. Fragmented as mining and wood gathering. These Thomas Sharp forests bring bears into more contact, human activities sometimes lead to Wildlife SOS /SWCA Environmental and thereby conflict, with humans. human–wildlife conflicts. Addition- Consultants These conflicts can diminish human ally, bears are often drawn outside the [email protected] tolerance for the animals in these reserve forest for resources — mainly isolated pockets of habitat. water (a tributary of the Tungabhadra Usham Singh Joshi, et al (1995) gave two potential River as well as irrigation canals Wildlife SOS reasons for the high survival rate of surround much of the area) and food [email protected] sloth bears in Royal Chitwan National (privately owned farmlands border Park: 1) the limited size of sloth bear the area). Conflicts often take place Human encroachment and frag- home range size, which helps them to at dusk when the primarily nocturnal mentation of wild lands outside of better avoid encounters with humans, bears are awake, and the farmers have the national park system in India and 2) the fact that the National Park not yet gone home for the evening, or continue to take their toll on wildlife provides all of the bears’ resource in the early morning. populations. Generally larger mam- needs, which tends to keep the bears Within one canyon area (see figure), mals, such as the sloth bear, are more inside the protected area. However, there were 6 documented bear attacks susceptible to these forces that may in fragmented forest areas sloth bears in 2006 and 2007. All of these attacks isolate small populations, which are are often forced into human-occu- took place in the evening or during then more likely to disappear due to pied areas in order to attain needed the night. The victims included farm- human activities (i.e. poaching), lack resources, and their home ranges may ers, a cattle shepherd, and a foreign of resources, or stochastic events. be significantly larger. tourist who was rock climbing and Though sloth bears do have the ben- The Benekal Reserve Forest in had been warned about bear activity efit of generally smaller home ranges the Koppal district of the State of in the area. The rock climber was than similar sized bears (Joshi et al. Karnataka, near Hampi (see figure), attacked by a mother bear and her two cubs. The wounds to all the victims were considered minor, except one local man who received 24 stitches to the head. The canyon area in which these attacks took place originates in the Benekal Reserve Forest, but then crosses through undeveloped protected private land, and finally through farmland before butting up against the canal. The habitat in this area is rocky, scrub forest and during the summer things can get quite dry, thereby making water sources a focal point for bears. The journey to water takes bears straight into human-oc- cupied territory. A private landowner and wildlife enthusiast aware of these human–bear conflicts wondered if providing a water source further inland away from the farms would help to reduce conflicts with sloth bears. This landowner owns land that borders the Benekal Reserve Forest, Mallapur and farmlands. “Bear Path” is the canyon bottom used reserve forest on one side and private as a travel corridor by local bears. farmlands on the other side. Near
18 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group his modest field station was a small up for part of the year. But certainly natural spring which he thought could the option of having a watering hole Bear Specialist potentially be turned into a small farther away from human activity may Group Coordinating wetland. The fragmented habitat of help to reduce human–bear conflict in this area, although offering many this canyon in the future. The private Committee potential day resting sites in the form landowner is also planting fruit trees of rock crevices and an adequate on his land to increase the amount of BSG Co-chairs amount of natural food, does not offer food available to bears. Although this • Dave Garshelis much water, especially in the dry may be only a small bandage on a very [email protected] season. The bears had to cross into large problem, it does show that there • Bruce McLellan agricultural areas to get to water. are potentially creative solutions to [email protected] The landowner pitched the idea of bear–human conflicts that can make a creating a wetland to some visiting difference for the safety of people and Red List Authority Focal Point wetland specialists. The hope was bears alike. • Rob Steinmetz that a water source away from human [email protected] activity might give the bears an Literature Cited alternative to crossing through active Abensperg-Traun, M. 1991. Survival European Brown Bear Expert farmlands. Before the 2008 summer strategies of the echidna Tachyglos- Team Co-chairs arrived, a new wetland area had been sus aculeatus Shaw 1792 (Mono- built (see photo). Shortly after build- • Djuro Huber tremata: Tachyglossidae). Biological [email protected] ing the wetland, bears were observed Conservation 58:317–328. drinking at this newly developed wa- • Jon Swenson Joshi, A. R., D. L. Garshelis, and [email protected] terhole. Notably, no bear attacks have J. L. D. Smith. 1995. Home ranges occurred in this valley since 2007. of sloth bears in Nepal: implica- There are many other variables tions for conservation. Journal of North Asian Brown Bear that could also account for the lack Wildlife Management 59:204–214. Expert Team Co-chairs of attacks during this time, and we Ratnayeke, S., F. T. van Manen, and • Larry Van Daele recognize that bears will still be U. K. G. K Padmalal. 2007. Home [email protected] drawn to the surrounding farmlands ranges and habitat use of sloth • Tsutomu Mano for food, such as groundnut, corn, bears Melursus ursinus inornatus [email protected] paddy (Oryza sativum), and bajra in Wasgomuwa National Park, Sri (Pennesitum glaucum), and even for Lanka. Wildlife Biology 13:272– South Asian Brown Bear water, especially if the wetland dries 284. Expert Team Co-chairs • Ozgun Emre Can [email protected] • S. Sathyakumar [email protected]
Asiatic Black Bear Expert Team Co-chairs • Dave Garshelis [email protected] • Mei-hsiu Hwang [email protected]
Sun Bear Expert Team Co-chairs • Gabriella Fredriksson [email protected] • Rob Steinmetz [email protected] © Thomas Sharp Created wetland with small field station in the background, abutting reserve forest.
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 19 Bear Specialist Group Sloth Bear Expert Team • Chris Servheen Technical and Scientific [email protected]
Co-chairs • Chris Shepherd Advisors • Naim Akhtar • Michael Proctor [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] • Harendra Bargali • John Seidensticker [email protected] Captive Bears Expert Team [email protected] Co-chairs • Chuck Schwartz Giant Panda Expert Team • Lydia Kolter [email protected] [email protected] Chair • Jackson Zee • Ron Swaisgood IBA Representative [email protected] [email protected] • Frank vanManen [email protected] Andean Bear Expert Team Human-Bear Conflicts Expert Team Chair Polar Bear Specialist Group Co-chairs • John Beecham • Isaac Goldstein Chair [email protected] [email protected] • Erik Born • Ximena Velez-Liendo [email protected] [email protected] Mexican Black Bear Coordinator Trade in Bear Parts Expert • Diana Crider Team Co-chairs [email protected]
Eurasia
controversial and brand new part of order to take urgent measures. Fence Greece-Egnatia the Egnatia highway, was recently replacement had ultimately become a Highway: fence inaugurated by the Prime Minister priority! and opened to traffic in late May 2009. Three months later a new fence was failure makes it a The inauguration occurred despite under construction but this did not deadly barrier for the fencing being far from meeting prevent a second more serious bear the appropriate bear proof standards. traffic accident to occur on 3 Sep- brown bears With a fence height of 1.60m, a depth tember 2009, in the old fenced part of of hardly 30-40 cm into the ground the highway, involving a car and two Yorgos Mertzanis and a conventional mesh it was only heavy trucks. Miraculously, there Alex Giannakopoulos a question of time for the first bear were no human victims but the bear C. Godes, G. Iliopoulos, Ch. Pilidis, traffic fatality to occur. was not so lucky. Callisto, in coopera- A. Riegler, S. Riegler, Ath Tragos Indeed on 21 June and only 3 tion with Arcturos, has intensified NGO “CALLISTO” weeks after the highway inauguration, pressure on the company supervising Wildlife & Nature Conservation a 187 kg adult male bear attempted highway construction (EGNATIA Society a highway crossing at 10:30 a.m. ODOS A.E) to speed up installation Email: [email protected] resulting in a serious collision with of the new fence and to fully comply a car passing at full speed. Despite with standard procedures; including Spring and Summer 2009 have the efforts of Callisto’s team of a bend at the top of the fence and two been a rather dark period for bears veterinarian’s, the bear died two hours lines of electric wire. With seven trying to cross the 37 km stretch of after it was hit. The huge media boom bear traffic accidents, of which six Egnatia highway cutting trough the that resulted urged the Minister of were fatal, over the last year and a Pindos bear population (in northwest Environment, Land Planning and half, highways appear to be a seriously Greece). After a 7-year monitoring Public Works to call all involved par- growing threat to the bear population and impact assessment, this most ties for an extraordinary meeting in in the country!
20 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Eurasia Sun Bear Education Center in East Kalimantan Gabriella Fredriksson Co-chair sun bear expert team Email: gabriella.fredriksson@gmail. com
In February 2009, a new sun bear education exhibit was opened in East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. This sun bear education exhibit is part of an environmental education center near Balikpapan municipality, which has adopted the sun bear as its mascot several years ago. The education center also houses 5 confiscated sun bears in a natural enclosure. Since its opening in February 2006 close to 100,000 Indonesians have visited the education center to see the sun bears in their semi-natural habitat. The new sun bear education exhibit has proven highly popular with local schools which visit the center weekly. The sun bear education exhibit starts off with an introduction to all bear species in the world, after which interactive information is featured about the sun bears’ physical charac- teristics, ecology, conservation and research, and human-bear interac- tions. The sun bear education exhibit is a first of its’ kind in the region, and aims to educate local Indonesians in order to generate wider local support for sun bear and habitat conserva- tion. The website of the exhibit is www.beruangmadu.org/index. php?page=education-exhibits. continued on page 22
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 21 Eurasia
We would like to thank the NACS-J Pro Natura fund (Japan), Alertis Foundation, Free the Bears, IOS Press, the Dutch Foundation Zoos Help for their contribu- tions to our Sun bear Education Exhibit.
Sun bear ‘translocation’ in East Kalimantan In April this year, a young sun bear cub was handed over to the sun bear education center in East Kalimantan. As there was no long-term place for this cub in the education center, it was decided to arrange for a monitored release of this young bear in a remote protection forest in the Wehea region in East Kalimantan. In May, several local Dayak staff were trained in meth- odology for carrying out sun bear sign transects, and a small sleeping cage was built for the sun bear in the forest. Further training was given on walking the small cub in the forest and on taking behavioral observations, as well as collection of food samples. If all goes well, the sun bear will be fitted with a radio-collar when it is large enough to continue monitoring in order to increase information on whether, and how, such individual sun bear releases can be successful.
22 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Americas Coexisting with Carnivores in the Madison Valley: finding some common ground Steve Primm Tanya Rosen Jason Wilmot Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative & Yale Large Carnivore Group Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.nrccooperative.org © Thibeault Molly, Ernesto’s Great Pyrenees dog On 18 August 2009, we hosted a workshop at the Sun West Ranch in so we can foster a greater sense of significance of the Madison Valley the Madison Valley to discuss in an respect and trust. for connectivity, and the current open and informal way where we are The workshop was attended by population status of bears and wolves in terms of coexisting with carnivores: several Sun West Ranch homeowners, in the valley. We also probed to what the conflicts with bears and wolves, Madison Valley residents and staff of extent the conflicts are simply on- the tools available to address those the Sun Ranch Institute and Northern the-ground conflicts or the result of conflicts. More broadly we were Rockies Conservation Cooperative. more complex cultural and ideological interested in addressing the way we We discussed and exchanged worldviews on bears and wolves. communicate among ourselves and views on several themes, including We then engaged in an exercise how can we improve the level of but not limited to: what have we done of appraising to what extent we, as cooperation and coordination so that in terms of promoting coexistence a community, have been success- not only conflicts can be avoided, but between carnivores and people, the ful in addressing carnivore/human coexistence concerns and how can we do a better job. We discussed what “measures of success” could be and whether there is a place for eco- nomic incentives for carnivore/human coexistence. There is, for example, a new “eco-tourism” initiative called Madison Valley Expeditions that on the basis of a relationship with local working ranches, visitors are allowed to have access to private lands for hiking, wildlife watching and other activities. A variety of views were expressed as to the value of “eco-tour- ism”. Participants then discussed the value of local knowledge and the im- portance of harnessing the experience, wisdom and enthusiasm of those who are directly affected by the conflicts to foster a greater sense of ownership © Tanya Rosen © Tanya Ernesto Ignatio, the herder from Peru’, with the 1600 sheep in his care over problems. on the Sun West Ranch
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 23 Americas denote occupied range rather than the traditional hand-drawn polygon would be a much easier way to submit and process the data and facilitate comparison with future updates. Hand-drawn maps require digitizing into a GIS, and creating polygon lines on screen with the web-accessed GIS application requires 100s of mouse clicks to enter vertices at each bend in the line. Also, we felt range boundar- ies were seldom as definitive an edge as a line denotes. Furthermore, at the continental scale much of this detail would be lost. We are asking for point locations where bears have been documented outside their managed populations © Tanya Rosen © Tanya because although it has not been part A black bear that became a “problem bear” for allegedly “harrassing” hikers on of past range maps, the news this year Bear Creek in the Madison Valley has been full of stories of black bears showing up outside of their traditional Participants agreed that honest habitats and in odd places such as dialogue and sharing information Update to American Miami, Cape Cod. Nebraska had on conflicts and movements of local Black Bear Range Map their first black bear occurrence since bears and wolves is critical to increas- 1907 (Hoffman et al. 2009). These ing a sense of commitment and the Brian Scheick locations may be harbingers of future willingness to prevent conflicts. That Walt McCown range expansion, and we felt it was said, there was also an awareness Mike Orlando important to capture this data now for among all of us that there is no single Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation future updates. tool that works for all and sometimes Commission lethal control, albeit regretfully, must Email: [email protected] Literature Cited be deployed. Hoffman, J., S. Wilson, and H. As the workshop was wrapping This winter, the Florida Fish & Genoways. 2009. Recent occur- up, nearby, a black bear was trying to Wildlife Conservation Commission rence of an American black bear in break into a homeowner’s garage; a plans to launch a survey to update the Nebraska. Ursus 20:69-72. reminder perhaps to put words into range of American black bear across Pelton, M. R., A. B. Coley, T. H. action? North America. The last update Eason, D. L. Doan Martinez, J. A. was in the late 1990s (Pelton and van Pederson, F. T. van Manen, and Acknowledgments: Manen 1994, Pelton et al. 1999). We’re K. M. Weaver. 1999. American We would like to express our attempting to use a web-accessible black bear conservation action outmost gratitude to: the Sun West GIS to collect the data and we will plan. In: C. Servheen, S. Herrero, Ranch homeowners and its Board for contact at least one person for each and B. Peyton (eds). Bears. Status its support (in particular Teresa Dock- per state/province in the next few survey and conservation action ery, Heidi Gildred, Jackie and Craig months. plan. pp: 144-146. IUCN/SSC Bear Mathews, David and Susanna Meyer, Specific details are still being and Polar Bear Specialist Groups. Ed and Yvonne Parish, Jim, Anne and worked out, but we will likely be IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and 2 Farley Taylor, Don and Susan Wyler) using 50 km hexagons with two Cambridge, UK. and River Run; the Sun Ranch and levels (breeding/primary range and Pelton, M. R. and F. T. van Manen. Sun Ranch Institute, including Amy non-breeding/secondary range) 1994. Distribution of black bears Robinson and Roger Lang; Mike Ross, and point locations for unusual or in North America. Eastern Work- colleagues from USGS IGBST and transient locations outside this area. shop for Black Bear Research and Montana FWP; Seth Wilson; Jim and Previous mapping efforts suggested Management 12:133-138. Marilyn Powers; and all the valley future updates be digital and repeat- residents. able. We felt that using hexagons to
24 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Captive Bears Large Bear Enclosures Koen Cuyten Project Coordinator Alertis – Fund for bear and nature conservation P.O. Box 9 3910 AA Rhenen The Netherlands Email: [email protected]
The Bear Forest The first dancing bears arrived in the Dutch bear sanctuary “The Bear Forest” in the summer of 1993. This sanctuary for mistreated and abused dancing- and circus bears has been a safe haven for brown bears ever since. Two hectares of forested area, on the edge of Ouwehand Zoo in Rhenen, tucked away in a natural forest in the center of The Netherlands. The sanctuary is well planted with pine insight in the step-by-step approach erly managed, they are rarely subject and deciduous trees, shrubs, has many as to how an LBE can be built and to severe infectious or non-infectious tree-trunks, a large water basin for managed. diseases. Next to the problems caused the bears to swim in and dens for the Practical information presented in by the mistreatment of the animal bears to shelter or sleep in. Since 1993, “Enclosure Design” focuses on fence (like in the case of dancing bears), 22 bears have lived and still live in this construction and materials, in- and trauma is often seen due to manage- semi-naturalistic enclosure. outdoor enclosures and vegetation. ment failures or fighting with other During the past few years Alertis The second part of the – the Fund for bear and nature website, “Bear Manage- conservation - the non-governmen- ment,” describes in detail tal organization behind “The Bear the management of Forest”, has put together all the LBEs and its inhabitants. experience and information acquired These enclosures differ over the past one and a half decade on from more traditional captive bears into a single document zoo enclosures in size, on large naturalistic bear enclosures. management and “The Bear Forest” has been used as sometimes purpose. The a blue print since the sanctuary has third part on “Veterinary demonstrated to be very well designed Management” describes and managed for more than 15 years. all aspects of present-day The document has been transformed veterinary care of captive into a website called “Large Bear bears. The information Enclosures” (LBE). is often accompanied by graphics and photo- graphs. A veterinarian The website should be able to diag- (www.largebearenclosures.com) nose health problems The website is divided into three by means of simple and parts: enclosure design, bear manage- practical strategies. ment and veterinary management; it Brown bears appear offers practical approaches to manag- to be very strong and ing captive brown bears in their most healthy animals. Prop- natural setting. The website gives an
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 25 Captive Bears
26 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Captive Bears
bears. Dental and skeletal problems appear most often in aged animals. Veterinary interventions are minimal, especially when preventive measures are taken. Note that every procedure described on this website can only be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
User interface To gain access to the full content of the website, new users have to register first. Once a new user has regis- tered through the home page, he or she is granted access by the administrator by using a password. Alertis would like to share its knowledge and informa- tion in order to help others and share new information on for ment. Alertis will up-date the shared improve the management and welfare instance enclosure design & materials information frequently in order to of captive bears. We also kindly ask or veterinary procedures. The LBE improve the content presented on the users of the website to give feedback website is a so-called “living” docu- website.
Student Forum
punishment, Lori is studying the ef- GPS radiocollared bears alternately Student Highlight: fectiveness of non-lethal bear manage- assigned to one of three treatment Lori Homstol ment tools in Whistler, BC. The study groups: pain with whistle, pain alone, began in 2005 and Lori started her and a control. Lori then compares Lori is working on a widespread masters program with the University pre-treatment measures of wariness to and increasing problem: human- of Alberta in 2007. post-treatment wariness. Also, she’ll bear conflicts. In British Columbia, Using theories of how animals compare bears’ use of security cover Canada, bear managers kill approxi- learn, she is conducting two ex- and human developments before and mately 800 black bears and 35 grizzly periments to test the effectiveness of after treatments and across treatment bears annually because of conflicts non-lethal bear management tools. groups. with humans. Because managers The first is to pair a whistle sound The second experiment is using a were under increasing pressure to cue with pain stimuli (3-5 days of nausea-inducing emetic (thiabenda- use non-lethal methods, particularly rubber bullets fired from a shotgun zole) to induce a conditioned taste around resort communities, the BC and marbles fired from a slingshot). If aversion to human food attractants Conservation Officer Service sup- successful, this would allow the public that are difficult to secure from bears ported a scientific study of how black to safely deter bears from conflict (e.g., apples in orchards and grain bears respond to aversive conditioning situations with a whistle before spilled on railway tracks). In one (AC). Using theories of how animals Conservation officers arrived, helping treatment, Lori offered grain and learn and guidelines for effective to reduce food-conditioning. She has honey to captive bears during pre-
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 27 Student Forum Truman’s List Serve • For students only • Discussions pertaining to bear biology, management, or study design challenges • Assistance with proposals and study design through IBA professionals • Job searches, announcements, information regarding the IBA and student membership • Planning for IBA student activities and meetings • IBA membership is encouraged, but not required for initial sign-up Instructions • Visit www.bearbiology.com/iba/stu.html If You’re • Follow the links to request an invitation YOU • Do NOT reply to list serve messages using your “reply” button. You must return to Truman and respond within the list serve or else other members a Student, will not receive your response. • If you’re a new member, please submit a paragraph about Need to Sign! Up your project and include your contact information so we NOW can all get to know you.
treatment to establish that they would eat Student Forum both foods. She then Brian Scheick removed the honey IBA Student Coordinator and added 200 mg/kg Tel: +1 386-789-7063 thiabendazole to the Email: grain; in post-treatment Brian.Scheick@My FWC.com the bears were offered honey and grain as in the pre-treatment. In Truman Update a second treatment, The ‘Truman’ Google Dis- free-ranging, ear-tagged cussion Group is going strong bears were offered with 96 members helping each apples at three bait sites other find citations, answer monitored by remote questions and just spreading cameras in Whistler. news of bear conservation The same pre- and from their corner of the world. post-treatment methods If you’re a student you might were used. want to check it out. Lori Homstol University of Alberta [email protected]
28 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 Publications Liu, F., W. McShea, D. Garshelis, X. health and welfare of bears farmed November 2009 Zhu, D. Wang, J. Gong, and Y. for bile in China. Animal Welfare, Recent Bear Chen. 2009. Spatial distribution as 18(3): 225-235. a measure of conservation needs: Literature an example with Asiatic black bears Puchkovskiy S. V. 2009. Selectivity in south-western China. Diversity of tree species as activity target of Richard B. Harris and Distributions 15(4):649-659. brown bear in taiga. Contemporary Ursus Editor Problems of Ecology. 2(3):260-268. 2175 S 11th St. W Calvignac, S., S. Hughes, and C. Han- Language Russian. Missoula MT 59801, USA ni. 2009. Genetic diversity of en- dangered brown bear (Ursus arctos) Tanya Rosen populations at the crossroads of Research Associate Europe, Asia and Africa. Diversity Northern Rockies Conservation & Distributions 15(5):742-750. Cooperative P.O. Box 1404 Loeffler, I. K., J. Robinson, and G. Ennis MT 59729, USA Cochrane. 2009. Compromised
Events
19th International Introductory Note Submission of suggestions for ad- and Important ditional workshops (see website for Conference on planned workshops): Deadlines/Timelines 30 January 2010 Bear Research and As many IBA members and other interested people may know, due Management to some objective reasons, the 19th Conference Organizer 19th International Conference Conference on Bear Research and on Bear Research and Management 16-22 May 2009 Management was postponed from Fall is organized by NACRES-Centre Tbilisi, Georgia (Eastern Europe) 2009 to Spring 2010. The conference for Biodiversity Conservation and organizers are eager to see all of you Research (www.nacres.org), a not-for- Ms. Nino Dadiani in Tbilisi and hereby we would like profit organization that was founded Conference Management Assistant to give you new conference deadlines in 1989 in Georgia. Its mission is to and also some brief information on safeguard the biodiversity of Georgia Mailing Address: the country and the conference. NACRES, PO Box 20 and the South Caucasus, through conservation activities at national and Tbilisi 0179, Georgia Submission of Oral and Poster local levels, based on sound science, Courier Address: Presentations sustainability principles, and local NACRES, 12a Abashidze street Deadline: 31 December 2009 participation. NACRES carries out Tbilisi 0179, Georgia Selection of oral and poster presenta- research and conservation activities Email: [email protected] tions: both at the ecosystem and species Tel: (+995 32) 53 71 25 30 January 2010 levels. In parallel to other mammal Fax: (+995 32) 53 71 24 (authors will be notified by this species in the South Caucasus, the time) brown bear is one of the top priority For detailed information please visit Registration deadlines: animals for our organization. the conference website: Early Registration- 20 March 2010 http://www.nacres.org/bearconference Late Registration- 20 April 2010 Submission of travel grant applica- Conference Goal and tions: Language Deadline - 15 February 2010 One of the main goals of the Tbilisi conference is to promote dialogue
International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 29 Events between bear specialists of the West peaks (approx. 16,400 ft); glaciers, al- tains. Nestled in a river valley where and the East. We will try our best to pine meadows; sub-tropical coastline, the Northern and South Caucasus bring more scientists and conser- desert, semi-desert, fertile alluvial Mountain ranges almost meet, it has vationists from previously under- valleys, wetlands and of course huge spectacular views from innumer- represented countries (e.g., Russia, swathes of virgin forest. Indeed nearly able locations and a short drive from Armenia, Azerbaijan, other former 40% of Georgia is still forested, a large downtown you are in the alpine USSR countries, etc) to meet their proportion of which is still "virgin". meadows above. Over the centuries counterparts from the world to share Due to its large areas of uninhab- Tbilisi has become synonymous with their experiences, discuss and possibly ited forest, low levels of tourism and gracious living and warm welcomes. plan future cooperation in the fields of remote high alpine zones Georgia has "Tbili" actually means "warm," and bear research and management. although this refers to the water The official language of the in the natural sulphur baths in Conference is English. But as we one of the districts of the city expect to have delegates from - it could speak for the people former USSR countries, the con- as a whole. In addition, it is a ference will provide simultaneous very safe place to visit. translation into English for all Tbilisi International Air- Russian-language oral presenta- port has many direct flights tions. The organizers will also from major cities in Europe try their best to have interpret- (Istanbul, Paris, London, ers around during the sessions Vienna, Frankfurt, Munich, and coffee-breaks to facilitate Amsterdam, etc). A passport contacts between English and valid for at least 6 months Russian speaking delegates. is required for visitors of all nationalities. However, there is Georgia – some brief data preserved more species of animal than no visa requirement for citizens Georgia is an Eurasian country, any country in Europe. This includes a of European Union countries, USA, located in the South Caucasus, at number of endemic species - of which Canada, Israel, and Japan. Former the juncture of Eastern Europe and perhaps most notable is the Caucasian USSR nationals (except of Russia and Western Asia. Georgia borders four tur, a relative of the European Ibex it Turkmenistan) do not require a visa. countries: Turkey to the southwest, comes in two versions, eastern and Russia to the north, Armenia to the western. The western Capra Caucasica Suggested Field Trips south, and Azerbaijan to the east. In is unique for its splendid laterally Field trips will include the addition, there is a western coastline curved horns. Besides these species, Borjomi National Parks, historical on the Black Sea. Georgia’s popula- Georgia has many animals now long cultural tour city tour in old historic tion is over 4.3 million, nearly 84% departed from Western Europe. capital (Mtskheta, near the present of which are ethnic Georgians. It is Apart from brown bears, Georgia has capital Tbilisi), famous wine cellars predominantly a Christian country populations of lynx, wild boar, bezoar in Kakheti region (eastern Georgia), and approximately 90% of its popula- goats, chamois, red deer, Caucasian and the Kazbegi region in the Great tion identify themselves as followers wolves, striped hyena, jackal, wild Caucasus mountains. of the Georgian Christian Orthodox cat, a number of endemic butterflies, Church. lizards, snakes, and tortoises. Recently Detailed information on Georgia, the critically endangered Caucasian Tbilisi, and our meeting (including Environment leopard has been caught on NACRES’ information on the conference venue, Georgia's natural environment is remote cameras in the Vashlovani travel arrangements, registration, one of the most unique and varied National park - although it has yet to planned workshops, presentation in the world. Remarkable for its be seen by naked eye. formats and protocols, lodging, travel landscape diversity, from mountains grants, etc) can be found at the Confer- to desert, from snow to palm trees, Tbilisi, the capital ence website: Georgia ranks among the world's Tbilisi (population: 1.2 million), is www.nacres.org/bearconference. “must to see countries”. Within 67,000 a picturesque city: not simply a hill square kilometers (about the size of city of winding cobblestone streets Ireland) you can find 5,000-meter but because it is a city of the moun-
30 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 IBA Membership Application Please Complete Both Sides of Form. Mail or Fax to Address Below. Name______Affiliation______Address______City______State/Province______ZIP+4 or Postal Code______Country______Telephone______Fax______Email______ New Renewal Address Change You may share my membership information with similar organizations. MEMBERSHIP Standard Membership US$50.00/year, US$45.00/year for three or more years. Includes International Bear News & Ursus. # Years_____ US$______ Please donate my copy of Ursus to a library or deserving recipient. Institutional Membership US$100.00/year, US$250.00/three years. # Years_____ US$______ For those who cannot afford a Standard Membership, US$25.00/year. Includes International Bear News. If needed, a free copy of Ursus may be requested. # Years_____ US$______ Please send Ursus. I have no access to it, need it & cannot afford Standard Membership. Donation (if possible!) included to help defray costs of sending Ursus. US$______GIFTS & CONTRIBUTIONS Gift Standard Membership US$50/year, US$45/year for three or more years. Includes International Bear News & Ursus. # Years_____ US$______ Gift Institutional Membership US$100/year or US$250/three years. # Years_____ US$______ Gift Low-cost Membership US$25/year. Includes International Bear News, not Ursus. # Years_____ US$______Gift Membership for: ______ ______IBA Please Choose a Deserving Gift Recipient. Tax Deductible Contribution to IBA General Fund. US$______ Tax Deductible Contribution to IBA Bear Conservation Fund. US$______
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Thank you for completing the survey. Please tear out and mail or fax! 32 International Bear News November 2009, vol. 18 no. 4 IBA Publications Order Form Ursus Journal & IBA Conference Proceedings * Cost (US$) Quantity Total 4th 1980 Montana 1977 $30.00 5th 1983 Wisconsin 1980 $30.00 6th 1986 Arizona 1983 $30.00 7th 1987 Virginia/Yugoslavia 1986 $35.00 8th 1990 British Columbia 1989 $40.00 9th (1) 1994 Montana 1992 $45.00 9th (2) 1997 France 1992 $25.00 10th 1998 Ursus-Alaska/Sweden 1995 $40.00 11th 1999 Ursus 11 $45.00 12th 2001 Ursus 12 $45.00 13th 2002 Ursus 13 $45.00 14th 2003 Ursus 14 Volumes 1 & 2 $45.00 15th 2004 Ursus 15 Volumes 1 & 2 $45.00 16th 2005 Ursus 16 $45.00 17th 2006 Ursus 17 $45.00 18th 2007 Ursus 18 $45.00 19th 2008 Ursus 19 (included with membership) $45.00 * 40% discount for 3 or more volumes, except Ursus 16 through 19 Less 40% discount (-$ ) Eastern Black Bear Workshop Proceedings, USA 10th 1991 Arkansas 1990 $15.00 11th 1992 New Hampshire 1992 $15.00 13th 1996 Vermont 1996 $15.00 14th 1997 Mississippi 1997 $15.00 15th 2002 Massachusetts 1999 $15.00 16th 2001 South Carolina 2001 $15.00 17th 2005 New Jersey 2003 $15.00 18th 2008 Florida 2005 $15.00 Western Black Bear Workshop Proceedings, USA 4th 1993 California 1991 $15.00
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SEND TO: Terry D. White, Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory, 274 Ellington Hall, University of Tennessee, Knoxville TN 37996, USA, Fax: +1 865-974-3555 Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery alsoForm available www.bearbiology.com. at revised 2008-09 Sun bear photos: © Michael W. Dulaney Sun bear skull photos: © Phil Myers, University of Michigan cc by-nc-sa IBA Officers & Council Executive Council Officers Executive Council Phone: +47-6496-5393 Frank van Manen Mei-Hsiu Hwang Fax: +47-6496-5801 President 10 Member 11 and USGS Southern Appalachian Field Institute of Wildlife Conservation Department of Integrative Biology Laboratory National Pingtung University of Institute for Wildlife Biology and University of Tennessee Science & Technology, Game Management 274 Ellington Hall 1 Hsech Fu Road, Nei Pu, Pingtung, University of Natural Ressources and Knoxville TN 37996, USA 91201, Taiwan. Applied Life Sciences, Vienna Phone: +1 865-974-0200 Phone: +886-8-7740516 Gregor Mendel str. 33 Fax: +1 865-974-3655 Fax: +886-8-7740417 A-1180 Vienna, Austria Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Ex-officio, Non-voting Members Harry Reynolds Mike Proctor Member 10 Matt Durnin Past President International Bear Newsletter Editor PO Box 80843 PO Box 920 Kaslo BC Canada V0G 1M0 B4-2 Qijiayuan Diplomatic Compound Fairbanks AK 99708, USA No. 9 Jianwai Dajie Phone: +1 907-479-5169 Phone: +1 250-353-7339 Email: [email protected] Chaoyang District Email: [email protected] Beijing 100600, China Shyamala Ratnayeke Phone: +86 (10) 8532-4710 ext 232 Piero Genovesi 10 11 Member Fax: +86 (10) 8532-3922 Vice President for Eurasia Department of Forestry, Wildlife Email: [email protected] INFS-National Wildlife Institute and Fisheries Via Ca’ Fornacetta 9 University of Tennessee Rich Harris, Ursus Editor I-40064 Ozzano Emilia BO, Italy Knoxville TN 37996, USA 175 S 11th St. W Phone: +39 051 6512228 Phone: +1 865-429-1218 Missoula MT 59801, USA Fax: +39 051 796628 Email: [email protected] Phone & Fax: +1 406-542-6399 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Jon Swenson Karen Noyce Member 10 Dave Garshelis Vice President for Americas 10 Department of Ecology and Natural Bear Specialist Group Co-Chair Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources Resource Management Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources 1201 East Highway 2 Agricultural University of Norway 1201 East Highway 2 Grand Rapids MN 55744, USA Box 5003, NO-1432 Grand Rapids MN 55744, USA Phone: +1 218-327-4432 Ås, Norway Phone: +1 218-327-4146 Fax: +1 218-327-4181 Phone: 47 64 94 85 30 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Bruce McLellan Bear Specialist Group Co-Chair Diana Doan-Crider Koji Yamazaki 10 Box 1732 Secretary 10 Member Zoological Laboratory D’arcy BC, V0N 1L0, Canada PO Box 185 Email: [email protected] Comfort TX 78013, USA Ibaraki Nature Museum Phone: +1 830-324-6550 700 Osaki Iwai-City Jordan Schaul, AZA Liaison Email: [email protected] Ibaraki 306-0622, Japan Email: [email protected] Phone: +81 297-38-2000 Cecily Costello Phone: +81 297-38-1999 Brian Schieck Treasurer 10 Email: [email protected] IBA Student Coordinator Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation PO Box 567 Andreas Zedrosser Manhattan MT 59741, USA 11 Commission Member 1526 Kelvin Avenue Phone: +1 406-284-3477 Insitute for Ecology and Natural Res- Email: [email protected] Deltona FL 32738-5002, USA source Management Phone: +1 386-789-7063 Norwegian University of Life Sciences Email: [email protected] Pb. 5003
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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 organization open to profes- sional biologists, wildlife managers, and others dedicated to the conservation of all bear species. The organization has over 550 members from over 50 countries. It supports the scientific management of bears through research and distribution of informa- tion. 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 international members and officers, and through financial support for international research, travel to meetings, memberships, 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, recognizing 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 fund- ing, knowledge of geographical areas, or expertise in scientific or non-scientific sectors.
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