International Bear News Quarterly Newsletter of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) and IUCN/SSC Bear Specialist Group February 2008 Vol. 17 no. 1 © NPS,DeBruyn D. Terry

Trouble in the Middle East for bears as well as humans? See how bears are faring in Iran and Pakistan on pages 28 and 29.

IBA websites: www.bearbiology.org www.bearbiology.com Ursus website: www.ursusjournal.com Table of Contents

Council News River Bucaral in the 3 From the President Portuguesa Mountain Range, 3 Research and Conservation Grants Lara State, Venezuela Program 2007-08 Student Forum 18th IBA Conference 32 Student Forum 5 18th IBA Conference Mexico – 33 Student List Serve Great Papers, Great Food, and No Stolen Kidneys Bears in Culture 14 Global Warming/Climate Change 34 Archaeobiological Assessment of a and Its Effects on World Bear Species Grizzly Claw Necklace Attributed to the Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-1806) Bear: Specialist Group 17 Bear Specialist Group Meeting Publications in Mexico 36 February 2008 Recent Bear Literature 23 News and Views from the Trade in Bear Parts Expert Team Communications 24 Bear Specialist Group 36 International Bear Cub Newsletter is out! 36 Hair Loss Among Bears – Eurasia North American Zoo Survey 25 Greece: Bears Have Sensitive Ear To 37 Seeking Input and Information to Highway Construction Noise Document Bear Trap Design 26 Brown Bears in Yakutia 37 BEARTREK Campaign and Film 28 Brown Bears in Iran Underway – an update 29 News from Pakistan: Bears Facing Serious Problems Again Events 38 10th Western Black Bear Workshop Americas 30 Polar Bears International: IBA In-Field Lecture Program 39 IBA Membership Application 31 Fragmentation of the Forest Habitat 41 IBA Publications Order Form of the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos 43 IBA Officers and Council ornatos) in the High Basin of the 44 IBA Mission Statement

Cover photo of an Alaskan brown bear courtesy of Terry D. DeBruyn, National Park Service.

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 May 2008 issue is April 5, 2008 Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue. Artwork is copyrighted – do not reproduce without permission. Membership Use the form on page 39 to order or renew memberships, make donations, and/or update member information.  International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Council News Although the new Council already portunity to continue IBA’s mission by From the President has many things to tackle, a couple fostering good management and con- of issues will be on the forefront for a servation of all 8 bear species through Frank van Manen while. One is that the greatest con- science and education. We have an USGS Southern Appalachian servation challenges facing bears are enthusiastic Council with many fresh Field Laboratory in portions of the world from where ideas in support of that mission. Take University of Tennessee we have relatively few members. We some time to familiarize yourself with 274 Ellington Hall will be focusing much attention in the the Council members (see second to Knoxville TN 37996, USA coming years on expanding our mem- last page of this newsletter or visit our Phone: +1 865-974-0200 bership outside of North America and website). Please feel free to share your Email: [email protected] playing a more prominent role in areas ideas and concerns with me or anyone where the need for science-based else on Council, we want to hear from The year 2008 is still very young as conservation is high. Ultimately, we you! r I’m writing this column. Our former hope such actions build local capacity President, Harry Reynolds, always and support to sustain conservation in provided a short note on the weather the long term. Further strengthening conditions in Fairbanks, Alaska, which of the partnerships between IBA and were arguably more exciting than the Bear Specialist Group (BSG) and Research and what I can offer you from the relatively Polar Bear Specialist Group will also mild conditions in the Great Smoky Conservation be an important goal. The BSG held Mountains of east Tennessee. How- a meeting at the end of the confer- Grants Program ever, we just had the first light dusting ence in Monterrey, Mexico, which of snow this season, which probably 2007-08 was very well attended and resulted sent people scrambling for the grocery in valuable exchange of information stores to stock up on bread and milk! Frederick C. Dean (Chair) and ideas regarding bear populations As always, the black bears take it all 810 Ballaine Road in all portions of the world. Together in stride and have denned up, waiting Fairbanks AK 99709-6606, USA with the specialist groups we will be for March or April before they start Phone: +1 907-479-6607 exploring ways to further encourage wandering about. Email: [email protected] that type of informal exchange at In the previous newsletter, Harry future conferences. discussed many important IBA ac- The following information is a brief Collectively, you, as members complishments during the past 6 summary of the proposals received by of IBA, represent the largest body years. Decisions by IBA councils the Research and Conservation Grants of knowledge regarding all 8 bear played an important role in those Committee (RCGC) by the submission species. Our conferences, our journal accomplishments. Many of those deadline of December 31, 2007. Ursus, and this newsletter have decisions were very difficult but they Total number of proposals active at provided great ways to share that were ultimately effective; I want to the deadline = 19. knowledge. Yet, I believe we can do recognize the previous Councils that Total number of dollars requested more to profile ourselves better so that ≅ helped establish a solid membership, from IBA US$126,000. governments, NGOs, and the general increase the stature and readership public know that IBA is the organiza- of our technical journal Ursus, and The RCGC has been working on tion to turn to for reliable information expand IBA’s Research and Conserva- several statements regarding commit- regarding bear conservation. That tion grants program. tee policy and guidelines. These will leads to another important item we IBA Council has undergone quite be announced in the International will focus on over the next year, the a few changes, with the IBA member- Bear Newsletter (IBN) as the final IBA website. The website has already ship electing 4 new officers (President, versions are approved; they will also undergone an incredible transforma- Vice-President for Americas, Secre- be posted on the IBA Website as tion and our plan is to further expand tary, and Treasurer) and 3 new council appropriate. Unfortunately, none had its capabilities. Our goal here is to members in November. Council also been finally cleared by all members make the website more informative appointed one additional member. of the committee in time to make the and interactive as well as the central We probably have better international last issue of the IBN. The first of the place to renew memberships, register and geographical representation on statements concerns grants for pro- for conferences, make donations, Council than ever before, an impor- posals to fund “bear aware” programs order back issues of Ursus, etc. tant step towards IBA growing into or purchase of bear-resistant garbage I am honored to represent IBA as a truly international organization. containers. This has been agreed to President and I look forward to the op- and is included below.

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1  Council News maintaining people in the interface Requested from Species Country - region between “human country” and “bear IBA (USD) country.” IBA’s role should be to assist H. malayanus Captive $5,000.00 the development of policies and proce- dures in areas where these may be new H. malayanus & and where there is true financial need U. maritimus Captive $5,666.00 as well as a need from the perspective M. ursinus India $6,900.00 of bear conservation. T. ornatus Peru $10,000.00 The RCGC is establishing the fol- T. ornatus Columbia $10,000.00 lowing general guidelines with regard to funding grants for bear-proofing T. ornatus Ecuador $5,000.00 and related education. However, in U. americanus USA - Arizona $4,000.00 view of the difficulty of anticipating U. americanus USA - New Hampshire $4,500.00 all possible circumstances, the RCGC reserves the right to exercise its judg- U. arctos Iran $8,100.00 ment and some flexibility with respect U. arctos Nepal $7,180.00 to these guidelines. U. arctos Canada - Alberta $5,225.00 U. arctos USA - Idaho $10,000.00 • U. arctos Albania & FYROM $3,000.00 1. In general, the RCGC will not allo- cate IBA grant funds for purchasing U. arctos Russia $10,000.00 or subsidizing the purchase of bear- U. arctos Mongolia $7,000.00 resistant and bear-proof garbage U. arctos Georgia $4,500.00 containers, either those designed U. arctos Canada - Alberta $7,500.00 for homeowner use or dumpsters. We recognize that there may be U. thibetanus Japan $4,730.00 legitimate circumstances that jus- U. thibetanus Nepal $7,635.00 tify such grants and wish to leave final decisions up to the Committee after review of any such proposal Bear-proof Garbage We feel that many, if not most, such that is submitted. programs should be financed by the 2. RCG funds may be awarded to Containers and Related local people and their governmental programs that clearly show poten- Information/Education organizations. tial for developing new and more Programs effective or less costly methods or (Guidelines for the IBA Research & equipment for stopping bear access • to garbage and other human waste Conservation Grant Committee) The RCGC recognizes the impor- attractants. tance of good practices in handling 3. Use of RCG funds for the purchase NOTE: These guidelines would food wastes and their implications of bear-proof food and/or garbage only apply to the IBA Research and for bear conservation. There is no containers or lockers may be legiti- Conservation Grants Program. The debate about that bear-proofing and mate if certain criteria are met. need for having and publicizing a set good practices in general are very a. The applicant is not simply a of clear guidelines on the use of grant significant, both with respect to single governmental agency that funds is evidenced by the fact that the human safety and also the number of should be able to budget funds Research and Conservation Grants bears killed. for such purchases, at least to ac- Committee (RCGC) has received an We want to applaud those who have quire such equipment gradually; increasing number of proposals for worked hard to create sound practices b. That, preferably, the applicant grants that would finance or subsidize and safer interfaces between humans represents a coalition of con- the purchase of bear-proof garbage and bears. However, funds for making cerned and interested parties containers. We have also received grants are definitely limited, especially - perhaps local, regional, and several proposals for programs that are in relation to the total requests the national agencies as well as local centered on proper conduct for people RCGC receives. We do not believe or regional NGOs; living in bear country, particularly that IBA should be funding routine, with respect to the handling of garbage. normal procedures and methods of

 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Council News c. That the project budget shows e. That the project would receive 4. Support of “Bear Wise” and similar that significant funds from higher priority among similar education programs with RCG non-IBA sources have either proposals if the bear population funds will follow somewhat similar been spent on similar purchases concerned was at risk (this could guidelines. These programs can in previous years or have been include situations such as very be important in the conservation firmly committed, if not re- small, expanding population of bears, especially where they are ceived, for the current or future composed of critical individu- focused on the interface between years, i.e. we would be adding to als or it might be a population human food and garbage or domes- an existing program; facing an unexpected new threat tic livestock and bears. However, d. That the RCG funds would resulting from garbage); it seems to the Committee that in usually be limited to an endorse- f. This sort of project support most instances in the wealthier ment of the program rather should be available world-wide countries costs of these programs than a solution. (We have had and perhaps with slightly less should be born by the various levels some requests that would have stringent requirements where of government and the appropriate required most of a given year’s government resources are less agencies. r grant budget.); available.

18th IBA Conference

Mexican way of doing things. Mexi- recordings of the conference should 18th IBA Conference can wildlife management agencies be available soon. Mexico – Great Papers, and universities were excited over the The conference was held in one of opportunities that this conference Mexico’s premier conference centers, Great Food, and provided for their staff and students. I the CINTERMEX facility. While this No Stolen Kidneys really do believe that this conference increased the budget significantly, we was a landmark event for establishing felt it was worth every penny because Diana Doan-Crider international collaboration within of the location, the well-equipped PO Box 775 North & South Kingsville TX 78364-0775, USA America, served Phone: +1 361-595-4292 as a launching Email: [email protected] pad for bear management in Mexico, and Conference Overview successfully Recently, the 18th International followed the Conference on Bear Research & example of our Management was held in Monterrey, many other IBA Mexico, on November 4-10, 2007. conferences Based on everyone’s comments, to unify all of participants were very content with those interested the conference’s outcome. The in conserving Mexican government was equivocally bears worldwide. happy that over 300 foreigners from For those of you 26 different countries came to visit who missed this Mexico, and left with an exceedingly great fiesta, I good impression of Monterrey and encourage you its people. I was extremely happy CINTERMEX facility: site of 18th IBA Conference to visit the IBA that 1) I survived, 2) a black-market Mexico page under for American kidneys really doesn’t facility, nearby restaurants, and of Conferences on the IBA website and exist in Mexico, and 3) the conference course, the UNESCO Forum on Cul- download the conference program really did turn out great despite my in- tures that was hosted in the adjacent and watch the slide show. DVD numerable mini-nervous breakdowns eco-park. Participants were spoiled over transportation failures and the with shopping for crafts brought in

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1  18th IBA Conference from every Mexican state, beautiful bus driver cleverly and rare archeological exhibits, and played music and the amazing Santa Lucia River walk. distracted his cargo Special events were sponsored by our from the long 1- many Mexican friends (see Sponsors hour drive to, what below), such as the opening icebreaker everyone would at the Obispado Museum on Sunday agree, was one of evening. Guests got to experience the highlights of the wonderful scenic vista of the the conference. city at night atop the Obispado hill, The historic Ha- enjoy great Mexican food and wine, cienda San Pedro and dance to regional folkloric music rests at the base inside of one of Monterrey’s oldest and of the Picacho most historic buildings. Field trips mountains, and Hacienda San Pedros were hosted at several key bear areas, was beautifully including the Picachos Ranch, where lit up in the night Sponsorship as the buses found their way in The conference was filled with the dark through the Mexican great events that were sponsored brush. Guests experienced a by numerous corporations, agen- wonderful banquet, a fantastic cies, individuals, organizations, and folkloric dance show by the universities. While sponsorship Universidad Autonoma de totaled approximately $70,000 USD, Nuevo Leon, and amazing Latin many donations in time, logistics, American music from El Grupo supplies, and food were also received. Tigre. IBA’ers danced the night Our sponsors were the Caesar away. We wrapped up the Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, night with an “honorary” piñata CEMEX, Comisión Nacional de bashing by Harry Reynolds, who Áreas Naturales Protegidas, FEMSA, beat the tar out of an effigy of © Ximena Velez MADISA, Universidad Autónoma Mexican black bear at Picachos Ranch a Mexican bear. One Russian de Nuevo León, Consejo Estatal para guest quizzically asked the reason la Flora y Fauna de Nuevo Leon, a total of 6 black bears were observed for this “pointless flogging,” which Departamento de Parques y Vida in the Mexican oak forest; and further highlighted the amusing Silvestre de Nuevo Leon, International Chipinque National Park, where biolo- diversity of our wonderful IBA. Every- Association for Bear Research & Man- gists wandered in the mists of the Si- one had so much fun that we hardly agement – Bevin’s Grant, erra Madre peaks. A field trip to Mina Grupo Senda Transport Archeological site was accompanied Company, University of by some of Monterrey’s top archeolo- Tennessee, USDA Forest gists, where guests visited key rock Service, USDI National painting areas in the low Chihuahuan Park Service, Denver desert and learned to throw the atlatl. Zoological Foundation, Thank God nobody was hurt, despite CONECO Landowners poor aim. Our conference banquet Association, Contructora was generously sponsored by FEMSA, Tecnica DORRSA, or better known as the Cuahutemoc Grupo Acero del Norte, Moctezuma Brewery. Participants Oficinas de Convenciones were surprised by a real Mexican y Visitas de Nuevo Leon, transportation experience, where over Parque Ecologico de 250 guests were packed into only 3 Chipinque, The Nature buses due to a “failure in communica- Harry Reynolds: Bear Bashing Conservancy, Pronatura, tion.” Honestly, you can’t successfully A.C., Texas Parks & boast of a Mexican experience without heard a complaint when we began Wildlife Department, and the Union being packed into a bus like a sardine, cramming guests back onto the buses Ganadera Regional de Coahuila. We so we simply convinced our guests for their long, but festive, ride back to would also like to thank our special that this was part of the package. The the hotels. friends who went beyond the ex-

 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 18th IBA Conference pected to help bring this conference addition, the conference included initiated this session with an overview about: Mr. David Garza Laguera, informative workshops (see below) of bear research & management in Mrs. Elizabeth Spence Sellers, Ms. on genetics, population monitoring, Mexico, past, present, and future. Katharine Armstrong Love, Ms. Cina project planning, animal monitor- Mexico has learned from some serious Alexander Forgason, Mr. Othon Ruiz ing and anesthesia, and black bear mistakes in the past, such as the eradi- Montemayor, and the Martinez / management in Mexico. Awards for cation of the Mexican grizzly bear, Pamanes family of Monterrey. Special Best Oral Presentation went to Kartick and there has been a strong effort to appreciation goes to Maria Guerra, Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani for ensure that the black bear does not Maria Eugenia Rodriguez, Becky their presentation titled “Sloth Bears follow in those tracks. While research Trant, Chris Reopelle, Jere Sepulveda, – from the Forests to the Streets.” is still lagging and collaboration is Yolanda Ballard, and Charity Lawson They also won the award for Best not as strong as it should be, there for their help. Guillermo Palomares Poster Presentation for their poster has been a recent surge in interest of Impulsora de Rentas y Servicios titled “Sloth Bears and the Kalandar toward research and management. In provided excellent services and went Community.” Robyn Appleton won addition, bear populations appear to beyond what was required to help us Best Student Presentation for her be recuperating from previously low with arrangements. Arturo May pro- numbers, and expansion continues vided translation services, as always, into historic areas. Sasha Carvajal with a touch of humor. We also thank et al., formerly of PRONATURA, all of our volunteers and students presented their efforts to mitigate co- from the Universidad Autonoma de existence between local communities Nuevo Leon, Universidad Autonoma and the black bear in the El Cielo Bio- de Mexico, and Texas A&M Univer- sphere Reserve of Tamaulipas. Sasha sity-Kingsville who have worked so and her coauthors worked closely with hard. residents who were losing crops due to bear depredation by familiarizing Presentations and Awards them with bear ecology and biology, Our conference program was fairly and teaching them to prevent conflict. packed, but we tried to take advantage They hope to evaluate the production of having everyone in one place for of seasonal bear foods to help them such a short period of time. There predict movements and further under- were 55 oral presentations and 87 stand interactions. Bonnie McKinney posters. The conference was inau- and Jonas Delgadillo of CEMEX gave gurated by several Mexican dignitar- an interesting review of her black bear ies, including Mexico’s Director of research in the Maderas del Carmen, Protected Areas, Dr. Ernesto Enkerlin. which is part of a collaborative effort His message was hopeful and gra- to protect this natural area in north- cious, giving special thanks the IBA ern Coahuila. She and her team have Mayan royalty: John Hechtel and Diana Crider for bringing its expertise to Mexico. captured 60 bears, and continue to Scientific presentations began with an monitor 34. Interestingly, 81% of her paper titled “Mark-Resight Population overview of bear research in Mexico, captures were adult or subadult males. Estimates Derived from Observa- and followed with topics such as Through radio collaring, they hope to tions of Andean Bears Using Water bear foods and nutrition, polar bears, determine key travel corridors for the Holes in the Tropical Dry Forests of population estimation, bear manage- species within Mexico and also into Peru.” Congratulations to all on a job ment and conservation, bear behavior, the U.S., and implement appropriate well done! Following are summaries Andean bear research, human bear management strategies. Cora Varas prepared by each session chair of the interaction, bear physiology, and Nelson et al. from the University conference: spatial analysis and temporal relation- of Arizona presented the results of ships. Invited papers covered per- genetic studies using black bear scats tinent topics such as stable isotopes Bear Research, Management, and in Sonora. She extracted DNA to (Merav Ben-David), polar bears and Conservation in Mexico identify variability and relatedness climate change (Marty Obbard), Diana Doan-Crider among individuals within the Sonora fatty acid signature analysis (Greg Email: [email protected] population, and also compared these Thiemann), Andean bear research data to those of other black bear (Isaac Goldstein), and Mexican bear Diana Doan-Crider et al., formerly populations in Arizona. She proposed research (Diana Doan-Crider). In of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, that black bears in Sonora are more

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1  18th IBA Conference closely related to Arizona and New diet of Estonian brown bears. Found analysis and fatty acid (FA) signatures. Mexico bears, but not so much so with in a fragmented landscape with FA analysis can be used to deter- Coahuila bears. Pedro Angel Calderon high potential for lethal bear human mine foraging patterns, to identify et al. from PROFAUNA presented conflicts, these bears rely on spring- biomarkers in the diet, and to con- the results of interviews that were time mammals, summertime insects, struct quantitative estimates of diet. conducted in the state of Chihuahua and autumn plants as important diet An excellent presentation of the issues to determine presence of black bears constituents. Estonian bears natural entailed in analysis and interpretation in historic and new areas. Based on diet showed similarities and regional of FA results was provided. sightings, he and his coauthors then differences with other European conducted transects to evaluate the brown bear populations. Erin Latham Polar Bears presence of bear sign for verification. and Mike Gibeau from Parks Canada Elizabeth Peacock, Government of He gave a great update on the bear’s presented a method using digital im- Nunavut status for that state, and will use this age analysis to quantify berry produc- Email: [email protected] information to work with communi- tion. Histograms of color signatures The session on polar bears started ties to promote bear conservation. were correlated with berry densities, with review of the state-of-the-data and it appears this technique will and politics of polar bear conservation provide a low cost, objective ap- Bear Foods and Nutrition by of the Ontario Min- proach for monitoring berry produc- Marty Obbard Sean Farley, Alaska Game & Fish istry of Natural Resources, Canada. tion. Mei-Hsiu Hwang and Yu-Cen Department He summarized what biologists know Jhong from the National Pingutg Email: [email protected] about the effects of climate change on University in Taiwan presented on The session began with an invited polar bear populations in Canada and the effect of bear gut residence time presentation by the U.S., highlighting work in western Merav Ben-David on seed germination. Gut retention from the University of Wyoming. Hudson Bay and his own work in time was positively correlated with The discussion, entitled “Why Southern Hudson Bay, the south- an increased germination rate of stable isotopes?” provided a highly ernmost polar bear population. He seeds. Because omnivorous bears are informative review of stable isotope introduced a USGS concept in which potentially important seed dispersers, chemistry for biological applications, polar bear populations are grouped and likely affect habitat structure, any as well as newer methods of analysis. into eco-regions, areas that differ changes in bear numbers may have Those employing stable isotopes were in ice patterns. It is expected that a deleterious effect on plant com- strongly urged to look beyond animal bears will respond to climate change munity ecology. Karen Noyce and specific applications to interpretations differently and at different rates in Dave Garshelis from the Minnesota linking individual diet choices with these regions. Graduate student, Dept. of Natural Resources questioned Vicki emerging population parameters. of University of Alberta the effect(s) of severe food shortage Sahanatien et al. from Washington reported on her preliminary work Jennifer Fortin on growing bears. While adult bears State University next presented on with polar bear ice habitat models in typically show little effect from severe niche partitioning between black and Foxe Basin, Nunavut, Canada. She has food shortages, the impact on growing brown bears on a short stream with been able to classify habitats of polar young may be critical. Compensatory dense salmon concentrations. Spe- bears and how favorable and unfavor- growth and physiological flexibil- cies, gender, individual identification, able habitats have changed over the ity for growth are likely important and diet composition were determined last twenty years. Finally, evolved traits in bears, but severe food Karyn Rode from hair and scat collections using of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shortages may have long term repro- stable isotopes, DNA, and gross fecal reported on aerial survey flights in ductive and population growth effects composition. Both male and female the southern Beaufort Sea area, off of if younger bears are affected. The brown bears used the stream, but the north coast of Alaska, USA. Aerial session closed with another invited only black bear males were found. surveys for polar bears while they are paper, this from Greg Thiemann of Salmon constituted approximately on shore in the autumn have occurred the University of Alberta on fatty acid 8% and 66% of black and brown bear annually since 2000. They estimated signature analysis. It was noted that diets, respectively. Fecal presence of that less than 5% of the Southern while observations of feeding behavior berries did not differ between species; Beaufort Sea polar bear population provides excellent identification of however isotope signatures showed came on shore in the autumn and diet items, it is impractical to apply that assimilated plant diet was 84% that spatial and temporal patterns of that approach on a large scale. More for black bears compared to 20% for land use were related to the number of recently, diet has been investigated brown bears. , et al. from seals in proximity to the shore and the Egle Vulla with techniques such as stable isotope the University of Tartu examined the distance to the pack ice.

 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 18th IBA Conference bear density in Georgia. After a break Population Estimation for the IBA Members Meeting and Bear Management and Marty Obbard, Ontario Ministry of lunch, the session re-convened with a Conservation Natural Resources paper by Craig Gardner that evaluated David Hewitt, Texas A&M Email: [email protected] grizzly bear density using DNA-based University-Kingsville capture-recapture sampling in an area Those who attended the session on Email: [email protected] in east central Alaska where grizzly Population Estimation were treated bear population reduction efforts had The session on Bear Management to high-quality, informative presenta- been implemented in order to increase and Conservation was as diverse as tions by researchers with extensive moose density. The study concluded implied by the session’s name. The experience in this area. The first that grizzly bear numbers were low in session began with a pointed critique presentation by outlined Kate Kendall recent burns and that bears avoided of bear management in Alaska from a large-scale DNA-based project to these areas. Large recent burns were Sterling Miller and ended with a estimate density of grizzly bears in more important than harvest in thoughtful evaluation from Dave Glacier National Park. In this study, reducing grizzly bear numbers in part Garshelis of using expert opinion to using additional samples from bear map bear distribu- rub trees improved tion in areas where the density es- little information is timates derived available. A presen- from samples from tation by Michael barbed-wire hair Proctor showed how traps. The second research results paper, presented can influence bear by John Boulanger, management and examined whether provided insight previous live capture into management of affected detection small, fragmented of grizzly bears by bear populations. DNA hair-snags. By Richard Bischof using occupancy used data from a models to compare long term study detection prob- of brown bears in abilities of collared Sweden to assess bears on the study factors influencing area with uncollared a bear’s susceptibil- bears it was shown ity to harvest. At that previously- the opposite end of captured bears had the bear abundance lower, though non-zero, detection because of low hunter success rates spectrum, a translocation of brown probabilities. This individual hetero- due to low bear numbers in accessible bears in Europe was described by geneity should be accounted for when areas. The last paper in the session Piero Genovesi which illustrated estimating population size. The in- was presented by Chuck Schwartz. the many positive outcomes of such formation presented by Kate and John This paper compared 2 methods to projects in bear conservation, beyond was provided in greater detail during estimate reproductive rate: the ratio simply establishing a new population. the evening Genetics Workshops. The method (that calculates the ratio of Marta de Barba showed in her presen- third paper of the morning session female cubs to radio-collared adult tation that this translocated popula- was given by graduate student Jamie females) and a method that estimates tion may not be genetically viable over Skvarla Sanderlin of the University transition probabilities and steady the long term without immigration of Georgia. This paper provided state conditions. Reproductive rates or periodic genetic supplementation. an innovative model for an optimal are more accurately estimated using Because release of orphan bear cubs sampling design used to maximize transition probabilities and steady has the potential to impact wild bear the ratio of accuracy to cost for non- state conditions if studies are of short populations, John Beecham sum- invasive techniques (DNA hair-snags duration, capture heterogeneity is marized findings from a meeting of and digital cameras) to estimate black evident, or individual bears are not re- biologists from around the world with collared for the duration of the study. experience in releasing orphaned

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1  18th IBA Conference cubs. Muhammad Ali Nawaz showed in Sweden with different density and Andean Bear Research, how conservation groups, govern- sex ratio. They found no significant Management, & Conservation ment officials, and local people could difference in male dispersal between Shaenandoah Garcia-Rangel, Univer- work together to maintain a brown the two areas, and female dispersal sity of Cambridge bear population living in marginal probability correlated with age of the Email: [email protected] habitat at high elevations. Even in mother, and negatively correlated areas of seeming abundance, bears with body size. These results appear The Andean-bear session of the may be faced with declining resources to support an inbreeding avoidance past 18th IBA conference involved as shown in a presentation of chum hypothesis for males, and a resident 3 speakers covering very distinct salmon mortality by Joshua Pierce. fitness hypothesis for females. Ron issues regarding the species research, Richard Mace presented demography Swaisgood presented a review of management and conservation. The data from grizzly bears in Denali Park investigations on chemical communi- invited paper by Isaac Goldstein, and discussed implications for bear cation in giant pandas, based on data reviewed the status of Andean- management. As is clear from this on experiments on the meaning of bear research and its impacts on summary, the session gave a captivat- chemo-signals, individual patterns of the species conservation. A total ing overview of the broad range of scent marking, and characteristics of of 465 documents were compiled bear management and conservation mark sites. The review highlighted the and trends on distribution, topics, activities being conducted by IBA role of chemical signals in identifying impact, involvement and relevance to members. sex and reproductive conditions of conservation were evaluated. Results conspecifics, analyzed the different showed productivity peaks in 1989 Bear Behavior responses to signals by receivers, and from 1999 onwards. A geographi- Piero Genovesi, Italian Wildlife and reviewed the role – among other cal bias was identified, with a negative Institute patterns - of age, sex and reproductive relationship between the extent of the Email: [email protected] status of signalers. The authors also species distribution and those coun- discussed the implications of these tries where projects had been carried The session on bear behavior findings for improving husbandry of out. NGO’s and universities lead most provided an enlightening overview of pandas. Alexandros Karamanlidis of efforts, while government bodies the results of several studies carried surprised us all by presenting his had little involvement. Since 1989, the out in different regions of the world on talk entirely on a very high quality information available was in the form the topic. summarized Jon Swenson video, specifically prepared for the of conference abstracts and reports, the results of over 20 years of stud- conference. In his video Alexandros but the tendency for peer-reviewed ies carried on in Scandinavia on the put impressive images of Brown bear journals appears to be increasing spacing patterns of brown bears, also marking behaviors recorded in Greece during the last decade. Research topics based on very detailed information on by using sophisticated automated focused on distribution, food-habits individual’s relatedness assessed using video recording equipment. Most and husbandry, with the recent inclu- DNA. This huge data set permitted images reported the rubbing behavior sion of genetics studies and evaluation to highlight a largely unexpected geo- on power poles (6500 poles inspected), of human-bear conflicts. The results graphical structure of female brown and the presentation also illustrated of a feasibility study to estimate bears, which appear to have different the potentialities of this technique to Andean-bear population size in the levels of organization. The results of monitor bear populations. Also the tropical dry forest on northern Perú the long-term studies carried out in last talk of the session, given by Nevin were presented by Robyn Appleton Sweden suggest that brown bears, Owen, focused on rubbing behavior and colleagues. This is perhaps one of differently to what previously thought, of brown bears. Nevin carried on his the most extreme Andean-bear habi- have some form of territoriality. Also study in British Columbia, where he tat and according to their findings, the second contribution of the session used camera traps. He discussed some a unique opportunity for population - which was presented by Andreas preliminary findings of the research, survey, due to the species use of water , who took the title of his Zedrosser based on identification of individual holes. The project aimed to estimate talk from the famous song “should bears by coat characters, and dis- and compare the numbers of bears I stay or should I go” by the Clash cussed his results in terms of relation- visiting water holes, using individual - was based on data collected in the ships between the rubbing behavior of identification on-site based on facial Scandinavian bear project. Andreas bears, their sex, social dominance and markings and DNA analysis from and his co-authors compared disper- reproductive status. hair samples. A total of 9 individuals sal data of two populations of bears were found using the first technique, while hair samples are still under

10 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 18th IBA Conference analysis. Habitat-use, movements dation is influenced by the location of Bear Physiology and food-habits were also character- resting areas, presence of dogs (or lack Jon Arnemo, Norwegian School of ized. Finally, Robyn discussed future there of), and a basic understanding Veterinary Science plans involving a long-term study about bear biology and ecology. Dick Email: [email protected] focused on estimation of population Shideler then followed with a presen- This session began with a pre- size, feeding ecology, water-hole use tation on hazing and its effectiveness sentation from Lynne Nelson and and evaluation of the conservation on reducing bear/human conflict in Charlie Robbins at Washington State status of Andean bears across this the North Slope oil fields of Alaska. University, covering their research on dry forests. To conclude the session, He compared hazing effectiveness on cardiac adaptations in captive hiber- Ximena Velez-Liendo evaluated the food-conditioned bears to that with nating brown bears. They measured effects of human expansion on the bears that fed solely on natural foods. for several cardiac variables. They distribution of Andean-bear habitats Hazing did not appear to work on noted a decreased cardiac mass during along the eastern hibernation, along slope of the Tropical with reduced atrial Andes in Bolivia. function. These Marginal, suitable functions may help and optimal habitat bears minimize for both bears energy requirements and humans were and stress on the identified, using two heart muscle during independent models hibernation. Tom built with bear-pres- Radandt, of the ence-only data and US Fish & Wildlife eco-geographical Service, presented variables. Combin- his data and results ing these outputs from anesthetized into a risk model, bears while us- Ximena found both ing Xylazine, bear’s and human’s Zolazepam, optimal habitat Tiletamine, and overlapping at the the reversing agent Southern region, Yohimbine. He and thus a high measured heart rate, probability for body temperature, future conflict in bears (or their offspring) who were and post-capture movement rates on this area. already food-conditioned; most even- grizzly and brown bears in Montana, tually died due to conflict situations. Idaho, and British Columbia, and Human Bear However, hazing did appear to be ef- noted a significant different in recov- Interaction / Conflict fective in preventing naïve bears from ery times. This drug combination Raymond Skiles, National Park Service becoming food conditioned. Dick allows bears to return to normal body Email: [email protected] strongly recommended a high empha- function sooner, reduces vulnerability sis on attractant elimination. Kartick to predation, and allows movements to This session started with a great Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani resume normality at a faster rate. Asa presentation from Bipan Rathore and continued with their award-winning Fahlman et al. presented their work NPS Chauhan of India, where they presentation about sloth bears and the on chemical capture and anesthetic summarized their work about brown poaching issue in India. The authors monitoring of brown bears in Norway bears and predation upon livestock in spent a great deal of effort and time and Sweden. Their objectives were the Pir Panjal Himalayan mountain to interview poachers to evaluate to evaluate the best way to minimize range. Bipan included some nice mortality of bears in between capture stress, stabilize physiology during video footage of brown bears feed- and their use for dancing to entertain anesthesia, and avoid mortality of ing on roots, and of the nomadic in the streets of India. They found captured bears. Using a combination shepherds with their sheep, goats, and that mortality rates were relatively of medetomidine and tiletamine- buffalo. After surveying numerous high due to trauma and illness, and zolazepam, they measured rectal shepherds, they determined that pre- that rates could be as high as 40% for temperature, heart rate, respiration, captured bears and cubs.

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 11 18th IBA Conference and hemoglobin oxygen saturation on ing process and the information Ouachita Mountains, 161 (48.5%) both free-ranging and captive bears. obtained on the distribution of bears unique individuals were identified out Overall conclusions were that bears will be used in the development of an of 332 hair samples, and they occurred should be closely monitored during effective conservation strategy in their less in human-associated landscape. anesthesia, and a portable oxygen study area. Marci Johnson presented This analysis provided useful informa- cylinder should be part of standard parts of her postgraduate thesis, in tion for projecting the expansion pat- equipment when darting bears to which she used an array of different tern of a recolonizing bear population. reduce the possibility of hypoxemia. techniques, such as GPS telemetry Diana L. Doan-Crider et al. evaluated In addition, helicopter pursuit should and remote photography in order to the habitat quality of female American be as short as possible. evaluate the use of bait by American black bears in Mexico by comparing black bears. Her results indicated that digestible energy within bear home Spatial Analysis & Spatio bait may play a significant role in the ranges to that of seasonal locations Temporal Relationships – lives of bears in the area. The final over landscapes. Bear food production presentation by focused in a desert environment fluctuated Session A Reynolds et al. on the activity and resource use of with weather, particularly precipita- Alexandros Karamanlidis, Arcturos male grizzly bears in northern Alaska. tion. The result also indicated that Email: [email protected] Using GPS satellite telemetry; they density dependence of bears may be Analyzing spatially explicit data has demonstrated that this technology affected by food production through become nowadays an integral part of is a valuable tool in bear research in social dynamics, such as social stress, bear research. This session began with remote areas and areas where logisti- dispersal, and intra-specific killing. a presentation by Jesse Lewis et al. on cal costs and weather conditions limit The final presentation was given by the seasonal and daily use of habitat data collection. Antonio Viveiros et al. on Antonio’s and the movements of brown bears thesis study. Analyzing resource in North America and how these Spatial Analysis & Spatio selection function with logistic regres- were affected by human activity. The Temporal Relationships – sion, they evaluated the importance authors noted that bears were mostly of security areas to radio-tracked Session B active during crepuscular periods and adult female grizzly bears. Their Session Chair: Mei-Hsiu Hwang exhibited mostly similar daily move- result demonstrated that female bears Email: [email protected] ment rates. In regard to the influence preferred herbaceous habitats and of the effect of human activity their Spatial and temporal activity of edges across all reproductive groups results indicated that habitat use was large carnivores like bears has been a and season. Selection of secure areas affected by the density of roads, hu- critical ecological and conservation is- by females varied by their association man development and timber harvest sue for scientists and managers. Four with different ages of cubs and berry strategies. Jared Laufenberg and Frank presentations about bears in Northern seasons. van Manen presented their work on America revealed bear movement the identification of potential coloni- and activities could be modified by Workshops zation patterns of reintroduced bear human activities and natural environ- populations in Tennessee. Using a ment changes. Barbara Schwab et al. combination of telemetry data and the presented their long-term study on Genetic Research and calculation of Mahalanobis distance 148 Grizzly bears equipped with GPS Population Monitoring values they identified two primary collars across western Alberta. They Thanks to Joe Clark and the directions of range expansion in their found that home ranges of these bears University of Tennessee, funds were population and demonstrated the in foothills were extensive, 1395 km2, available for a collaborative 9 hour value of this methodological approach which was about 3.5 times of bear workshop covering topics related in bear management. Andrew Hunter home ranges in mountain environ- to DNA analysis and population et al. presented an overview of the ments. Bear movement rates also var- monitoring. John Boulanger was a research and development of a new ied by landscape (foothill > mountain), champion in coordinating the various system that augments GPS tracking sex (male > female), and season (early presenters/authors. Although red eyes collars and preliminary findings from hyperphagia in July-Aug > June). An- were the trend for the jam-packed field work carried out on bears in the gela Brown and coauthors examined sessions, the workshop was well Canadian Rocky Mountains. Tabitha the recent expansion of American worth the effort based on input from Graves and coauthors presented black bears in southeastern Arkansas. conference participants. The work- a study that evaluated differences These bears were reintroduced during shop began with a 2-hour session on in bear density relative to various 1958-1968 into eastern Oklahoma. the “Fundamentals of DNA Sampling ecological parameters. Their model- By genotyping individuals of the and Estimation of Population Size

12 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 18th IBA Conference and Density,” presented by Mike The focus of this session was to presentation on bear behavior, and Proctor, John Boulanger, and Gary emphasize project design, imple- how non-natural food management White. They highlighted some of mentation, and data management. plays a critical role in minimizing the more recent developments in the They discussed logistical challenges, conflict. Rachel Mazur, from Sequoia application of DNA mark-recapture coordination among agencies and and Kings Canyon National Parks, methods, including optimization of landowners, and quality control for gave great insight into how females attractants, site selection, and study data collection. They emphasized can teach their offspring about design including sampling intensity, 5 topics of concern, which were: non-natural foods, and also talked minimizing closure violation, ses- planning, training, field work quality about her personal experiences in try sion length, moving or not moving control, data and sample management, to manage people and bears in public sites, incorporating DNA errors into and analytical quality control. Wow areas. Derek Stonorov of Alaska population estimation procedures, and – with all of this input, how could and Wendy Gardner of the Seattle occupancy models. Gary White also anyone go wrong? Participants were Zoo discussed the important role of reviews some of the main estimation tired, but well informed, after this outreach programs in educating the methods included in the MARK workshop! public about how to live with bears. program, and how Raymond Skiles, of Big they have been used Bend National Park, in estimating grizzly presented a great success bear populations. story in managing bears The second and people when bears session was titled first began re-appearing “Monitoring Bear in the park after a 40-year Population Trends absence. Sean Farley in Forested Environ- of Alaska Game & Fish ments,” which lasted Department scared ev- for 5 hours. Mike eryone after he presented Proctor discussed the complicated life of a the optimization of bear manager trying to DNA collection for juggle grizzly bears and trend studies, Rick people living in close Mace talked about proximity – his work is designing radio- certainly challenging! His telemetry based advice was well accepted, research projects, and and will likely influence Dave Garshelis fol- current management lowed with his usual decisions in Mexico. The precautionary advice on how to deal talented John Hechtel, also of Alaska with the uncertainty of study results Mexican Black Bear Game & Fish Department amused and their possible implications. John Management us all with a great presentation on Boulanger then continued with his For the benefit of our Mexican managing bears after-the-fact using discussion on strategies for optimal counterparts, we decided to take translocation, aversive conditioning, design and analysis, and Mark Boyce advantage of having this much bear and removal. Of course, his best followed by including issues pertain- expertise in one place at the same advice was to invest as much time and ing to radio-telemetry studies. Finally, time, and produce a workshop on effort into preventative management Gary White discussed approaches for bear conflict management with an strategies – more advice well taken. joint analysis using radio-telemetry, emphasis on Mexico. We started with Finally, Jaime Saldivar of the Commis- mark-recapture, and DNA data for an overview of management strate- sion for Protected Natural Areas gave estimating trend. gies within and between states, and us an informative presentation on the Finally, Kate Kendall, Jeff Stetz, current issues and problems. Diana newly developed conservation strat- and Amy Macleod from the Northern Doan-Crider presented some of her egy program for priority species in Divide Grizzly Bear Project presented work with Dave Hewitt in northern Mexico, and how this agency hopes to their recommendations and experi- Coahuila, and the food influences provide incentives and a coordinated ences in conducting one of the largest bear movement across the landscape. effort to conduct bear research and studies on population estimation Steve Herrero, from the University of management in Mexico. We wrapped using noninvasive genetic sampling. Calgary, followed with a fundamental up the session with a great afternoon

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 13 18th IBA Conference field trip to the Estanzuela Ecological type of workshop in the future (hint focused on technical and methodolog- Park, which has experienced recent hint!). For a more complete summary ical questions. She wanted to know bear sightings in close proximity to of the topics, we recommend that you the advantages and disadvantages of human populations. We didn’t see download the conference program applying cameras traps, how many any bears, but our guests saw plenty of at www.bearbiology.com under the camera traps are necessary, and how weird Mexican plants, and were glad Conference page (IBA Mexico) for a many stations. Lorena’s topic was to stretch their legs. more thorough review. later discussed in more detail with our experts who gave her useful feedback. Bear Anesthesia, Handling Student Session Our second presenter was Dorixa and Monitoring Monsalve (Venezuela). Dorixa had IBA Mexico 2007 similar methodological and technical Initially, this workshop was orient- Ximena Velez-Liendo questions as Lorena. Her aim was ed toward students who needed basic & to estimate densities and to establish training in bear anesthesia, handling, Andreas Zedrosser and monitoring. However, about a ecological relationships between month before the conference, we had Three students presented their Andean bears and their environment. such an interest from other biologists questions to an audience of about 60 Questions regarding sampling efforts, as well, that we decided to open it up students and a dozen IBA experts. At and the design of capture/recapture to everyone. Attendance was well first, the session was scheduled for a methods were also discussed with the over 125 at the Parque la Pastora Zoo, tranquil lunchtime break at the Taco audience. Finally, our third student compliments of zoo veterinarian Buey, a wonderful Mexican restaurant was Kari Signor (USA). Her studies across the street from the conference Gustavo Sepulveda. Well-known vet- focus on the how to prevent black bear facility. However, the presentation erinarians and doctors Jon Arnemo, visits to campgrounds in Utah using session was re-scheduled for an Asa Fahlman, and Nigel Caulkett conditioned taste aversion (CTA). were gracious enough to donate their evening session in Cintermex when However, several problems exist, such time and effort to conduct the 5-hour we became over-crowded and noisier as difficulties in establishing CTA, workshop at the end of the conference. than a flock of geese, and we still identification of compounds that The speakers covered everything from enjoyed a great lunch visiting with stu- might be more effective for CTA, and precautions for handling animals in dents and biologists. Both students the different responses from captive the field, physiological responses to and experts were able to attend to and free-ranging bears to treatment different trapping methods, to human both sessions, and here we present a due to the different factors in their safety with tranquilizers. Participants brief summary of the presentations. external environments. Kari’s project listened to several hours of presenta- Lorena Araoz (Bolivia) presented goal is to contribute to the knowledge tions by the various authors, and then her proposal and the question, “How for using CTA to manage nuisance students were invited to accompany to estimate population size using black bears. Special thanks go to our the veterinarians to anesthetize a camera traps?” Her research focuses IBA experts who took the time to subadult black bear at the zoo. It was on Andean bears in Bolivia, and her attend and give input. r an excellent program, and we could next phase is her field work in count- tell that IBA’ers wanted more of this ing bears. Thus, her concerns were

University Hall, Room 309 tion on this issue for the IBA. There Global Warming/ University of Montana was general agreement that global Climate Change and Missoula, MT 59812, USA warming/climate change will have Email: [email protected] impacts on the world’s bears, and Its Effects on World that the IBA could contribute to the Bear Species: Introduction/overview knowledge base on the impacts of 1. A workshop was organized during these activities. Report of a workshop at the the Monterrey, Mexico IBA confer- 2. There was a suggestion that inter- IBA meeting Monterrey, ence to discuss the issue of global ested IBA members would create Mexico November 6, 2007 warming/climate change and bears. a summary of possible impacts of There were 39 people who attended global warming/climate change on bears across the world. Chris Servheen this workshop. There was a discus- US Fish and Wildlife Service sion of ways to develop a plan of ac-

14 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 18th IBA Conference 3. This summary could be used to  Establishing a global warming/ term monitoring sites to identify establish monitoring programs on climate change and bears work- specific effects for specific species. specific issues for each species as ing group and clearinghouse It would take task forces for each necessary. through IBA will reinforce IBA’s species to begin to develop these 4. It would be used to highlight re- role as leading experts and long-term monitoring sites and the search and monitoring needs and to sources of information on the basis for these monitoring pro- help focus funding and monitoring conservation of world bears. grams. These monitoring efforts efforts on key issues.  Polar bear scientists have recently would go beyond bear-specific 5. This summary could be used by the published a review of the im- monitoring. For example we have IBA to focus concerns and interest pacts of global warming/climate a general understanding that there of the public and the media about change on polar bears (Stirling may be changes in temperature but the impacts of global warming/cli- and Derocher 2007). This is an the effects of temperature change mate change on bears worldwide. example of how to summarize on moisture and the resulting 6. This summary of possible im- impacts, although the impacts on impacts on bear food production pacts would serve to enhance the polar bears are much more clear- are unclear. For examples of how leadership of the IBA on global bear cut than the impacts on other bear moisture changes related to cli- conservation issues. species. mate change can impact bears see 7. We need to discuss the pros and  There was general agreement Wong et al. (2005) and Fredriksson cons of such an approach and see if that we should maintain a global et al. (2007) on the cascading there is some agreement on how to warming/climate change clearing- effects of global warming/climate proceed on this if we agree to do so. house on the IBA website or some change on sun bears. other website. This clearinghouse  We will see ecosystem change Comments from the discussion could be a source of information with winners and losers … in  General agreement that there on literature dealing with global Yellowstone, oak trees may is benefit in creating an online warming/climate change and begin to establish themselves clearinghouse of information and impacts on bears and a synopsis in the ecosystem. There may be literature on the impacts of global of each ongoing research program positive effects in some cases and warming/climate change on bears. and monitoring program that these should be monitored and  There could be benefits in creating relates to global warming/climate documented.  a list of ongoing projects that in- change and impacts on bears and There is quite a bit of uncertainty volve monitoring impacts of global bear habitat. This clearinghouse about the specific impacts of global warming/climate change on bears should be organized by species warming/climate change in vari- or bear habitat. This list would and regularly updated so that it is ous geographic areas and on key serve as a source of information current. drivers of ecosystems like mois-  and techniques for others inter- There is value in such a clearing- ture. With all this uncertainty it ested in such monitoring of other house to coordinate efforts within is important to proceed cautiously species or in other areas. This and between species, to allow and to avoid statements of impacts would also serve as a contact list to people to know of others working without detailed documentation.  locate professionals doing work on on similar monitoring programs There may be value in a more particular issues. and research projects. Techniques structured approach where  We should highlight current re- could be shared to improve the predictions of the impacts of search that has specific application possibility of data comparisons. global warming/climate change are  to monitoring the effects of climate There was discussion on whether developed for each species, where change on bears. Examples: the IBA should take a position(s) or possible, so these predictions could  Grizzly bears - Yellowstone simply provide information? Some be tested empirically.  White bark pine monitoring people thought we should provide There is already been a significant – changes in incidence of dis- recommendations on the need for effort by many organizations to ease and insect attacks on high long-term monitoring of critical examine and predict floral changes elevation White bark pine. factors related to global warm- due to global warming/climate  Sun bears – relationships ing/climate change. There was change. One function of a clear- between mass fruiting events agreement that recommendations inghouse would be to identify ex- in tropical hardwood forests in at this time would be difficult with perts in other fields such as plant Borneo and weather changes species other than polar bears. ecologists, botanists, hydrologists,  caused by ocean current disrup- There was agreement that there is etc. who are already working on tions. value in creating a network of long- global warming/climate change

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 15 18th IBA Conference impacts on plant species that are rent. This clearinghouse would Summary important to bears (i.e. white bark include updated information on There was significant interest from pine). a wide range of issues that would the IBA members present at this  The clearinghouse should have a connect people working on bears workshop in enhancing coordina- directory of people with areas of with information on global warm- tion and improving understanding expertise related to global warm- ing/climate change and bears, of global warming/climate change ing/climate change so that people and with other people working on impacts on bears. There was a know who to contact and cooper- these and related issues. consensus at the workshop that more  ate with about specific issues. For the web-based clearinghouse, could be done to focus the skills and  There is a need to standardize data create a list of biologists working interests of bear scientists on this collection methods so that data are on issues specifically related to issue. There are ways to improve the comparable and similar measure- global warming/climate change to contributions of bear scientists on this ments are taken on key character- facilitate communication and co- important topic, and we have made istics. The clearinghouse could ordination among bear biologists some suggestions on how to improve provide a conceptual framework working on each bear species. our efforts based on the discussions  to analyze effects on different bear For the web-based clearinghouse, at this workshop. The issue of global species. Examples could include create a master list of all ongoing warming/climate change will continue changes in diet, den entry and exit research and monitoring projects to impact bears and bear habitat. One dates, home range, population that is updated on a regular basis of the 8 bear species, the polar bear, structure, distribution, increased and categorized by species of is the poster child of the dire conse- contaminants, trophic effects, etc. bear to facilitate communication quences of global warming/climate This list of effects would be based and coordination among bear change on life forms on the planet on hypotheses specific to each biologists working on each bear Earth. We as bear biologists need to species developed by a work group species. This list would also il- become more effective in understand- for that species. lustrate the skewed distribution of ing and reporting these impacts, and funds and effort among the spe- in participating in efforts to highlight Proposed Actions from the cies. This could help in securing the ecological importance of this issue funding sources for these poorly to the public. Workshop for the IBA and funded species. BSG To Consider Related  Establish a work group for each species to develop predictions of Literature Cited To The Issue Of Global Fredriksson, G. M., L. S. Danielsen the impacts of global warming/ Warming/Climate Change and J. E. Swenson. 2007. Impacts of climate change for that species, if El Nino related drought and forest and Bears possible. These predictions could  Establish an IBA global warming/ fires on sun bear fruit resources in be used to develop monitoring climate change work group with lowland dipterocarp forest of East efforts to test these predictions representatives for each bear spe- Borneo. Biodiversity and Conserva- empirically. cies. This could be a joint effort tion 16:1823–1838.  For the web-based clearinghouse, with the BSG. This work group create an updated list of literature would serve as the organizer and Stirling, I. and A. E. Derocher. 2007. dealing with global warm- updater of the clearinghouse Melting under pressure: the real ing/climate change and impacts and would help focus attention scope on global warming and polar on bears and their habitat. (We and coordinate efforts of bear bears. The Wildlife Professional. have already started this for polar scientists on the issue of global Fall 2007. 5 pp. bears with the help of Marty warming/climate change. Obbard.)  Develop a specific web-based Wong, S.T., C. Servheen, L. Ambu, and clearinghouse that has a wide A. Norhayati. 2005. Impacts of fruit range of information on global Next Steps production cycles on Malayan sun warming/climate change on The IBA council and the BSG need bears and bearded pigs in lowland bears. This clearinghouse would to decide if they will adopt some or tropical forest of Sabah, Malaysian be organized by species and all of the recommendations from this Borneo. Journal of Tropical Ecology regularly updated so that it is cur- workshop. 21:627-639. r

16 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Bear Specialist Group and reports of bears occur in the other in drafting the Red List species Bear Specialist 5, but population dynamics have been account. Group Meeting in studied only for the state of Coahuila. At a more local level, a workshop Efforts to study population dynamics, was carried out in Bolivia to train stu- Mexico movements, and genetic composition dents on bear tracking and field-data are underway in Coahuila, Chihuahua, collection. Also, a meeting was orga- Dave Garshelis Nuevo Leon, and Sonora, but are not nized by the Species Survival Com- & being coordinated as part of an overall mission-Bolivia to provide an updated Bruce McLellan conservation strategy. Several other list of their members to governmental small studies evaluating food habits authorities. In Venezuela, members Co-chairs IUCN Bear Specialist Group and disease are under-funded and of the ABET joined other specialists, Email: [email protected] incomplete. students and NGOs to develop an [email protected] Because of its status, the black bear Action Plan for Andean-bear conser- is federally managed by SEMARNAT vation in Venezuela (2006-2016). The The Bear Specialist Group held (Secretary of Environment and document was released in June and a one-day meeting in Monterrey, Natural Resources). This agency formally presented by Shaenandhoa Mexico on Saturday, November 10, also has federal delegates that assist García-Rangel at the BSG meeting in 2007, following the 18th International with statewide wildlife management. Monterrey. Conference on Bear Research and Each state also has its own state The ABET is also assisting with the Management. All expert teams, wildlife management agency. Little organization of the II International and a few other individual BSG funding, personnel, and training Symposium on Andean bear Research members, made short presentations have historically been available for and Conservation, to be held later in about conservation issues facing the black bear management and research 2008. This Symposium will aim to world’s bears and actions employed at both state and federal levels. To promote research, management and (or planned) to help resolve them. address these shortcomings, in 2007 conservation of the species through Abstracts of these presentations are the federal government appointed a formal reports on recent projects and presented below, starting (appropri- committee to develop a nationwide small group workshops on selected ately) with Mexican (American) black conservation strategy under the “Pro- topics. This meeting will also serve as bears. gram for the Conservation Each expert team is responsible for Action Plan” (PACE) for presenting a more extensive report of the black bear in Mexico. activities once every 3 years. A full Progress is pending. report from the Trade in Bear Parts Expert Team is included in this issue. Readers interested in other reports Andean Bear can find them in past or future issues Expert Team of IBN. Ximena Velez-Liendo & Isaac Goldstein Mexican Black Bears The ABET has 15 Diana Doan-Crider members representing The American black bear is all five range countries. currently listed as endangered in Argentina does not Mexico, and is not hunted. Little is have a representative known about their overall distribu- because further research tion and status. Populations in is needed to clarify some areas appear to be expanding. whether Andean bears There is evidence that bears histori- exist there. A principal cally occupied 11 states: Tamaulipas, team activity was to Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Chihuahua, update the conservation Durango, Sonora, Zacatecas, Sinaloa, status of this species San Luis Potosi, Jalisco, and Nayarit. for the IUCN Red List. Reproducing populations are cur- Team members and rently known to occur in 6 of these other specialists com- (Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, pleted a survey to aid © Laura Secada Field training on Andean bears in Bolivia Chihuahua, Durango, and Sonora),

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 17 Bear Specialist Group a link for future partnership between credible estimates. Seven countries using interviews, sign surveys and researchers and potential funding reported declining bear numbers, 2 remote cameras; conduct research on sources, especially zoos. (Iran, Thailand) thought numbers bear ecology, behavior, and genetics; were stable, 1 (S. Korea, see below) educate, raise awareness, and attract Asiatic Black Bear Expert Team reported increasing numbers, and the resources for conservation; and con- Dave Garshelis & Mei-Hsiu Hwang rest had no assessment of population duct workshops and training sessions trend. (capacity building). Possibly the most The ABBET has 41 members rep- Major conservation issues include: direct conservation work is in S. Ko- resenting 17 of the 18 range countries habitat loss and degradation from rea, where so far 26 bears from Russia (mapping and other data from North agriculture, logging, erosion, and and N. Korea have been reintroduced, Korea, the only country not repre- new hydro-projects; poaching for gall with the goal of eventually increasing sented, were obtained from our South bladders and paws (which seems to a resident population of <10 to at least Korean representatives). Most team be rising); depredations on crops and 50 by the year 2012. members formally met at the Japan bee yards (with reprisals against bears IBA conference, and all participated using guns, poisons, and bombs); Sun Bear Expert Team in range mapping either at the Japan and attacks on people. Increasing Rob Steinmetz & Gabriella BSG workshop or via email. Some incidences of severe attacks have been Fredriksson team members also met in Mexico. reported in several countries. Team members are involved The most significant development A poll of our members generated for sun bears in 2007 was that their rough population estimates for half with efforts to: reduce human-bear conflicts; remove bears from bear IUCN Red-list status was changed the range countries: 2 reported <100 from Data Deficient to Vulnerable. Asiatic black bears (Iran, S. Korea), farms and bear baiting operations; promote bile substitutes; ascertain This assessment was based on current 3 estimated 200–1000, 3 estimated and projected trends in habitat loss, 5–15,000, and 1 (China) estimated poaching levels and routes for trade in bear parts; survey bear range habitat degradation, and commercial >20,000; other countries had no hunting for the wildlife trade. From

Country Activities benefiting sun bears Person or organization India Ecological studies and conservation in NE N.P.S. Chauhan and Lalthanpuia, Wildlife Inst. of India (Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh) India Thailand 2 field research projects in progress R. Steinmetz, D. Ngoprasert Cambodia National bear sign-survey training for Pro- Free The Bears, WildAid, Conservation International, tected Area rangers Ministry of Environment, Dept. of Forestry, SBET Co-chairs 3 subsequent sign surveys conducted Cambodia Forestry Administration, Ministry of Envi- ronment, Conservation International, WildAid Vietnam Micro-chips implanted in bears on farms to Vietnam government preclude re-stocking from the wild Bear rescue center being established Animals Asia Foundation Bear conservation education campaign in Education for Nature (local NGO) major cities (emphasis on trade) Malaysia Sun bear protected status to be upgraded in Malaysia Government Sarawak (all hunting illegal) Sabah Sun Bear Conservation Center being Siew Te Wong established 1 field research project almost completed Siew Te Wong Indonesia Monitoring population recovery in burned for- G. Fredriksson est in E. Kalimantan Sun bear enclosure + education center being G. Fredriksson established 1 field research project almost completed G. Fredriksson

18 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Bear Specialist Group the magnitude of these impacts, we inferred that sun bear numbers had declined by at least 30% over the past 30 years — the threshold for a Vulner- able listing. The current sun bear range map (which all SBET members helped create over the past year) clearly shows the fragmented distribu- tion of the species. Prior to the BSG meeting in Mexi- co, SBET co-chairs conducted a brief survey of team members about the status of sun bears in each country. We received responses from 7 of the 10 range countries. Vietnam, Cambo- dia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and India consider sun bear populations to be declining. Only Thailand indicated

mainly stable populations. Chauhan© N.P.S. Team members, nevertheless, Sloth bear habitat loss in India reported many exciting conservation activities that they, other institutions, areas, but their occurrence there is Giant Panda Expert Team or government agencies were conduct- less well known (but no less impor- Wang Dajun & Lü Zhi ing; these are highlighted in the table tant). Some debate currently exists The GPET presently consists of 9 below. One interesting development as to how connected (or conversely members involved with wild or captive is that sun bear rescue and education fragmented) these populations, as well pandas. Major conservation-related centers are being established in three as those in the other range countries, issues and projects regarding giant countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and currently are: this is a paramount is- pandas include: (1) a burgeoning Vietnam. These centers will promote sue in their conservation. In the most captive population in China as a result conservation through public educa- extreme case, our team has not been of better husbandry and consequently tion, bear rehabilitation, and animal able to ascertain whether sloth bears improved reproduction; (2) plans welfare. continue to exist at all in Bangladesh. for reintroductions of captive-raised On the ground surveys are desperately pandas to the wild; (3) studies of Sloth Bear Expert Team needed. behavior, movements, and habitat use N.P.S. Chauhan & S. Ratnayeke Other important issues include of wild pandas employing GPS telem- human-bear conflicts, particularly the etry (currently underway in Shaanxi The SLBET has 11 members from increasing numbers of serious attacks Province and soon to be initiated in 4 range countries: India, Sri Lanka, on people (currently under study by Sichuan Province); and (4) monitoring Nepal and Bangladesh (Bhutan is the Wildlife Institute of India); bears trends in wild panda populations. not represented as yet). Most team taken from the wild for dancing street The first three points will be the focus members formally met at the Japan shows (a chief focus of a new member of a later, expanded report. This IBA conference, and participated in of our team); and killing of bears for report summarizes current population range mapping of sloth bear distribu- the sale of gall bladders and other monitoring. tion. Team members reported occur- parts (very little information exists Rangewide panda population rence of sloth bears in a wide variety on the extent of the bear parts trade estimates (of which there have been 3 of habitats, including forests, rocky related to this species). A new study in the past 3 decades) have attracted outcrops, grasslands, and scrublands. of sloth bears has been initiated in considerable attention, but because of Distribution and habitat use by sloth Jessore wildlife sanctuary, Gujarat, changing methodologies (and only 3 bears is greatly impacted by increasing and Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary, point estimates), they have not yielded human activities. In India, sloth bears Rajasthan; these areas are at the clear insights about population trend. are reported to occur in 174 protected north-western edge of the range, and Therefore, a more concerted effort areas (46 national parks and 128 wild- harbour some of the densest popula- to monitor trend was recently initi- life sanctuaries). They are also found tions of this species. ated in Sichuan Province (which has in managed forests outside protected roughly ¾ of the world’s wild pandas).

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 19 Bear Specialist Group As requested by the State Forestry Administration (SFA), the Sichuan Forestry Department (SFD) started conducting more frequent monitoring in a number of panda reserves: 20 reserves in the Minshan Mountains (northern part of the province), 7 in Qionglai Mountains (western Sichuan) and 3 in Liangshan moun- tains (southern Sichuan). Under the direction of Gu Xiaodong (SFD), staffs in these reserves walked monitoring routes every 3 months during 2007 to collect panda scats and observe other sign. This monitoring will be expanded to 39 reserves next year. © Emre Can For the past 5 years, some reserves Elevated platform to protect beehives from bears in Turkey in Sichuan Province have also been monitoring pandas with camera traps. indicated that retaliatory killings and Corridor in Afghanistan have renewed The Smithsonian/National Zoo (U.S.) poaching were major threats to brown hopes of conservation opportunities and Peking University collaborated bears. Key aims of our team include in these harsh environments. with SFD to conduct training courses assessment of relative abundance of Brown bears are protected by law on monitoring with infrared-triggered bears in different habitats, monitoring in most south Asian nations, but cameras. To date, 16 nature reserves of population trend, and gathering of occasional shooting licenses are issued have been trained, although not all are information on brown bear ecology in Iran and hunting licenses in Turkey. implementing the technique. More and bear-human conflicts. All mem- We currently have no information on training will occur in the future. bers of our team either participated the status of brown bear in Kyrgyz- in the bear range-mapping stan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and workshop in Japan or Turkmenistan. The occurrence of the contributed information via species in Bhutan and eastern India is email. still unconfirmed. A more extensive No substantiated popula- report from our team was published tion estimate exists for the in the last issue of IBN (16[4]: 6-8). range countries but there are probably <3000 brown bears North Asian Brown Bear in Turkey, <1000 brown bears in Himalayas of India, Expert Team Harry Reynolds & Tsutomu Mano and 1200-1800 brown bears in Iran. Brown bear occur- Despite representing a vast land rence in Nepal has long been mass occupied by brown bears in University in dispute, but sightings this region, the NABBET presently © Wolong Nature© Wolong Reserve and Peking Giant panda monitoring with camera trap of bear tracks in upper includes only 9 members. We have Mustang, western Nepal in representatives knowledgeable about 2007 provided new hope of bear conservation in Japan, Mongolia, a small population there. Brown bear Sakha, parts of the Russian Far East, South Asian Brown Bear numbers in Iran are believed to be and western Russia east of the Urals. Expert Team stable but populations in Turkey, India Important future priorities for the Emre Can & S. Sathyakumar and Pakistan are generally declining team include (1) improving represen- The SABBET was created in 2004 due to habitat fragmentation and tation from other Russian regions, and currently has members from 11 conflict-related killings. Bear-human northern China, and Kazakhstan, range countries. A complex human conflicts have increased substantially (2) reviewing and providing more history with considerable political un- in western China and Turkey (nearly up-to-date information for the range rest makes brown bear conservation 5-fold increase in the last 15 years). maps developed at the Japan IBA particularly challenging in this region. Sightings of brown bears in Iraq and conference, and (3) improving our A survey of SABBET members in 2005 in the Big Pamir section of Wakhan knowledge of the status and threats

20 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Bear Specialist Group for brown bear populations through- bear-human conflicts are highest in Captive Bear Expert Team out the region. Norway due to livestock depredations; Lydia Kolter & Jackson Zee Brown bears in Japan are confined this makes bear conservation there to Hokkaido, where numbers may be difficult. Population estimates are less The captive bear expert team cur- slightly declining; however, manage- certain for European Russia and Esto- rently has 11 members who are either ment and research programs are being nia, but the Russian population is by linked to regional zoo organizations or conducted and the status monitored far the largest in Europe and seems to to NGOs having overview over bears closely. Populations are stable-declin- be increasing. Bears are rarely found in rescue facilities, rehabilitation cen- ing slightly in the Russian Far East in Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus. ters, or bear farms. The group is not and Sakha, but we presently have little In Southern Europe, large bear yet complete; members are still being information on status for Kazakhstan, populations exist in the Carpathian recruited. Several team members met northern China, or for republics or and Dinaric Mountain ranges, and a during the IBA conference in Japan oblasts in Russia east of the Urals. moderately large one in the Balkan to discuss first steps. A document Brown bears in northern Mongolia Mountains. The main conservation summarizing conservation-relevant (Ursus arctos jeniseensis) appear to be and management issues in these areas issues for ursids living in captivity declining. Those in the Gobi Desert relate to trophy hunting, specifically and actions to address them was (U. a. isabellinus) are in critical danger quotas and methods of hunting and circulated to team members and the of extirpation: less than 50 remain, feeding. Small, isolated brown bear BSG coordinating committee. Docu- and there is little likelihood of con- populations occur in the rest of mentation of the size of captive bear nectivity with populations in China. southern Europe. The general trend populations per region, the number Although legal harvest is monitored for these is generally positive, despite of bears removed from the wild in the and efforts to monitor population occasional setbacks (like recent poi- last few years, reasons for capturing trend are ongoing in most portions of soning of 3 bears in Abruzzo National them, and the motivation for keeping Kamchatka, Chukotka, Sakhalin, and Park). Reintroduction and augmenta- bears were identified as top issues. Sakha, unreported and illegal harvest tion efforts (since 1989) have been Development of recommendations for continues. conducted in Austria, the Italian Alps captive conditions that are suitable for Major conservation issues mirror (Trentino area), and in the French the promotion of conservation-related those reported for other bear species: Pyrenees. Small numbers of bears still education and research is considered habitat loss and degradation from ag- exist in Austria, but those in Trentino, another priority of the team. riculture, logging, erosion, poaching, and to a lesser extent the Pyrenees, Team members provided initial depredations on crops, and attacks on are reproducing well. Acceptance by information on numbers of captive people. Team members are working local people remains the most difficult bears around the world. More than to strengthen management practices, issue. 1000 bears live in zoos and rescue reduce bear-human conflicts, deter- On the continental level, the most centers in the range of the European mine distribution based on question- important new product related to Zoo Association (EAZA bear TAG). naires from knowledgeable locals, bear conservation is the “Guidelines All species are represented, but almost conduct research upon which to base for Population Level Management half of them are brown bears, the management, and develop strategies Plans for Large for bear conservation, especially for Carnivores” populations threatened with substan- produced by the tial declines or extirpation. Large Carnivore Initiative for European Brown Bear Europe (IUCN Working Group) Expert Team and accepted by Djuro Huber & Jon Swenson the Council of The situation for brown bears in Europe. Cur- Northern Europe is quite good, with rently this plan increasing and expanding populations is being present- in most areas. Conservation problems ed to govern- exist, but are not severe in most of this ments and bear area. About 2550 brown bears live in managers in Sweden, 800 in Finland, and 100 in each country.

Norway. Despite lower bear numbers, © Dave Garshelis Asiatic black bears on farm in China

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 21 Bear Specialist Group majority captive-born. In the last 20 Yellowstone National Parks. However, behavior. Various useful techniques years an average of 2–3 bears per year because these protected areas contain are available to achieve this goal. (mostly orphans) came into captivity. a disproportionate amount of rock and One such method is referred to Andean bears dominate the captive ice, conservation action for bears and as social marketing — “A process for bear population of ~200 individuals other species must also include the influencing human behavior on a in South and Central America. Over remaining 87% of the land that is not large scale, using marketing principles the past 2 decades an average of 4 wild protected. Conservation strategy out- for the purpose of societal benefit Andean bears were taken into captiv- side protected lands was based (given rather than for commercial profit” ity each year. More than 500 bears live the constraint of powerful economic/ (McKenzie-Mohr and Smith 1999). in zoos and rescue facilities in India; industry interests) on forest prac- Social marketing campaigns usually 99% of these are Asiatic black bears tices mimicking natural disturbance begin by dividing a population into and sloth bears. Very large captive regimes. Wet regions, where wildfires subsets. This is usually accomplished populations of primarily Asiatic black are rare, have a higher proportion of using a survey of knowledge, attitudes, bears exist in China (~9000) and Viet- forests in old-growth management and self-reported natural resource nam (3000–4000), mainly in non-zoo than areas were fire has historically use. Messages can then be targeted to facilities (farms). Data are still being been more common. In addition to specific audiences. collected for other parts of the world. this coarse filter approach to maintain Social marketing campaigns should biodiversity, fine filter guidelines be planned so as to disseminate a Land-use Planning: A Case have been developed for vulnerable or few carefully-crafted key messages to endangered species, including grizzly each specific target audience. Part of Study in British Columbia bears in some areas. The success and this process involves identifying and Bruce McLellan failures of this enormous effort will addressing the main barriers and ben- The basis for conserving bears play out over future decades. There efits to sustainable behavior. Although and biological diversity in general is far more emphasis on conservation it is usually essential to make use of involves 1) limiting mortality rates, now than before the land use planning mass media, such campaigns work and 2) wise land-use practices; often began, but time will tell whether this best with more direct contact with both are interrelated. After years of is sufficient for some ecosystems and people. These initiatives should always conflict among resource professionals species. For further information, see: be pilot tested and regularly evaluated. as well as between environmental http://ilmbwww.gov.bc.ca/lup/ For further information, RARE activists and various resource in- is an organization that specializes dustries, culminating in numerous Using Bears in Community- in this sort of work (http://www. cases of civil disobedience, British rareconservation.org). Also, these Columbia (Canada) embarked on based Social Marketing two key references are downloadable Susanna Paisley a province-wide (~1 million km²) free from: http://www.greencom. land-use planning process. Local Bears are profoundly charismatic, org/greencom/books.asp: representatives of various interest prone to charming some people and groups participated: forest, mining, oil infuriating others through conflicts McKenzie-Mohr, D. and Smith, W. and gas, and commercial recreation over resources. Their salience pro- 1999. Fostering sustainable behav- industries; motorized and non-motor- vides important opportunities to use ior: an introduction to community- ized recreation; hunting and other bears to achieve wider conservation based social marketing. conservation interests; and indigenous goals. However, bear biologists are Day, B. and Monroe, M. eds. 2004. people. Protected areas enlarged not specifically trained to work with Environmental education and com- from about 57,000 km² to 119,000 km² people to influence their attitudes and munication for a sustainable world — an increase equivalent to nearly 7 (also in Spanish). r

22 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Bear Specialist Group there has been an increase in News and Views from production of products contain- the Trade in Bear Parts ing bear bile that are not a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (e.g., Expert Team shampoo, lotion, cosmetics, sports drinks, and toothpaste). To export Chris Servheen these products, the active ingredient U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is listed as UDCA (ursodeoxycholic University Hall, Room 309 acid), instead of bear bile, appar- University of Montana ently in an attempt to conceal the Missoula MT 59812 USA CITES violation.

Email: [email protected] © Chris Servheen A large brown bear gall bladder in a red velvet Chris R. Shepherd case from the Russian Far East for sale Vietnam TRAFFIC Southeast Asia in a traditional medicine store Nguyen Dao Ngoc Van Unit 9-3A, 3rd Floor, SS23/11, Taman gal bear trade better than government Approximately 4,000 bears (pri- SEA authorities; 2) strengthen customs marily Asiatic black bears) live on bear Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia services in importing countries where farms in Vietnam. Although the trade Email: [email protected] Russian bear parts are being smuggled in bear products was outlawed in (mainly China, South Korea, and Ja- 2005, bear farm owners were allowed The following summarizes what we pan); and 3) suppress trade of bear bile to keep their bears, and are likely know of the trade in bear parts for the derivatives in the importing countries still selling bile. All farm bears were countries that are principally involved. to reduce overall demand. supposed to be micro-chipped in 2005 and 2006 to preclude entry of new Russian Far East bears into this population. However, China in September 2007 the Vietnam Forest Vladamir Aramilev Jackson Zee protection department seized 280 & In the southern part of the Rus- captive bears, 80 of which were not Jill Robinson sian Far East (Amurskaya oblast, micro-chipped. Khabarovski and Primorski regions) The number of bear farms in hunting bears is legal, with approxi- China declined from 481 in 1992 to mately 30-40 Asiatic black bears and Myanmar 68 in 2006, but the number of bears Saw Htun 280-300 brown bears taken annually. on farms is likely stable to increas- Illegal hunting also occurs but is & ing. The present number of farmed Chris R. Shepherd impossible to quantify. Bear parts bears is 7,000, according to the State from both legally and illegally killed Forestry Administration, although Intensive timber extraction and bears of both species are routinely the actual number may be as high export continue along the Myanmar- sold. Bile from wild bears sells for as 10,000. Farmed bile in Sichuan China border. The access created US$4000-5000/kg and paws sell for Province sells for US$270/kg. The by the timber harvest is accelerating US$60-80/kg. Buyers travel from government asserts that bear farms trade in wildlife in these rich tropical village to village and buy gall bladders promote conservation by reducing de- forest areas. Bear parts are openly and paws. They then sell to wholesal- mand for wild bear bile. ers who smuggle the parts out of the However, this position country. In 2006, 35 gall bladders lacks supporting data, and 94 bear paws were seized by as no studies have been Primorski customs. In January 2008, conducted to document protection of game will be transferred

numbers or trends of from the central government to local wild bear populations government authorities, which will anywhere in China. complicate bear conservation during Meanwhile, in 2006- the transition period. We recommend 2007, customs officials the following strategies to reduce have seized approxi- bear trade in the Russian Far East: 1)

mately 500 paws and 160 TRAFFIC Southeast Asia

improve the power of local hunting gallbladders imported © Chris R. Shepherd/ unions, as they are able to police ille- from Russia. Moreover, An Asiatic black bear in Myanmar freshly killed for its gall bladder

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 23 Bear Specialist Group displayed for sale in numerous wildlife paw soup. Government customs markets, especially those along the authorities have begun using a protein Bear Specialist Thailand border and to a lesser extent identification kit supplied by the Group along the China border. Recent sur- World Society for the Protection of veys have found that most of the trade Animals (WSPA) to identify whether The Bear Specialist Group (BSG) involves parts of Asiatic black bears. imported and exported products is organized into species and topical contain bear proteins. This kit can be expert teams, each with two co- Cambodia used to identify bear protein in ~10 chairs. These co-chairs, along with Chantal Elkin minutes. This should aid in thwarting some other specialists comprise the the trade in bear parts. coordinating committee, which is A thriving bear trade, involving listed below. paws, gall bladders, and live bears, exists in Cambodia. Most goes to the Indonesia Chris R. Shepherd BSG Co-chairs Vietnam border. Food and medicine Bruce McLellan are the primary reasons for this trade. Habitat loss and illegal hunting on [email protected] Live bears sell for US$100-600 and Sumatra and Kalimantan (Indonesian gall bladders from wild bears cost Borneo) pose a serious threat to Dave Garshelis ~US$250 each. There are indications sun bears in Indonesia. Bear parts, [email protected] that populations of bears are declining especially claws and canine teeth, are throughout the country. sold openly in gold shops and antique European Brown Bear stores in many towns and cities, Expert Team Co-chairs while live bears and parts are some- Djuro Huber times smuggled out of the country [email protected] to meet international demand. Of Jon Swenson further concern is the keeping of sun [email protected] bears as pets or in private wildlife collections. Although these issues North Asian Brown Bear are widely known to the authorities, Expert Team Co-chairs little official action is taken to curb Harry Reynolds these activities. [email protected] Summary comments Tsutomu Mano There are now 12–13,000 bears [email protected] (principally Asiatic black bears) on farms used for the production of bear South Asian Brown Bear bile in China and Vietnam. Increas- Expert Team Co-chairs ingly the bile is used in products that S. Sathyakumar have nothing to do with Traditional [email protected] Chinese Medicine. Despite national Ozgun Emre Can and international bans, the trade in [email protected]

© Chris Servheen bears and their parts continues and An Asiatic black bear cub for sale appears to be increasing in many Asiatic Black Bear in a market in Laos areas. Further research into the scale Expert Team Co-chairs of the bear trade in Asia is urgently Dave Garshelis Malaysia needed, along with greater efforts to [email protected] (various sources) assess the impact of the trade on wild populations. Enforcement agencies Mei-hsiu Hwang The sale of bear meat in wild-meat and governments are encouraged to [email protected] restaurants in Malaysia appears to make bear conservation a priority, and be an increasing threat. People from to take action against those breaking Sun Bear Expert Team Co-chairs other parts of Asia often frequent laws that were instituted to protect Gabriella Fredriksson these restaurants, especially for bear bears. r [email protected] Rob Steinmetz [email protected]

24 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Bear Specialist Group Sloth Bear Expert Team Co-chairs Trade in Bear Parts IBA Representative N.P.S. Chauhan Expert Team Co-chairs Frank vanManen [email protected] Chris Servheen [email protected] [email protected] Shyamala Ratnayeke Technical and scientific advisors [email protected] Chris Shepherd John Seidensticker [email protected] [email protected] Giant Panda Expert Team Co-chairs Lü Zhi Captive Bears Expert Team Co-chairs Chuck Schwartz [email protected] Lydia Kolter [email protected] [email protected] Wang Dajun Michael Proctor [email protected] Jackson Zee [email protected] [email protected] Andean Bear Expert Team Co-chairs Polar Bear Specialist Group Chair Isaac Goldstein Mexican Black Bear Coordinator Andrew Derocher [email protected] Diana Crider [email protected] r [email protected] Ximena Velez-Liendo [email protected]

Eurasia

camps and heavy machinery operating interesting results! In particular bear Greece: Bears 24 hours a day, appear to be creating habitat use, determined by locations Have Sensitive an acoustically hostile environ- from satellite telemetry, have been ment to the indigenous brown bear correlated with data on noise level from Ear To Highway population. construction. Noise measurements Construction Noise were made during day and night hours as well Yorgos Mertzanis, PhD weekends when con- “CALLISTO” - Wildlife & Nature struction work usually Conservation Society slows down. We also no- Greece ticed how in a completed Email: [email protected] and open section of the & highway traffic noise Alexios Giannakopoulos, PhD Student impacts bears’ spatial University of the Aegean behavior. Department of Environmental Studies Our analysis sug- Laboratory of Biodiversity gests that it is likely that Management the greater amount of “CALLISTO” activity of the radio-col- Greece lared bears during night may not only be related The monitoring study assessing Over the last 6 months, research- to their normal biological rhythms but the impact of the Egnatia highway ers from Callisto and Alexios also to the possible negative influence construction on the brown bear Giannakopoulos’ have been closely construction noise on the highway population and habitat in the eastern monitoring the response to construc- during daylight hours. Pindos mountain range has yielded tion of 14 radio-collared bears (5 are A sample of 2,481 radio locations some interesting preliminary results. fitted with GPS/GSM radio collars) in from 5 radio-tagged bears showed that Despite harsh winter conditions, the study area. The initial analysis of 78.95% of the locations in the vicinity highway construction continues to bears’ spatial behavior and movement of the work camps were during the progress and for a third year. Noise patterns in response to disturbance night hours and/or weekends when the produced by no fewer than 12 work from construction has revealed some construction and subsequent induced

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 25 Eurasia near the river bed as well as mountain valleys. In the study area, the majority of bears are seen in the spring on the southern slopes, where snow cover disappears first. The first flower buds and leaves on the bushes as well as cowberries found under the thaw- ing snow attract bears. During the summer, the bears’ range expands, although alpine-like meadows in the proximity of streams and rivers remain their favorite habitats. These places are lush with vegetation and provide shelter from blood sucking insects. For this same reason, bears also heavily utilize the wind-blown noise levels are at their lowest level remaining pristine areas in the world. mountain tundra covered with Dryas. (25-47 dB(A)). However, the density of human At the end of the summer and Above 47 dB, the rate of bear radio populations in parts of the Lena Valley beginning of autumn, brown bears locations in the same sampled sectors near the capital city, Yakutsk, as well stick to the pine forest or (if there are appears to be significantly lower and as near mine sites, is a high. Because no pine cones to harvest) in blueberry decreasing during daylight hours and brown bears are targeted by hunters, (Vaccinium uluginosum) bushes in during construction night shifts when the bear density in this area is poor. the river valleys. In the Populus and noise levels range from 47 – 65 dB. In other parts of Yakutia, bears are Chosenia forests of the river valleys, Currently, some of the radio-col- hunted by indigenous people. For bears also feed on the juicy roots of lared bears are not denning allowing them, killing a bear means not only “bear pipes” (Angelica deccurens). Alexios to continue active data gather- meat and skin, but also a reason to We observed that in the central ing and processing to better support start a “bear feast” with many special Verkhoyansk area, grasses, forbs and this hypothesis with a complete year ceremonies. The brown bears of shrubs (horsetail Equisetum sp., rhi- of monitoring to next summer. r Yakutia are rather big: males are zome of Leguminosae and Angelica, 100‑110 cm high and females are berries, pine seeds) are bears’ favorite 75‑85 cm high. The body length food during the summer. During the of males is 180-193 cm and that of summer months, bears also oc- females 140-148 cm (Mordosov, 1993). casionally feed on rodents, like mice, Brown Bears in For indigenous people, harvesting a chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus), marmots Yakutia bear is a great gift. (Marmota camtschatica) and ground During 1986-2000, we studied squirrel (Citellus undulatus), or un- Innokentiy M. Okhlopkov brown bears in the central part of gulates. Bear attacks on moose (Alces Institute of Biological Problems the Verkhoyansk Range, in the Yana alces), reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), of the Criolitozone watershed and Aldan Rivers and and snow sheep (Ovis nivicola) have Russia the southeastern parts of the ridge also been recorded (Egorov, Labutin, & between the Munni and Tigyendya 1964). On June 14, 1987 near Leonid M. Baskin Rivers (Figure 1). In this area, moun- Inderkey Lake, we witnessed a big bear Institute of Ecology and Evolution tains reach 1500-1700 m in height, trying, without success, to take down Russian Academy of Sciences and the valleys are 860-1100 m above five adult male snow sheep. In the 33 Leninsky Prospect sea level. Winter in this region, where spring, bears are often found feeding Moscow 119071, Russia temperatures from -55 to -60 degrees on carcasses of domestic reindeer. Phone: +7 495-246-53-81 Celsius are frequent, features one of In Yakutia, the bear mating season Fax: +7 495-954-55-34 the most severe climates on earth. starts during the second half of Email: [email protected] The summer is fairly hot (+25° is the June. The peak is in mid-July, and mean high temperature in July). Due it is common for a single female to The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) to high humidity (117–151 mm/month be chased by several males (8-9 at a covers a good part of Eastern Siberia of rain is the norm during the sum- time). Bears mate in valley bottoms (Figure 1) and is one of the few mer), there is plenty of lush vegetation or on stream banks (Mordosov, 1993).

26 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Eurasia In the central Verkhoyansk area, we cave and even rarer to find a bear ally like forested and low-lying places. witnessed the first signs of mating hibernating under shrubs or in wood There were many fresh and old dens during the first ten days of June and a thickets without digging a den. The on the edge of where the Munni and peak in activity during the second half timing of hibernation varies from Tigyendya Rivers meet. of July. year to year, mostly it begins the end According to 1980 censuses there In the mountains, good den sites of September. In the lean years, they are 8,000-10,000 bears is Yakutia are few and far from the areas rich in hibernate later. The mean period of (Vinokurov, Mordosov, 1987). Ac- forage, and bears must go elsewhere to hibernation is 6.5-7 months; females cording to the same source, all den. Between the second half of Au- stay 2-3 weeks more (Egorov, Labutin, taiga mountain ranges of North East gust and the beginning of September, 1964). The time at which bears emerge Yakutia are areas of high bear density part of the bear population descends from their dens depends on their (0.8-0.9 bears/100 sq. km). Our data from the Verkhoyansk Range and physical status in the autumn. In show that there are many brown bears in the central Verkhoyansk area. In the axial part of the ridge, according to our observations, in an area of 1000 sq. km., there were 3-5 bears. The more forested the area is, the more bears are found there. In the Gnaas Valley near the mouth of the Konkyunyur River, the density of bears is 1.1 bear /100 sq km; the density is higher where the Munni and Tigyendya Rivers meet (mean density reaches 1.5 bears/100 sq km). During the study period, we never witnessed signs of bear predation due to lack of food. However, there are times when bears may emerge from their dens and attempt predating domesticated reindeer due to limited availability of natural foods. In these cases, bears are often shot by herders.

References Egorov, O.V., Labutin Yu. V. 1964. Data on feeding of predator mammal of Verkhoyansk area. In: Solomonov, N.G. (ed.) Vertebrates of Yakutia. Yakutsk, Press of Yakutsk branch of Academy of Sci. P. 51-59 Figure 1. Map of Yakutia area Mordosov, I.I. 1993. Brown bear. Yakutia. In: Vaisfeld, M. and I. Adycha Plateau to the Verkhoyansk Yakutia, bears leave dens at the end Chestin (eds). Bears –brown bear, depression. Other bears come down of April or beginning of May, staying polar bear, Himalayan bear. Mos- when it starts snowing steadily. In near the den sites initially. Females cow, Nauka Publishing, 519 p. the central Verkhoyansk area, in early with yearlings emerge in mid-May. Tavrovsky, V.A., Egorov, O.V., spring (end of April and the begin- We have no direct observations of Krivosheev, V.G., Popov, M.V. ning of May), bears move back to the bears in dens in the axial part of the Labutin, Yu. V. 1971. Mammals of mountain range. Verkhoyansk Ridge. Reindeer herders Yakutia. Moscow, Nauka, 659 p. In the taiga, bears dig their dens told us of some den sites. In 1987, we Vinokurov, V.N., Mordosov I.I. 1987. mostly on the southern, western or found one den on the southern slope, Distribution and numbers of brown eastern slopes. They dig a den under in the Aldan Basin, by the mouth of bear in Yakutia. In: Yudin, V.G., ed.) tree roots or bushes. It is rare that a Konkyunyur River. The den was on a Ecology of bear. Novosibirsk, Nauka bear spends the winter in a natural steep bank. For denning, bears usu- Press, C. 41-45 r

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 27 Eurasia Brown Bears in Iran Ali Aghili, Director Biodiversity and Ecosystems Conservation Society No 208 South Mofateh Ave Tehran, Iran Phone: +98 21-8831-50-99 Mobile: +98 932-909-59-33 Email: [email protected] & Karmela Yahyakashani International Affairs, Funds and Programs Director Biodiversity and Ecosystems Conservation Society Chino Hills CA 91709, USA Email: [email protected]

Iran is home to various species of wildlife, and also people who help them survive for the long term. Iran contains almost 140 protected areas, wildlife refuges, national parks, and national natural monuments that cov- er 8% of this 1,648,195 km² country. The Department of the Environment in Iran was formed by the government still questionable; in some cases, it is of Iran in the late 1960’s, and began easy access to firearms contributed listed as Ursus arctos persicus. Brown to select protected areas of different to serious declines in Iran’s wildlife bears exist in Iran’s Azerbaijan Range, categories. Iran was also very active in population because of poaching. the Alborz Mountains extending to terms of international efforts for the Because of isolated habitat, some the Turkmenistan border, and in the conservation of natural ecosystems, mountain species have been able to Zagross Mountains extending to the such as the 1972 Ramsar Convention persist. Recent political developments Persian Gulf coastal foothills. There on Wetlands. Iran’s revolution in 1979 have raised more concern because is little to no scientific informa- caused a sudden change in terms of of the lack of international funding tion available regarding population the environment and species conser- available for internal and collaborative status, movements, behavior, diet, vation, and most emphasis was placed projects. One recent proposal recom- ecological needs, and threats. Most on national security. In addition, mends turning the nation’s resource conservation information is limited to bear/hu- over to the man conflict cases, or based on old private sec- hunting trophies. While the brown tor for an bear is currently a protected species, emphasis occasional special permits are allotted on hunt- to foreign hunters. Current reports ing and of the species only presently occur in ecotourism, isolated protected areas. which Central Alborz is a vast protected should be area in northern Iran, extending from of concern. the Iran-Touranian Highlands north The to the Hyrcanian jungles and the subspecies Caspian coast. This covers 398,853 for the hectares of mixed mountainous areas brown bear from semi-dry to deciduous forests. Most of this area is considered habitat © Ali Aghili in Iran is

28 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Eurasia to brown bears. The Golestanak The Baluchistan black bear, en- Protected Area is located inside the News from Pakistan: demic to the dry hills of Baluchistan, northwestern portion of the Central Bears Facing Serious is believed to be critically endangered Alborz Protected Area (see map), and has probably lost the war for its which consists of valleys with dense Problems Again survival against human exploitation. forest vegetation and highlands above Recent reports point to some indirect the tree line. The highest peak is Fakhar-i-Abbas, PhD evidence of the presence of a small 4000+ meters; other mammal species Director population in southern Baluchistan. that live in this area include Capra Bioresource Research Centre The other two subspecies are still aegagrus, Cervus elaphus maral, 34 Bazar Road G-6/4 fighting for their survival in the wild Sus scrofa, and Panthera pardus Islamabad, Pakistan against human exploitation. The caucsasica. Phone: +923 9552253 Himalayan black bear is distributed Golestank is relatively a very good Fax: +925 12275899 in comparatively lower altitude of dry area for observing bears because Email: [email protected] and moist temperate forests. Human they are mostly active during the Web: www.pbrc.edu.pk encroachments on its habitat, cub whole year with a seemingly limited poaching, and direct killing threaten hibernation. Observations of the Three subspecies of bears were its survival and are resulting in a con- author include diurnal activity in open once widely distributed in the sistent decline and fragmentation of mountainous areas above the tree northern and western mountains the population. Unfortunately, for the line, where they feed on vegetation. of Pakistan. The Baluchistan black last three years, the area that coincides Opportunities to observe individuals bear (Ursus thibetanus gedrosianus), with the bears’ distribution range has are high. For example, during 2 hours the Himalayan black bear (Ursus been under the control of terrorists. of tracking during Spring 2006, the thibetanus thibetanus), and the Terrorist activities and related govern- author observed 7 different bears in Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos ment operations represent a major different areas, including a female and isabellinus). Through the involvement disturbance for the movement of the her cub, 3 large males, and a mature of local staff and the cooperation of Himalayan black bear, its habitat and female with a young male which was local residents, we collected some biological activities. As a result, a chasing her and demonstrating mat- data that confirm that the future of all possible and rapid decline in the bears’ ing behaviors. three subspecies is bleak. There are very few records of bear/human conflict in this area due to the low human population within area disturbed by terrorists the Golestanak Protected Area. One potential Himalayan brown bear habitat of the few threats is from human use potentially inhabited by Himalayan black bears during spring and summer when potential Baluchi black bear habitat rural inhabitants come to collect mushrooms and herbs. Some herd- ers utilize the area, but few cases of predation have been reported. While the Golestanak Protected Area contains some of the more significant populations of brown bears and contains good habitat, very little biological and ecological information is available at this time. In addition, no management strategies are in place. Funding for research and conservation is strongly needed, but is not likely to happen through Iran’s current govern- ment. r Pa k i s t a n

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 29 Eurasia population during the coming years is and Pakistan. As the tensions persist acquiring information on the status expected. and conservation efforts lag, evidence of the bear population in Pakistan, The Himalayan brown bear was suggests that the Himalayan brown especially in conflict areas, is chal- fairly well distributed in the subalpine bear population is rapidly declining. lenging, yet a major involvement of zones of Pakistan. The bear has been A small population still exists in local residents is helpful. Engaging fighting against the limited biological Chitral, Phunder, and Yasin areas in local residents in community-focused resources present given the rather the northwestern part of Pakistan. conservation efforts, through educa- harsh climate and dealing with the If we would like these populations tion and appropriate financial incen- threats caused by poaching on cubs. to persist in the future, strong conser- tives, can yield more information on About 70% of its habitat occurs in vation efforts based on sound biologi- the bear subspecies and, hopefully, the northeastern part of Pakistan, cal studies of the subspecies discussed over time reduce the impacts that an area that continues to suffer from are urgently needed. At present, human activities have on them. r the ongoing tensions between India

Americas

people skills and ability to work in a trip to Churchill. The backbone to Polar Bears complex environment, intelligence, the IFL knowledge is the, currently, International: and superior sense of teamwork. They 55-page guidebook. This book is a liv- are energetic and are dedicated to ing document constantly updated with In-Field Lecture educating their community about po- the most up-to-date information on Program lar bears and the arctic. The program polar bears and the climate changes in is now four years in development and the arctic. A great benefit to having JoAnne Simerson all disciplines represented Polar Bears International Advisory on the PBI Advisory Coun- Council cil is ease of getting answers Email: [email protected] to questions about the arctic environment and ever Polar Bears International is a increasing knowledge about conservation organization with a polar bears. Frequently clear mission: the conservation of this information is given polar bears through research and through personal conversa- education. If you are lucky enough tions and publications from to venture to Churchill, Manitoba, members of the advisory during the fall to see the polar bears, council, thus giving the you may well experience one of PBI’s value of the most accurate Adventure Learning Programs. The and current information In-Field Lecture program was formed for our audience. In addi- to provide more education to visitors tion, IFL’s team members to the tundra and to develop and contribute their own stories

promote leadership in women in the Wiley© Teresa and experiences to broaden zoo profession. The IFL team joins 005- 2007 team with Tundra Buggy Guides the scope of the knowledge staff from Tundra Buggy Adventures base. The information in on the buggy tours to share their has had IFL Arctic Ambassadors from the guidebook, and the IFL’s knowledge and passion about polar Alaska, Oregon, California, Minne- own professional experience, greatly bears and the conservation initiatives sota, Ohio, and New York. prepares them for just about any ques- of Polar Bears International. New team members are trained for tion or situation out on the tundra! Candidates for the In-Field Lec- the experience by other IFL Ambas- The IFL day begins at dark ture Team must be members in the sadors through a DVD of the presen- with joining the team of Tundra zoo profession and have experience tations as well as several discussions Buggy staff to prepare the buggies working with polar bears. The team with other team members about the and buggy launch area for the visitors. members are chosen for their great experience and expectations for the The visitors soon arrive and it’s off

30 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Americas far north and polar the personal connection to each guest bears. During the by the IFL to promote conservation of day, the IFL will polar bears through a day of education give a presentation and friendship on the tundra. about some of the The IFL comes home with a richer conservation work knowledge and experience about and education PBI is polar bears and the arctic and initi- sponsoring through- ates a program at home to continue out the world. The to share that knowledge, experience, presentation con- and passion about the far north and cludes with sharing polar bears. They further fulfill their information on commitment by bringing the skills the physiology and and knowledge they gained from the anatomy of polar IFL experience to their home organi- bears with showing zations, colleagues, and communities. a replica polar bear This helps promote these women skull and claw, and as leaders in the zoo profession and a piece of fur and expands their networks to further the hide. A highlight is conservation of polar bears. the now tradition of For information on Polar Bears In- © JoAnne Simerson demonstrating how ternational In-Field Lecture program, Skull demo - Tundra Buggy guest Jonathon Szymanowski and JoAnne Simerson a polar bear makes a or if you know of a woman in the zoo kill using the replica profession that would be interested to bear viewing on the tundra. The skull and an unsus- joining our team, please contact the IFL develops relationships with each pecting guest! By the end of the sea- author at [email protected], or see visitor sharing information about the son IFL’s have spoken with and shared www.polarbearsinternational.org. r experience to help each visitor take their knowledge with close to 4,000 home a greater appreciation of the visitors. The value of this program is

Fragmentation of the Forest Habitat of the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatos) in the High Basin of the River Bucaral in the Portuguesa Mountain Range, Lara State, Venezuela

Lcda Lameda C. Fátima Imarú The first step was to identify dis- University of Yacambú turbed and undisturbed forest areas Venezuela in the basin. In the basin (measur- Advisor: Lcda Yasmín Quiroz ing 5001.2 ha (100%)), we identified Email: [email protected] 31 uniform patches of vegetation for [email protected] a total of 3907.7 ha (78.1%) and sev- eral fragmented/disturbed patches This study seeks to determine the throughout the basin for a total of variation in the fragmentation of 1093.5 ha (21.9%). From observa- forest habitat of the spectacled bear tions in the field and GIS maps, (Tremarctos ornatus) inhabiting the the undisturbed forest areas have a high basin of the river Bucaral in the defined structure especially in the Portuguesa mountain range, Lara high part of the basin where the State, Venezuela. The study involved patches are very large. Some smaller the collection of data in the field patches occur in the centre of the and use of Geographic Information basin. In contrast, the disturbed Systems (GIS) (ArcGis ArcView 9.1) patches are small and numerous; for the analysis and display of maps the majority of them represent areas and satellite imagery. that are cultivated or used for cattle Investigator measuring tree platforms built by hunters

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 31 Americas ed areas and thus serve as habitat for species that need greater space to survive. The destruction of for- ests in the high river basin of the Bucaral River as well as other human caused dis- turbance (e.g., agriculture and hunting) is increasing the pace at which fragmen- tation is occurring there. As a result, the ability of spectacled bears to thrive is at risk. This species needs large amounts of forest cover to satisfy its needs. The fact that the basin is undergoing a process of fragmentation is a great threat to the bear’s survival and could lead to genetic isolation and local extinc- tions. For this reason, it

© Instituto Geográfico “Simón de Venezuela Bolívar”/Lameda 2006 is necessary to preserve Ortofotomap of the high basin of the Bucaral river (1998) undisturbed areas for bears as well as create ecological grazing. They are found along the patches of disturbed forest cover, of corridors between habitat road and access points to the basin. varying size and shape. Such patches patches. These preserves will not only We determined that there is a vari- could be restored with adequate work. protect bears but the scenic, biologi- ation in the forest cover in the river Some that are not owned or used by cal, cultural, and social value of the basin. There is a high occurrence of anyone could be converted to protect- basin as well. r

Student Forum

Student Forum to replace her as Student Coordinator. Monterrey, Mexico Brian Scheick I’ve been helping her with the students If Diana’s family was the backbone IBA Student Coordinator where needed since San Diego, but I of the IBA Mexico 2007 Conference, Florida Fish and Wildlife still have some big shoes to fill. I hope students were the limbs. They were Conservation Commission to be as helpful and creative. Contact everywhere helping with everything. 1526 Kelvin Ave. me if you have thoughts, comments, A platoon of students from the Deltona FL 32738-5002 USA or questions about the Student Forum. Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Phone: +1 386-789-7063 Our Student Listserve, Truman, will Leon was around to help with any- Email: [email protected] also be undergoing some changes. For thing and everything. Students from now, Diana will be getting help from Texas A&M University-Kingsville helped run the presentations and ! David Hewitt to continue managing Greetings the poster sessions, and also helped After Diana Doan-Crider bested Truman through the server at Texas with our new tradition of the “silent me for the position of IBA Secretary, A&M University-Kingsville, but she auction.” Several students gave she couldn’t let me leave without will soon be transferring that site to a presentations and posters, and the something to do, so she appointed me new location. Stay posted! student lunch was so well attended.

32 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Student Forum • For students only • Discussions pertaining to bear biology, Students management, or study design challenges • Assistance with proposals and study design through IBA Now! professionals Sign Up • Job searches, announcements, information regarding the IBA and student membership • Planning for IBA student activities and meetings Truman’s • IBA membership is encouraged, but not required for initial sign-up

List ServeInstructions • Contact Diana Doan-Crider at [email protected] to enroll • After enrollment, go to http://aristotle.tamuk.edu (This website may change soon - check website or contact Diana Doan-Crider) • Click on Agricultural Lists • Click on Truman • Enter your email address and the password “Bears01” • Go to Create Message • 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 will not receive your response.

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As a matter of fact, we spilled over the of each item was posted on a screen, local zoo, which was willing to allow space allotment and had to reconvene and then continued on to pay for and a bear to be immobilized for training. elsewhere. collect their item at the registration Several experienced veterinarians Speaking of the Silent Auction, window. This great event helped the from Noway and Canada were there to corporate sponsors, IBA professionals, IBA raise nearly US$2,400 to defray offer advice and answer questions, and and students donated approximately costs of lodging and other travel what started as a session for students 120 items for the auction. We had support for students. Several people attracted many professionals as well. a wide variety including key chains, mentioned that seeing the items at Only a small group could assist with bracelets, hats, shirts, carvings, and a the auction gave then ideas of items immobilizing the bear, so after the leather mask. The items were spread they could have brought. THIS IS Q&A session, more experienced around four walls of a room next to YOUR REMINDER. Collect, label biologists were asked not to sign up. the poster session so that people could and put those items aside now for That left about 26 students, a large but view posters and pop in to place their the next conference! If it continues, manageable number. The rest of us bids. Bidding grew furious as time this can become a fun addition to the were free to wander the zoo for a few grew short, and by the end, students conferences. hours. r were needed to haze the panicked The day after the conference, a bear bidders out of the room. The winner immobilization class was held at the

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 33 Bears in Culture Archaeobiological Assessment of a Grizzly Claw Necklace Attributed to the Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-1806)

David Mather five are strung on the necklace, and ever, which always warrant careful National Register Archaeologist another three are loose. The plantar consideration relative to artifacts and Minnesota Historical Society surfaces of the claws have been cut. other ethnographic objects. Given Email: [email protected] This modification creates a flat, the profound cultural importance of smooth, curving surface on the under- grizzly claw necklaces and artifacts Coincident with the bicenten- side of the claw. The claws consist of of the Lewis & Clark expedition, it is nial celebration of the Lewis & Clark the bone core of the third phalanx and even more important in this case. expedition’s western exploration, a the keratinous sheath that forms each The theoretical movement of remarkable artifact brought back by claw. The claws are drilled through “applied zooarchaeology” (Lyman and the Corps of Discovery was redis- the knuckle of the third phalanx and Cannon 2004) stems from a recogni- covered at the Peabody Museum in strung to hang next to one another. tion amongst zooarchaeologists Cambridge, Massachusetts. Some of the loose claws have a second that the data we produce is directly Historical museum records had hole drilled approximately half-way relevant to contemporary questions of indicated that a necklace made of down the length of the claw. A wildlife management and conserva- grizzly bear claws was once associated powdery substance that appears to be tion biology. While it should be as- with the Peabody’s Lewis & Clark col- red ochre is present on the necklace. sumed that most animal populations lections. From the scanty paper trail, It is concentrated on the underside of have long been influenced by humans however, it was previously suspected the claws. to some degree, archaeological sites that the necklace had only been on The grizzly bear claws themselves can provide baseline data regard- loan to the Peabody in the early twen- were the focus of my study. Ulti- ing species range, demography and tieth century. With the turn of the mately, I sought to determine the other issues prior to the advent of twenty-first century, anticipation of minimum number of bears repre- historic-era overhunting and habitat the approaching bicentennial brought sented by the claws, and to determine degradation. Interpretation of these renewed awareness and increased which claws were derived from which data creates a deep historical context interest in the few objects and records bear. It was a macroscopic analysis, for current management decisions, that could be securely associated with based on visual examination and whether in regard to hunting limits, the Corps of Discovery. It was in this measurements, building on previous habitat enhancement and protection, context that the grizzly claw necklace documentation by Peabody Museum or reintroduction of species to former was rediscovered during a museum staff. This preliminary assessment parts of their range. Seen in this inventory project, having been mistak- can be considered a preparatory step, light, the Lewis & Clark necklace, and enly placed in an Oceania storeroom to facilitate future study of the Lewis other grizzly claw necklaces, takes on more than fifty years earlier (Castle & Clark necklace. even greater importance. They are McLaughlin, Peabody Ethnography Archaeobiology aims to “analyze charismatic artifacts, symbolic of, Curator, personal communication; see the relationships between humans and and constructed from, a charismatic McLaughlin 2003). plants and animals and their effect(s) large species. While it is unlikely that The Lewis & Clark grizzly claw on each other” (Sobolik 2003:2). This grizzly bears will ever be reintroduced necklace holds incredible research and is an appropriate approach to the over large sections of their former interpretive potential. It is an enor- necklace because its research potential North American range, study and mously powerful and evocative arti- is derived from multiple, inter-related interpretation of these necklaces fact. McLaughlin places the necklace sources. As a repositories of biological clearly has the potential to benefit within the category of “chiefly gifts” information about past bear popula- ongoing conservation and manage- that would have been given to the tions, the Lewis & Clark necklace and ment decisions, and public perception explorers by American Indian tribes other grizzly claw necklaces contain of the great bears around the world. for diplomatic purposes. Further data reaching beyond the individual I approached this study from a analysis of the style and materials of bears themselves. The claws may be background in zooarchaeology, but the necklace may help reconstruct the appropriate sources for study of past there is a significant difference in path of the necklace, both in terms of ecological conditions, climate, plant applying this sort of analysis to an the Corps of Discovery and its original communities, ursid demography and ethnographic object. While ar- source. other subjects, through analysis of iso- chaeological bone fragments are often The enormous claws are the most topes and ancient DNA, for example. fragile, they can usually be readily striking aspect of the artifact. Thirty- These are destructive analyses, how- handled, turned around and over, and

34 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Bears in Culture held side to side with comparative specimens. For obvious reasons, this cannot be done with the Lewis & Clark necklace, or any intact grizzly bear claw neck- lace. The object must be studied as a single unit, with a minimum of handling, to prevent inadver- tent damage. Measurements of the claws and color variation Library courtesy of The Photo of Congress within each claw Captain Clark and his men shooting bears were made in an care to position the claws for a sym- the report submitted to the Peabody attempt to identify individual bears metrical presentation on the necklace. Museum (Mather 2007). within the necklace. Estimates were This is most apparent with Bears M also made of orientation on the body and N, each represented by two claws (left or right paw) and placement of References Cited on opposite sides of the necklace. the claw within the paw. Based on Lyman, R. Lee and Kenneth It was a great honor to study the this preliminary analysis, it appears P. Cannon. 2004. Applied Lewis & Clark grizzly claw necklace, that the 38 claws of the Lewis & Zooarchaeology, Because It and I am very grateful for the hos- Clark grizzly bear claw necklace Matters. In Zooarchaeology and pitality shown by the Peabody staff represent a minimum of 20 bears. Conservation Biology, edited by R. during my visit. Castle McLaughlin, These hypothesized individuals are Lee Lyman and Kenneth P. Cannon, Scott Fulton, Esther Chao and others designated Bears A through T. Five of pp. 1-24. University of Utah Press, went out of their way to facilitate these hypothetical bears are proposed Salt Lake City. this research, and to maximize the with confidence. Another nine are work that could be done in the short Mather, David. 2007. The Lewis proposed with less confidence. The time available. Comparative study at & Clark Grizzly Claw Necklace remaining six are represented by the Science Museum of Minnesota (41-54-10/99700): A Preliminary individual claws that could not be was made possible by Jackie Hoff, Assessment Relative to Ursid correlated with other claws in the Tilly Laskey, Dick Oelenschlager Archaeobiology. Mather Heritage necklace. and Ed Fleming. At the Minnesota Group, LLC, Project Report M44, It is interesting that only one bear Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul. Report prepared for the is represented by four claws (Bear D). Dave Garshelis, Karen Noyce and Peabody Museum of Archaeology Three (B, E and F) are represented Pam Coy provided access to their and Ethnology, Harvard University. by three claws. All of the others are study collection and offered helpful represented by two claws or less. This McLaughlin, Castle. 2003. Arts of advice. Special thanks are due to John implies that some level of trade in Diplomacy: Lewis & Clark’s Indian Hechtel of the Alaska Department claws was going on when this necklace Collection. Peabody Museum of Fish and Game, for his interest in was made. Presumably, the person of Archaeology and Ethnology, this project, and his descriptions and who made this necklace did not kill all Harvard University, Cambridge, illustrations of grizzly bear claws with of these bears. Otherwise, a smaller and University of Washington advice on determining left from right, number of bears would be represented Press, Seattle. and correlating individual claws with in the necklace, and the bears would bears. This guidance made a signifi- Sobolik, Kristin D. 2003. be represented by a greater number of cant contribution to the study. This Archaeobiology. AltaMira Press, claws. It appears that the artist took column is an edited summary from Walnut Creek, CA. r

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 35 Publications Murphy, M., Kendall, K., Robinson, A., mass and growth in northern February 2008 Waits, L. 2007. The impact of time and southern Europe. Oecologia Recent Bear and field conditions on brown bear 153(1):37-47 (Ursus arctos) faecal DNA ampli- Literature fication. Conservation Genetics Valdiosera, C. E., García, N., 8(5):1219-1224 Anderung, C., Dalén, L., Cré- Richard B. Harris gut-Bonnoure, E., Kahlke, R., Ursus Editor Reynolds-Hogland, M. J., Pacifici, L. Stiller, M., Brandström, M., 218 Evans B., Mitchell, M. S. 2007. Linking Thomas, M.G., Arsuaga, J.L., Missoula MT 59801, USA resources with demography to Götherström, A.; Barnes, I. 2007. Email: [email protected] understand resource limitation for Staying out in the cold: glacial & bears. Journal of Applied Ecology refugia and mitochondrial DNA Tanya Rosen 44(6):1166-1175 phylogeography in ancient Europe- P.O. Box 1404 an brown bears. Molecular Ecology Ennis MT 59729, USA Robbins, C.T., Fortin, J. K., Rode, K. D.; 16(24):5140-5148 Email: [email protected] Farley, S. D., Shipley, L. A., Felicetti, L. A. 2007. Optimizing protein Zhang, S., Pan, R., Li, M., Oxnard, C., Kannan, K., Agusa, T., Evans, T., intake as a foraging strategy to Wei, F. 2007. Mandible of the giant Tanabe, S. 2007. Trace Element maximize mass gain in an omni- panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Concentrations in Livers of Polar vore. Oikos 116(10):1675-1682 compared with other Chinese Bears from Two Populations in carnivores: functional adaptation. Northern and Western Alaska. Swenson, J., Adamič, M., Huber, D., Biological Journal of the Linnean Archives of Environmental Stokke, S. 2007. Brown bear body Society 92(3):449-456 r Contamination and Toxicology 53(3):473-482

Communications

with me! Most importantly, ask your International Bear children or those you know to send Hair Loss Among Cub Newsletter is out! me their stories, pictures, or whatever Bears – N. American the sight or thought of a bear evokes Tanya Rosen in them. Zoo Survey P.O. Box 1404 The first issue is available for Ennis MT 59729 USA download at www.planetbear.org. The Russ Van Horn, Ph.D. Email: [email protected] second issue will follow sometime Researcher, Applied Animal Ecology in the spring. You can send me your Conservation & Research for The first issue of the International stories and pictures at sunbear74@ Endangered Species (CRES) Bear Cub Newsletter is out! It’s a mac.com. Thanks! r Zoological Society of San Diego newsletter for children about bears, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road scientists studying them, and places Escondido CA 92027-7000, USA where bears live. Harry Reynolds Email: [email protected] inspired the concept when he first wrote in the IBN about the Gobi Bear Research (CRES), veterinary, and Children Club and the importance of husbandry staff of the Zoological connecting children from all over the Society of San Diego are surveying world and developing their interest in North American institutions about bears. the occurrence of hair loss among This issue features Siew Te Wong bears, particularly Andean bears. and the Sun Bear. I would like to We’re especially interested in progres- feature as many of you as possible, sive hair loss that eventually occurs your projects, and the bears you are over much of the bear’s body. The studying, so please get in contact goal of this study is to identify risk

36 International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 Communications factors and effective treatments for with bear capture. In cooperation BEARTREK is a campaign and film this condition, and to determine with Dr. Mark R. Johnson DVM of to support global bear conservation. whether hair loss may be a predictor Global Wildlife Resources, Inc., I will The dream for BEARTREK began of other conditions. Although our be volunteering my efforts and relying about five years ago as one solution initial emphasis is on hair loss among upon the participation of others. We to the ongoing need for funding and captive Andean bears, we’d like to hope to provide a resource that will exposure for critical bear conserva- establish whether hair loss also occurs ultimately improve capture techniques tion efforts around the world. In 2007 in free-ranging Andean bears and and minimize trap injuries. we took some exciting steps towards among captive bears of other species. Your assistance in this project making the dream a reality, including We’re directly contacting captive would be greatly appreciated. Please the establishment of Wildlife Media facilities in North America, but we’d contact me if you are willing to – the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization also like input from field biologists. contribute your experience. r that is managing BEARTREK and If you are aware of cases of hair loss future projects. among either captive or free-ranging The main component of our cam- bears of any species, please contact paign is a feature length documentary Megan Owen (mowen@sandiegozoo. movie that will highlight several bear org) or Russ Van Horn (rvanhorn@ BEARTREK projects around the world - an epic, sandiegozoo.org) for more informa- high definition film to capture the tion. Results of the survey will Campaign and Film essence of bear habitat, the human initially be presented at the Second cultures associated with bear conser- International Symposium on the Underway – vation, and some of the many fascinat- Andean Bear. r an update ing individuals who are working on research and education projects for Chris Morgan (M.S. Ecology) bears. To add an element of adventure, Executive Director the series of expeditions are under- WILDLIFE MEDIA taken on my trusty motorcycle! Seeking Input and PO Box 28656 Wildlife Media is made up of a Bellingham WA 98228-0656, USA small team of filmmakers; conser- Information to Phone: +1 360-734 6060 vationists, and business people – all Document Bear Fax: +1 360-734 0800 of whom believe in the power of film Email: [email protected] and media to engage the public and Trap Design Web: www.wildlifemedia.org forge change. This is the backdrop to our entire effort – using film to gain Marci Johnson Email: [email protected]

For those with experience and ex- pertise capturing bears, I invite your participation in a project collating current knowledge of efficient and ethical trap design. The project will document the history and diversity of trap design and provide a resource detailing materials, techniques, manufacturers, literature, and human safety considerations. The project will primarily benefit biolo- gists, wardens, and other individuals outside of the IBA community who presently do not have this type of information available. The end product will be an illustrated

brochure to be distributed among (www.matthewfelton.com). state and federal agencies, universi- courtesyPhoto Matthew of Felton ties, and other organizations involved Two brown bear cubs of the year in Katmai National Park, Alaska - BEARTREK’s first filming location

International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 37 Communications attention, trigger action, and thus help promote conservation. If we do this right, our efforts could result in mil- lions of dollars for bear conservation. We’ve been busy. In the last few months we’ve been working hard to raise US$1.6M for film production and donations to bear projects on the ground. Thanks to the generosity of many people, we secured enough funding to film in our first two (of 6) locations in September and October: Alaska and Malaysia. In Katmai (Alaska) we filmed coastal brown bears during the fall salmon run, and on the island of Borneo (Malaysia) we were privileged to join bear biologist Siew Te Wong in the field to learn

about his incredible sun bear conser- © Chris Morgan vation work. Sun bear biologist Siew Te Wong with orphaned ten month old cub ‘Cerah’ At the moment, all of our attention during filming of BEARTREK in Borneo, October, 2007. is focused on editing a 15-minute demo reel of our Alaska and Borneo ted. Then in 2009 we hope to secure those that include education, and also footage (we shot about 100 hours in a distribution deal that will result in meet local socioeconomic needs. total so this is no small task!). It will BEARTREK being played in movie If you know of any potential look and feel like a portion of the theaters across North America (and supporters, please help to spread final full-length feature film and will further afield at a later time). As Wild- the word. Similarly, if you have an become a key fund-raising tool. The life Media will be returning box office interesting project you would like demo reel will be ready in April, but profits to bear conservation, this is to profile, ideas, or skills to offer we in the meantime, a montage of raw where the impact could be huge. would love to hear from you about clips from Alaska and Borneo can be We’re working closely with the IBA participating in our cause. viewed at the link below. and Bear Specialist Group to ensure To watch montage of raw footage So, we’ve made a good start, but that any funding distributed by Wild- BEARTREK clips or make a donation, we have a long way to go. Our plan life Media is well targeted – focusing go to: www.wildlifemedia.org r is to film in India, Peru, Canada, and on innovative and critical bear con- Mongolia in 2008, funding permit- servation needs globally – especially

Events

for beginners, bear human conflicts Please send all correspondence to 10th Western Black (probably the workshop theme) and Carl Lackey - Nevada Department Bear Workshop how to get your work published. We of Wildlife at tenthwesternbb@ would appreciate your comments on aol.com or [email protected] or In response to requests from some these ideas or suggestions for others. +1‑775‑720‑6130. r IBA members, the 10th Western Black The dates will be May 18-21, 2009 Bear Workshop will include a per- in Reno, Nevada. The web page and centage of presentations on western other pertinent information will be brown bear topics in addition to black in place by Spring 2008. Start think- bear. Other suggestions for workshop ing about how you would like to be agenda items include aversive condi- involved and topics you would like to tioning, bear capture and handling discuss.

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International Bear News February 2008, vol. 17 no. 1 41   IBA Officers & Council Executive Council Officers Djuro Huber Ex-officio, Non-voting Members ˆ Frank van Manen Member Matt Durnin President  University of Zagreb International Bear Newsletter Editor USGS Southern Appalachian Field Biology Dept., Veterinary Faculty B4-2 Qijiayuan Diplomatic Compound Laboratory Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb No. 9 Jianwai Dajie University of Tennessee Republic of Croatia Chaoyang District 274 Ellington Hall Phone: +385 1 2390 141 Beijing 100600, China Knoxville TN 37996, USA Fax: +385 1 244 1390 Phone: +86 (10) 8532-4710 ext 232 Phone: +1 865-974-0200 Email: [email protected] Fax: +86 (10) 8532-3922 Fax: +1 865-974-3655 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mike Proctor  Email: [email protected] Member Dave Garshelis PO Box 920 Bear Specialist Group Co-Chair Piero Genovesi Kaslo BC Canada V0G 1M0 Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources Vice President - Eurasia ˆ Phone: +1 250-353-7339 1201 East Highway 2 INFS-National Wildlife Institute Email: [email protected] Grand Rapids MN 55744, USA Via Ca’ Fornacetta 9 Phone: +1 218-327-4146 I-40064 Ozzano Emilia BO, Italy Shyamala Ratnayeke Email: [email protected]  Phone: +39 051 6512228 Member Fax: +39 051 796628 Department of Forestry, Wildlife Rich Harris Email: [email protected] and Fisheries Ursus Editor University of Tennessee 218 Evans Karen Noyce Knoxville TN 37996, USA Missoula MT 59801, USA Vice President - Americas  Phone: +1 865-429-1218 Phone: +1 406 542-6399 Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources Email: [email protected] Fax: +1 406 542-6399 1201 East Highway 2 Email: [email protected] Grand Rapids MN 55744, USA Jon Swenson  Phone: +1 218-327-4133 Member Bruce McLellan Fax: +1 218-327-4181 Department of Ecology and Natural Bear Specialist Group Co-Chair Email: [email protected] Resource Management Box 1732 Agricultural University of Norway D’arcy BC, V0N 1L0, Canada Diana Doan-Crider Box 5003, NO-1432 Email: [email protected] Secretary  Ås, Norway PO Box 775 Phone: 47 64 94 85 30 Jordan Schaul Kingsville TX 78363, USA [email protected] AZA Liaison Phone: +1 361-455-3241 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Michael R. Vaughan ˆ Member Brian Schieck Cecily Costello Virginia Cooperative IBA Student Coordinator Treasurer  Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation PO Box 567 148 Cheatham Hall, Virginia Tech Commission Manhattan MT 59741, USA Blacksburg VA 24061-0321, USA 156 Kelvin, Avenue Phone: +1 406-284-3477 Phone: +1 540-231-5046 Deltona FL 32738-5002, USA Email: [email protected] Fax: +1 540-231-7580 Phone: +1 386 789-7063 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Executive Council Koji Yamazaki Isaac Goldstein Member  ˆ Member Zoological Laboratory Wildlife Conservation Society Ibaraki Nature Museum PO Box 833 700 Osaki Bando-City IPOSTEL Merida Ibaraki 306-0622, Japan Estado Merida, Venezuela Phone: +81 297-38-2000 Phone: +58 414-7176792 Phone: +81 297-38-1999 ˆ term expires 2008 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]  term expires 2009

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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 (USA tax #94-3102570) open to professional 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 information. The IBA sponsors international conferences on all aspects of bear biology, ecology, and management. The proceedings are published as peer-reviewed scientific papers in the journal Ursus. IBA Mission Statement Goal: The goal of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) is to promote the conservation and restoration of the world’s bears through science-based research, management, and education. Objectives: In support of this goal, IBA’s objectives are to: 1. Promote and foster well-designed research of the highest professional standards. 2. Develop and promote sound stewardship of the world’s bears through scientifically based population and habitat management. 3. Publish and distribute, through its conferences and publications, peer-reviewed scientific and technical information of high quality addressing broad issues of ecology, conservation, and management. 4. Encourage communication and collaboration across scientific disciplines and among bear researchers and managers through conferences, workshops, and newsletters. 5. Increase public awareness and understanding of bear ecology, conservation, and management by encouraging the translation of technical information into popular literature and other media, as well as through other educational forums. 6. Encourage the professional growth and development of our members. 7. Provide professional counsel and advice on issues of natural resource policy related to bear management and conservation. 8. Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. 9. Encourage full international participation in the IBA through the siting of conferences, active recruitment of 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.

Deadline for the May 2008 issue is April 5, 2008 printed with soy-based ink on 100% recycled, post-consumer waste paper