International Bear News Quarterly Newsletter of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) and the IUCN/SSC Bear Specialist Group November 2008 Vol. 17 no. 4 © Animals Asia Foundation Animals Asia Foundation is working to end the horrific bear bile milking industry in China and Vietnam. When “Jasper” came to Animals Asia’s China sanctuary in 2001, he was very thin, much of his hair was missing from years of rubbing against his cage, his teeth were badly worn from bar biting, and he had a metal catheter implanted in his abdomen. He was cut from a “crush cage” where he had spent 15 years. After surgery, months of rehabilitation, tasty food, and tender loving care, this bear is now healthy, energetic, and appears to be enjoying life. See the full story on page 7.

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

Council News Captive Bears 3 From the President 22 Joint Disease and Its Management in 4 Research and Conservation Grants Captive Bear Species 4 IBA Experience and Exchange Grants Student Forum Opinion 25 Students: Sign up Now for the Truman 5 Berries, Nuts ‘n’ Grubs Google List Serve 6 Climate Change and Bears – Where is the IBA? Bears in Culture 26 Book Review: Bears: A Brief History Bear Specialist Group 7 Animals Asia’s Rescue of Farmed Bears Publications 9 Inventory of Captive Ursids 27 Recent Bear Literature: November 2008 9 Report from the Captive Bear Expert Team Events 11 Bear Conservation in Hukaung Tiger 27 20th Eastern Black Bear Workshop: Reserve, Myanmar Announcement and Call for Papers 12 Is Animal Welfare Conservation? 28 10th Western Black Bear Workshop

Americas IBA 14 The Andean Bear in the World View of 29 IBA Membership Application the South American Andes 31 IBA Publications Order Form 15 The Juco Project: advances in 32 IBA Officers & Council determining the presence of the Andean 33 IBA Mission Statement Bear in Argentina 16 Presence of the Andean Bear in the Mountain Forest and “Pajonal” in Luya, Amazonas, Northeastern Perú 17 Southwest U.S.A. and Mexico 2008 Election Supplement 19 Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project located between pages 16 & 17, Releases Results at the centerfold 21 Northeastern United States and Eastern E1 Election Supplement Table of Contents Canada E2 IBA Candidate Statements 21 Northeast Black Bear Technical E5 Bylaw Amendments Committee Annual Meeting

Cover photo courtesy of Animals Asia Foundation.

International Bear News, ISSN #1064-1564, quarterly newsletter of the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) Editors: Matt Durnin (Managing), Jordan Schaul (Correspondence), Janissa Balcomb (Layout), Jim Tomlin (Production/Distribution), Tanya Rosen (Translation) PO Box 462, Brookeville MD 20833 USA, Phone: +1 415-321-8369, Fax: +1 415-321-8637 Email: [email protected], Websites: www.bearbiology.com www.bearbiology.org Back issues are available at www.bearbiology.com Editorial Policy International Bear News welcomes articles about biology, conservation, and management of the world’s eight bear species. Submissions of about 750 words are preferred, and photos, drawings, and charts are appreciated. Submissions to [email protected] are preferred; otherwise, mail or fax to the address above. IBA reserves the right to accept, reject, and edit submissions. Deadline for the February 2009 issue is January 5, 2009 Thank you to everyone who contributed to this issue. Artwork is copyrighted – do not reproduce without permission. Membership Use the form on page 29 to order or renew memberships, make donations, and/or update member information.  International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Council News committed substantial effort to this. a factor in choosing Georgia as the From the President As a result, I believe visitors and recre- host of the 2009 IBA Conference. ationists in our area have gained a Despite those good intentions, no Frank T. van Manen better understanding of bear behavior one could have predicted the events U.S. Geological Survey and I hope this increased awareness in August, in which Russian troops University of Tennessee prevented this bear attack from being entered 2 regions of Georgia, south Dept. of Forestry, Wildlife and much worse. I am using this example Ossetia and Abkhazia. Following Fisheries to make the point that how we deal the news of the conflict, we were in 274 Ellington PSB with human-bear conflicts is critical contact with the Georgian organizers Knoxville TN 37996, USA for bear conservation throughout the to gauge the situation. After an initial Email: [email protected] world; the larger lesson is that we can- assessment from the conference or- not be complacent about this topic. ganizers, Council decided to wait for It has been a busy summer for 6 weeks before making any decision bears and bear biologists around regarding the feasibility of hosting the here. Bears are frequently in the news Elections conference, while exploring options and sometimes more than we want. In this issue of International Bear for alternative dates or venues. Dur- Numerous incidents involving black News, you will find a ballot for the ing that time the situation calmed bears were reported throughout the IBA elections and for ratification of down substantially although some southern Appalachians and several hit the interim bylaws that council voted uncertainty remains about funding close to home. In one case, an 8-year- on last March in preparation for IBA’s and attendance if the conference is old boy from Florida was attacked by a incorporation filing. Although our to be held a year from now. At the black bear in Great Smoky Mountains intention was to send a separate ballot time of this writing, Council had not National Park but survived without at an earlier date, we decided that it yet made a decision so please check serious injuries. The incident was was much more economic to include the IBA website for the most recent serious because it had many elements the ballot with this newsletter. This updates on the Georgia conference. of a predatory attack. The father and caused a slight delay of the deadline brother of the boy responded quickly for the votes (see enclosed ballot). th and effectively and twice pulled the Your votes for the council positions IBA’s 40 Birthday? bear away from him. Fortunately, the and the Bylaw ratification are very Some of you may have wondered bear was only 40 kg. After several important so please take the time to whether we should be celebrating th similar incidents in our region in vote. And please return the ballot as IBA’s 40 anniversary this year. I add- recent years, including 2 human fatali- soon as you receive this issue, this is ed a question mark to the subheading ties in 2000 and in 2006, much media particularly important for those of you because there is some contention attention was given to this incident. outside of North America. regarding the official founding date of Journalists started asking whether the IBA. Some count the first, informal behavior of bears was changing, mak- Georgia Conference meeting of 49 North American bear ing bears more inclined to attack. It I’m sure many of you have followed biologists in Whitehorse, Yukon in is a reasonable and innocent question the news from Georgia and wondered 1968 as the beginning of our organiza- but the implications would be far- whether IBA will be able to host the tion. However, the reality is that the reaching if this were the case, particu- conference there a year from now. concept of a formal organization was rd larly in areas with high bear densities First, on behalf of the IBA Council, not conceived until the 3 Inter- and high human visitation. However, let me express my deepest concerns national Bear Conference in Bing- simple statistics may provide a more for all those people who have been hampton, New York in 1974. Some logical explanation: with greater black affected by this conflict. For many well-known bear biologists present bear densities in the region over the of us these types of situations are far at that conference, including Chuck past 30 years and increasing recre- from the reality of our daily lives and Jonkel, Jack Lentfer, Mike Pelton, ational use, the likelihood of these it is easy to forget the real tragedies and John and Frank Craighead, had a aberrant encounters may simply be behind the stories we hear and see in ‘hallway discussion’ in which the idea increasing. Of course, the message for the news. When Council examines of a formal ”Bear Biology Association” bear biologists and resource managers bids for hosting conferences, an (BBA) was formed. The first Council is to be prepared for this and increase important consideration is whether an meeting, however, was not held public awareness of bear behavior and IBA conference can raise the profile until 1977, at the Kalispell, Montana explain how to respond to different for bear conservation in a particular meeting. Chuck Jonkel was elected as types of bear encounters. Resource country or region. This was certainly the first president of the BBA (in 1983 management agencies in our area have renamed to International Association for Bear Research and Management or

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4  Council News IBA) at the membership meeting on This book picks up where Edward 22 February 1977. Research and Tufte leaves off. The author is a Regardless of whether 1968 or 1977 Conservation Grants proven professional in the field of is the true founding year of IBA, we designing effective presentations. have a long history. Maybe I am just Fred Dean, Program Chair The layout is creative and right to the getting old but there is something Email: [email protected] point. I recommend the book highly valuable in revisiting the past. For and believe it will be read and then those of you who attended the Thank you again to those grant- frequently referred to by many people. Gatlinburg conference in 1998, you ees who have sent in progress and (Think beyond stumbling through may recall Al LeCount’s interesting final reports without reminders and the options of common presentation and entertaining presentation on IBA’s prompting. It is clear that the IBA software, which most of us have done history. For those who were not there, grants continue to be very helpful in too frequently.) I encourage you to read the associ- supporting good research as well as We do not expect major changes ated paper (Ursus 11:11–20) because soundly-based and innovative conser- in the RCGC process this year, but it provides a summary of important vation programs. Those of you who check the website before preparing accomplishments of IBA. As Al stated have reports overdue are jeopardizing proposals. in that article, “For many of us, a your chances of receiving grants in the lifelong commitment to the welfare future. of bears worldwide has been fostered I hope to put some of the informa- through IBA”. It is clear from our tion from grant reports, or even whole conferences, publications, and student reports, on the IBA Website. Any IBA Experience and participation that this commitment report submitted that meets the terms Exchange Grants has only grown stronger over time. of the grant agreement will be consid- That is a good thing, we need it now ered eligible unless the report author Deadline for Applications: more than ever. tells me that there is a good reason not January 1, 2009 to do so under special circumstances. Bears and Cats A statement to that effect will become Ole Jakob Sorensen Very few taxon-specific, inter- a part of the new grant agreements. Nord-trondelag University College national organizations dedicated At this time, I have no good Faculty of Social Sciences and Natural to science-based conservation and information on the impact that the Resources management exist with such a rich financial turmoil may have on the Box 2501 and successful history as IBA. Re- funds available for grants this coming N-7729 Steinkjer, Norway cently, the Wild Felid Research and year. It would not surprise me if there Phone: +47 74112052 Management Association (WFA) was was less money than in the past few Email: [email protected] founded, which was structured largely years. If that is the case, it will be all after IBA. We are honored that the the more important to prepare well- The deadline for applying for IBA’s organizers of this association saw IBA written proposals for sound projects. Experience and Exchange (E&E) as a worthy role model. The conserva- Give the process plenty of time. grants program for 2009 is January 1, tion issues that many cat species face Finally, a recommendation for 2009. Please note that both of IBA’s are all too familiar to bear biologists an excellent book, helpful to both grants programs, E&E and Research so there will be natural connections students and professionals in our and Conservation (R&C) grants share between the 2 organizations. I hope field (Audiences and presenters will the same application deadline. the Wild Felid Research and Manage- appreciate it too!): E&E grants are an excellent way ment Association will become as Duarte, Nancy. 2008. Slide:ology, to gain experience and international successful as IBA and wish them the the art and science of creating perspective, benefit from oth- best of luck. Without suggesting that great presentations. O’Reilly, ers’ expertise in a field setting, and you switch your “taxon affiliation”, I Sebastopol, California. xix + initiate or strengthen across-project encourage you to support this new 274 pp. Paper. U.S. and Canada collaborations. organization and to check out their $34.99 list price. Application information and forms website: www.wildfelid.org . www.oreilly.com. can be found on the IBA website, at It is also available from local dealers, www.bearbiology.com. For other and online from Amazon.com and questions, contact Ole Jakob Sorensen, Barnes and Noble. E&E program chair, at the above address.

 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Opinion

Diana Doan-Crider gency supplies in case you get stuck winch their truck up a tree when the PO Box 185 somewhere. I’m amazed at how many U-joint broke. Tip #3: always carry Comfort, TX 78013 people now days who just wander the bare essentials. John Hechtel told Tel: +1 830-324-6550 out into the wilderness without any me of a time when he broke his leg out Email: [email protected] precautions just because they think in the field while doing den work, and they can call someone if they need used duct tape to strap his leg to his The goal of this column is to help. Newsflash: cell phones have snowmobile so he could get back to provide a sounding board for manage- batteries, which die. They can break, camp. I have used duct tape to strap ment tips, philosophies, and current get wet, get lost, or lose service in a my water bottle to my waist when I happenings in the bear world that canyon. We used to make every field forgot my backpack, and even to tape deserve some digesting. These are the technician carry a small radio collar in my boots together when the sole fell topics that are generally not published case we needed to find someone - now off while I was hiking. My emergency in the scientific journals, but are more they have handy GPS transmitters field pack usually includes: duct tape, often heard around bear biologists’ for that – which I strongly recom- matches and a lighter (in case the coffee tables. We would be as happy mend. Tip #2: be innovative. One of matches get wet and in case the lighter as a habituated bear in a garbage can the marks of a true bear biologist is breaks), flashlight, space blanket, to entertain some of your ideas, or someone who is ready for anything. granola bar, a small first aid kit, water, help answer any questions with the Take these guys: Tim Thier wrote in water, and more water. Some people help of people who know a lot more with a great story when he, Joe Perry, have a lot more in their packs; but than I do. and Mark Haroldson got a pickup more or less, you get the idea. Don’t stuck in Trail Creek, Montana in 1976 get lazy, and don’t let an emergency Innovation and Preparedness (waaaay before AAA Roadside Ser- remind you that you should have vice). They were working for Chuck prepared better. Tip #4: don’t let in the Field Jonkel and the Border Grizzly Project failed technology get you down. If This section may seem a bit at the time, so many of you already something breaks, don’t let that limit elementary, but perhaps it is more di- know that adventure was just part of your ability to get the job done. While rected toward those (ahhhem…) that the job description. Fortunately, they I was in the field, I tried to use equip- grew up around technology vs. those were prepared with a come-along. ment that was easy to fix. The fancier of us who had to use a typewriter to Unfortunately, it fell far short of the air guns and rifles were tempting, type our thesis. It is easy to get de- nearest tree. With some innovation but since I was about 6 hours from pendent on cell phones, high-tech GPS using a set of snow chains and an old the closest Mexican town, and about units, or handy emergency features steel-jawed bear trap (that Chuck, 12 hours from the closest U.S. town, in your car that talk to you in wispy for some reason, had put in the truck getting that fancy equipment fixed female voices when you’ve had an while doing bear work in the 1960s), wasn’t an easy chore. In particular, accident. But take it from those of us they were barely able to reach a tree. I was once convinced to buy a fancy who remember what it was to rely on A few strokes on the come-along and CO2 gun, but right in the middle of common sense to get us out of trouble they finally freed the truck from the darting a bear, a screw popped out – it never hurts to be innovative and mud-hole. What I want to know was (and disappeared) and the whole thing to be prepared. Here’s Tip #1: always when was the last time they cleaned came apart. We were able to make a have a back-up plan. Even if you DO out that truck? As Chuck would say, jab-stick out of a yucca stalk, but the have your cell phone, it is still a good “don’t throw that out! You never delay only added to the stress for both idea to let someone know where you know when you might need it!” Brian me and the bear. I ultimately resorted are going, make sure you have a full Scheick also tells of a similar story to making my own darts, and used a tank of gas, and STILL carry emer- when he used an old cable snare to very nice, handmade blow gun that I

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4  Opinion could fix using practically anything. effort, especially if you make your own with Gary and found out that he is On another occasion, we had hiked snares anyway. I purchased my own been missing us, too! After doing about 7 hours to a den on the top of aircraft cable and cut it into lengths years of bear research in Pennsylvania, the highest peak in the mountain using a cutting torch; if you cut them Gary was talked into running the range, only to find that we had forgot- with a wire cutter, then ends can fray, state’s white-tailed deer research and ten the slip covers to our dart needles making them difficult to use with the management program until his retire- (another handy tip – ALWAYS check Nycopress clamps. To slide the cable ment in 2004. Since that time, he’s your equipment before you head out in through the holes on the Nycopress been leading photographic and natural into the field!). Fortunately, someone clamps, you simply file down the history tours all over the world. He’s had brought a jalapeno in their lunch ends with a metal file if there is too now living in Lagunitas, California sack that was wrapped with Saran much burnt metal residue from the (just north of San Francisco), and Wrap, which we used to make into a cutting torch. For additional safety, also spends time lecturing on deer pretty nice slip cover (the Saran Wrap we started adding a blob of silicon and bear issues. In addition, he just – not the jalapeno). Once, I actually glue and completely encasing each recently took a job with Normandeau lost my blow gun while I was trying to clamp (letting dry at least 24 hours); Associates (Environmental Consulting get a bear out of a Mexican jail in the this helped prevent any chaffing from Company) evaluating environmental high country of Chihuahua, but was the clamps if the snare was too tight impacts of nuclear power plants and able to use a leftover piece of PVC pipe or if the bear had been in the trap wind energy farms. Sounds like he that worked just fine. I should add overnight. Let me know if you need hasn’t wasted any time! Gary would that, I had run out of the plastic tub- any more information, and I’d be glad love to hear from some of his old ing used for my slip-covers, but was to send you some photographs. I am friends. His contact information is: able to buy a plastic worm used for sure others have developed many Gary Alt, PO Box 370, Lagunitas CA fishing at a local hardware store, cut other safety tips, and we’d love to hear 94938, USA; Phone: +1 415-488-4186; it into a ¼” piece, and it worked like about them. Email: [email protected]. a dandy. Brian Scheick has also used Do you have anyone that you’d like a paperclip as a make-shift antenna Where Are They? me to track down? Just let me know! when he had to wander far away from For those of you who aren’t aware, his truck-mounted antenna to find a John Hechtel has retired from Alaska dropped radio collar. Unfortunately, Fish & Game Department after 25 things are rapidly becoming too high years. We’ve been tracking his status tech - I can now only dream of the to make sure we don’t lose sight of Climate Change and time when we used to fix our pickup this IBA favorite. He’s made a radical Bears – Where is trucks with a nylon stocking, duct move to New Mexico – perhaps to tape, and a piece of inner tube. thaw out after all those years up the IBA? north. He plans on continuing with Chris Servheen Added Safety for his work on bear safety training; as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cable Snares you all probably know, John was in- University Hall, Room 309 Montana bear manager and re- volved with the video series, “Staying University of Montana searcher, Tim Thier, taught me a trick Safe in Bear Country” and “Working Missoula MT 59812, USA for ensuring bear safety if and when in Bear Country.” Don’t worry - bears Email: [email protected] you have to use some cable snares. and bear conservation are still his The U-bolts that are commonly used passions, so we can plan on seeing In the February 2008 issue of the with the snares can sometimes cut his face in the bear world for years to International Bear News, I sum- into a bear’s foot, causing injury. In come. He’s enjoying his new life in the marized a workshop we held at the addition, if not checked often, the southwest by taking lots of side trips, Mexico IBA conference on global U-bolts can sometimes come loose, raising some chickens, and growing warming, climate change, and bears. which could be a real nightmare if a his own vegetables. We can all go live The workshop was well-attended bear charges you at that very mo- with John if the economy collapses. and there was a lot of enthusiasm ment. Instead, Tim used Nycopress His new contact information is: John expressed by IBA members about the aluminum clamps in place of the Hechtel, 13305 Rachel Road SE, IBA getting involved in this topic. Six U-bolts, which quickly made me into Albuquerque, NM 87123, USA; Email: action items were identified at the a convert. You have to use a special [email protected]. workshop and detailed in the Febru- “Nycopress” implement to seal the A number of us from the IBA have ary International Bear News article. clamps, but it’s worth the time and missed seeing our old friend, Gary Alt One of these items was to establish a at our bear meetings. I made contact web-based clearing house regarding

 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Opinion the impacts of climate change on impacts of global climate change. to impact bears with polar bears being bears in order to facilitate exchanges These species-specific predictions the most impacted so far. It seems among bear scientists. This was could be used to develop and stan- logical that we, as bear scientists, done by creating an invited member’s dardize monitoring programs in order should begin to organize our monitor- web-based discussion group. Twenty to measure impacts and test predic- ing programs to measure parameters published papers on climate change tions empirically. For example, we that may change as the climate warms and bears were placed on the web site could look at possible changes in den and precipitation changes. We should as a resource file on this issue and it entry and emergence dates, or changes also be communicating among each is hoped that additional literature and in the distribution or use of key foods. other about ongoing research and reports will be added by participants In the February 2008 International monitoring efforts so that opportuni- as they become available. To apply to Bear News article, I suggested that ties to cooperate and compare results the group go to: http://groups.google. the next step was for the IBA Council in the long-term are maximized. This com/group/bears-climate/about and the BSG to decide if they wish to proactive approach will benefit bear Another workshop recommenda- adopt any or all of these recommenda- conservation and improve our work- tion was to establish an IBA global tions. To date, there has been very ing efforts. warming/climate change work group little interest in the climate change If IBA scientists want to work with representatives from each group discussion web site. I am not on this issue and form an IBA work species. This group would focus aware of any discussions by the IBA group on climate change and bears attention and help coordinate efforts Council or the BSG on these climate to: 1) build an agenda for a specific of bear scientists currently working change recommendations or any ac- climate change session at the next IBA on the issue of global warming. This tion on the recommendations to date. meeting; 2) consider species-specific might involve the development of a I am open to ideas on how to better predictions on the effects of climate session devoted to climate change involve IBA members and generate change and begin to share informa- issues at an upcoming IBA meeting more discussions on this topic. tion on monitoring programs related and/or a regular update in the Inter- During the workshop in Mexico, to climate change effects; and 3) build national Bear News. we established that there was interest involvement and participation in the Lastly, we recommended establish- and concern among IBA members on climate change discussion web site, ing a work group to develop species- the issue of climate change. There is please contact me and we can work to specific predictions of the potential no doubt that climate change is going get this started.

Bear Specialist Group

much higher. In July 2000, Animals for extracting bile that have been used Animals Asia’s Asia signed a landmark agreement since bear farming began in China in Rescue of with the Chinese authorities to rescue the early 1980s, all of them undeniably 500 farm bears in Sichuan Province, to painful and ultimately life-threatening Farmed Bears work towards the elimination of bear for the bears. Many farmers claim that farming in China, and to promote a new catheter-free method of bile ex- Jill Robinson MBE herbal alternatives to bear bile. The traction (now the only legal method) Founder and CEO, bile is used in traditional medicine for – involving the creation of a perma- Animals Asia Foundation a range of complaints including fever, nent fistula or hole in the abdomen Hong Kong, China liver disease, and sore eyes. Synthetic – is painless for the bears and that the Tel: 852-2791-2225 and herbal alternatives are readily industry, therefore, is now “humane.” Email: [email protected] available. Under the agreement, offi- However, the mortality rate of rescued Member: Asiatic Black Bear Expert cials have closed down the worst bear bears that were subjected to this Team farms and permanently taken away “free-drip” method is high. It is also Officially, 11,000 Asiatic black the farmers’ licenses. Animals Asia painful, with the farmer having to jab bears are held on bile-milking farms compensates the farmers financially, the wound repeatedly with a metal rod throughout China and Vietnam. enabling them to retire or set up in as it attempts to heal over. Animals Asia Foundation, which is another business. In March 2008, Animals Asia working to end this brutal, unneces- The Foundation has uncovered and rescued 28 more Asiatic black bears sary industry, fears the figure could be exposed several shocking techniques (known locally as moon bears), bring-

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4  Bear Specialist Group Dr. Dang van Duong, Chief Patholo- gist at the Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi said he was shocked by the condition of the bears and urged consumers to think twice before using bile from such diseased animals. After examin- ing the gall bladder of one of the bears, and concluding that she had “severe chronic cholecystitis,” Dr Duong said, “I am wondering how this bear could have survived, because if this was a human sample, the person would have been dead long ago.” The other bears to undergo cholecystectomies had similarly degenerative gall bladders. Bear bile farming is technically illegal in Vietnam, though the practice is still widespread, and an estimated 4,000 bears remain on bile farms (which are much smaller operations Three trucks carrying 28 rescued bears rolled through the gates of Animals Asia’s than in China). Toward the end of sanctuary in Chengdu, China on March 31, 2008. The veterinary team fully 2007, the Animals Asia team filmed expected that some of the bears would need emergency medical attention, but an unconscious, caged bear on a nothing had prepared them for the horrific condition of these bears.

ing the total number of bears saved snared in the wild prior to being from bear farms in China to 247. caged in bear farms. Many of Almost all of these bears were in very the rescued bears have died as degraded physical condition. All were a result of liver cancer; tumors in impossibly small “crush” cages, and weighing up to 7.5 kg, which have many weighed half what they should. “seeded” throughout their bodies, Some were blind, some had their teeth have been observed by Animals deliberately cut away by the farmers, Asia’s veterinary team. The bile and many had ulcerated gums. One from most of the farm bears bear had holes in his jaw (which was handled by Animals Asia was also broken) where teeth had been contaminated with fluids from pulled from the roots, and many had the infections at bile removal necrotic wounds. Most had open sites. Given the unusually high wounds in their abdomens from the incidence of liver cancer and free-drip method of bile extraction presence of bacteria and con- with some leaking bile, blood, and pus. taminants in these farmed bears, Since their rescue from bear farms, the use of their bile as “medicine” 16 bears have died, providing further for people is certainly a matter of evidence that the farming of bears concern. for the trade in bear bile remains a Animals Asia has recently brutal way to exploit bears for profit. opened its new Moon Bear Many were euthanized when nothing Rescue Centre in Vietnam, more could be done, while others have nestled in a beautiful valley in undergone surgery to remove their the buffer zone of Tam Dao National “Chengdu Truth” weighed only 65 kg – half damaged gall bladders, repair hernias, Park, 70km north of Hanoi. After of what a bear his height should weigh. He remove cancers, and attend to broken, conducting clinical examinations of had a massive liver cancer that had seeded infected teeth from years of biting the damaged gall bladders of farmed through his entire body. His forelimbs were bald, he had hyperkeratotic foot pads, badly the bars of their coffin-sized cages. bears, a Hanoi-based pathologist cracked and dry from dehydration, and A quarter of the bears are missing recently expressed grave concerns for broken teeth. He was euthanized two days limbs, very likely due to being illegally the health of both humans and bears. after arrival at the Animals Asia sanctuary.

 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group Beijing, China 100028 Tel: 86 (10) 6464-3599 Ext.117 Email: [email protected] Co-chair: Captive Bear Expert Team

The Captive Bear Expert Team focuses on the role of captive bears in bear conservation. Toward that end, we collected baseline data during the past 2 years on the number of individuals of each species of bear held in captivity in different regions of the world. We tallied 4,230 captive individuals. The data are most complete for Europe, Russia and adjacent countries belonging to the Community of Inde- pendent States (CIS), Turkey and Israel in the Near East, North and South “Banjo” shows his best side as he investigates one of the many enrichment items at the America, India, Japan and Australia. Animals Asia rescue centre. In these areas, regional zoo organisa- tions exert a level of management – at farm, with empty ketamine bottles (a programs across the country continue a minimum, they monitor population banned drug in Vietnam), four-inch spreading the word of the cruelty to changes (births and deaths) and yearly spinal needles, nooses, restraints bears and the alternatives to bear status. Only patchy information from and bile juice on swabs nearby. Two bile through the press, TV and public Southeast Asian zoos and rehabilita- busloads of Korean tourists were seen roadshows, and exhibits that elevate tion sanctuaries is available (e.g., none fleeing from the farm. In recent years, the profile of bears and promote from Laos), and data from captive Vietnam authorities have promised respect for this majestic species. facilities in China and S. Korea are to phase out bear bile farming and, in Through the network of support from completely missing. The thousands of 2006, Animals Asia signed an agree- university teachers and students and bears (mostly Asiatic black bears) kept ment with the government to rescue TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) on farms for bile extraction in China 200 bears. As in China, the Vietnam practitioners, thousands of people and Vietnam are discussed in the sanctuary will have an herb garden are signing the Animals Asia pledge, accompanying article from Animals containing 54 plant-based alternatives which is simple but effective: “Rescue Asia, and were previously described to bile, thus promoting ethical and Black Bears, Give Up Using Bear Bile.” by the Trade in Bear Parts Expert cruelty-free options. Team (IBN 17(1):23–24), so will not be To date, Animals Asia has rescued considered here. 17 Asiatic black bears in Vietnam, Even with data missing from large and the government has promised to portions of Asia (Table 1), it is clear confiscate at least 50 more bears and Inventory of Captive that most captive bears are in Asia place them into the care of Animals Ursids (45%, see Figure 1). Europe is next: Asia by October 2008. Remarkably, 28% of the captive bears that we tal- nearly all of the former farm bears Report from the Captive in both China and Vietnam are able Bear Expert Team Table 1. Countries where data were to learn to walk again, and even run, lacking or incomplete swim, climb, and interact with the Lydia Kolter other rescued bears. There is hope, Zoologischer Garten Koeln Syria Thailand too, in that attitudes are changing in Riehler Str 173 Lebanon Laos Asia. China especially is opening to 50735 Koeln, Germany Arabian peninsula Vietnam the outside world like never before, Email: [email protected] Iraq China and society is changing at a rapid Co-chair: Captive Bear Expert Team Iran Taiwan pace. Respect for animal welfare is ac- Pakistan Korea celerating, particularly among young Jackson Zee Malaysia Philippines urbanites. Animals Asia’s outreach International Fund for Animal Welfare

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4  Bear Specialist Group (however, Asiatic black removed from their natural habitat bears would far exceed because they were causing problems South America Japan brown bears if all for people. South and Central Ameri- North America Chinese and Korean can zoos are dominated by Andean AustralNewZ bears on farms and bears (59%). Native Asiatic black bears other private holdings and brown bears make up 79% of the S-E Asia were included). Sloth Japanese captive bear population. In bears are the third India, nearly 100% of the bears in zoos most popular species, at 15% (Figure 2); 87% Europe India of these are in Indian facilities. More than half the sloth bears CIS Near East are wild-born, confis- Figure 1. Regional representation of captive bears cated dancing bears, in zoos and sanctuaries (n = 4230) which are kept in large (Note: The contribution of SE Asian facilities is under- estimated, and some Asian countries with large numbers naturalistic sanctuar- of captive bears are completely missing. See Table 1.) ies, where they can display a wide variety of natural behaviours, lied live in European facilities moni- including social play. (See photo tored by the European zoo association to the right.) Sun bears, American (EAZA)(Figure 1); however, only black bears, Andean bears, and polar 66% of these are in EAZA member bears are roughly equivalent in their zoos. North America holds 14% of all contribution to the captive population. captive bears, the majority of which Giant pandas are available to only a are in member zoos of the North few selected zoos outside China. American zoo organisation (AZA). Regional captive populations tend Sloth bears play fighting at the AGA Sloth Bear Sanctuary, India Bears in North American rehabilita- to be dominated by bears native to tion centres (e.g., wild orphaned cubs) each area. European brown bears run by various NGOs are not included compose 58% of the European ursid and sanctuaries are native Asiatic here, as many of them are released collection: 52 % of them live in EAZA black and sloth bears. Preliminary after rehabilitation and thus remain in facilities, 29% in small, non-EAZA data from zoos and sanctuaries in captivity only a short time. zoos, and 19% are housed in sanctuar- Southeast Asia indicate that, like other Brown bears make up one-third, ies, often large naturalistic enclosures regions, native bears (sun bears and and Asiatic black bears comprise run by animal welfare organisations. Asiatic black bears) dominate these 20% of the global captive population (See top photo next page.) These are collections. mostly cap- Reliable data on numbers of wild Giant Panda tive-born bears bears coming into zoos and other Polar bear that had been captive facilities are available only for confiscated from those species recorded in formal stud- Andean Bear very small zoos or books. For example, the European Brown bear private holdings studbook shows that 2–3 wild-born with inadequate brown bears have been added per year Asiatic black conditions. during the past 20 years. The Andean bear In North bear international studbook shows American zoos, the addition of 3–4 wild-born Andean native American bears per year. All these wild-born black and brown bears were victims of human activi- Sun bear American black (grizzly) bears ties, either orphaned due to poaching Sloth bear bear make up 50% of or driven into human settlements or the captive ursids. agricultural areas by loss of habitat. Figure 2. Species representation among captive bears, excluding Many of these The majority of bears kept and thousands of Asiatic black bears on farms and private facilities are wild-born managed outside of their natural in China, Vietnam, and South Korea. (n = 4230) animals that were range are captive born. Within the

10 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group house them are at a Bear Park, EAZA; Maria Krakowiak, premium. Warsaw Zoo EAZA; Andres Bracho, In large parts of Red Tremarctos; Karin Linke, Ros- the world, husband- tock Zoo EAZA; Amy Hall, Durrell ry of captive bears Wildlife Trust Jersey, EAZA; Lubov is in great need Kurilovich, Moscow Zoo, EAZA and of improvement. EARAZA (Eurasian Regional As- The next step is to sociation of Zoos and Aquariums); collate information Alexandros Karamanlidis, Arcturos. on actual captive conditions, and compare this to minimum hus- bandry standards Brown bears resting in a natural setting at Baerenwald Müritz, established in Bear Conservation Germany different regions by in Hukaung Tiger various organisa- framework of the EAZA and AZA, tions. Good examples of desirable Reserve, Myanmar sloth bears, Andean bears, sun bears conditions, even under restricted spa- Saw Htun and polar bears are managed in coor- tial situations, would be helpful (see Wildlife Conservation Society, dinated programmes. Intense genetic photo below). A major contribution of Myanmar Program and demographic management is captive bears toward the conservation Yangon, Myanmar applied to minimise the risk of loss of of wild bears is through information Tel (Yangon): 95-1-524893/512984 genetic diversity, and in some cases to and education. Housing bears in well- Tel (Tanai): 95-2-44562/44563 prevent genetic mixing of subspecies. structured enclosures with natural Email: [email protected] Recommendations are made, based on vegetation, which stimulates a variety Member: Asiatic Black Bear and Sun studbook data, for specific pairings, of species-specific behaviours, is not Bear Expert Teams only more humane, but increases public interest Hukaung Valley, in northern and learning Myanmar (bordering Arunachal opportunities. Pradesh, India), is a global hotspot Data for this for biodiversity. Widespread flood- report were ing during the rainy season and the contributed by prevalence of malaria has kept the Scott Carter, human population low, thus provid- Detroit Zoo, ing a natural sanctuary for wildlife. AZA; José Kok, Ouwehand Zoo, Rhenen, EAZA; Olaf Behlert, Koelner Zoo, EAZA; Brij Kishor Gupta, Even a concrete enclosure of 400m² can be made into a naturalistic New Dehli CZA environment with a layer of soil and vegetative cover. Grizzly bear at India; Matt Koelner Zoo, Germany Hunt, Free the All photo credits: Lydia Kolter Bears, Phnom Penh; Kartick and designated bears may be moved Satyanaran, Wildlife SOS India; among zoos specifically for such Gabriella Fredricksson, Sun bear ET purposes. But even in these species, Kalimantan, Indonesia; Agnieszka as well as others that are less strictly Sergiel, Wroclaw University, Poland; managed by studbooks, reproduction Mihaela Antofi, Ministry of Environ- has to be kept low, because bears are ment, Bucharest; Nilüfer Aytug, Bursa Hukaung Tiger Reserve, northern long-lived and high quality spaces to University; Kenneth Eckvall, Orsa Myanmar

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 11 Bear Specialist Group In 2001, researchers confirmed the and other neighboring countries (see presence of a breeding population of Shepherd and Nijman 2008). While Is Animal Welfare tigers, and in 2004, the entire valley adult bears are marketed for their gall Conservation? was declared a tiger reserve. The Hu- bladders and paws, cubs are caged for kaung Tiger Reserve is now the largest future sale. As demand from China Dave Garshelis & tiger reserve in the world, covering an has increased for parts of tigers, bears, Bruce McLellan area of 21,800 km². gibbons, and elephants, hunting along Co-chairs, IUCN Bear Specialist the Myanmar-China Group border has accelerated, Emails: [email protected] as has trade in juvenile [email protected] animals, like these two cubs. Increased patrol- The quick and simple answer to our ling and law enforcement title question is no. Animal welfare is are the main deterrents. concerned mainly with the health and The Asiatic black bear well-being of individuals in captivity. is listed as a “Protected Conservation is concerned with the Species” under Myanmar viability of populations in the wild. If Wildlife Law, while the all the bears in the world were placed sun bear is a “Totally in wonderful homes in captivity, their Protected Species”. Ac- welfare would be well served but obvi- cordingly, offenders ously not their conservation. can receive heavier The question, though, deserves a punishment for killing or more thoughtful response. Consider harming the latter. Black the case of farmed bears in China The Wildlife Conservation Society bears, but not sun bears, can be killed, and Vietnam. Bear farming (which (WCS) worked together with the under special circumstances, with a is legal in China but not in Vietnam) Ministry of Forestry to help delineate license. is conducted under the contention the boundaries of the reserve, settle Both of the two confiscated cubs that an increased supply of bile, land claims of local people, staff the were sent to Yadanabon Zoo in Man- generated from captive bears, will reserve, and build guard stations and dalay, central Myanmar. The incident satisfy demand and thereby reduce an education center. Natural resource is being used to inform local people of the impetus to poach wild bears. extraction such as logging, rattan the illegality of this trade. That argument itself is suspect, as collection and gold mining in the area the low price of farmed bile may has been significantly reduced, as has For more information: actually encourage more users, some local hunting of wildlife. Local people Shepherd, C.R., and V. Nijman. 2008. of whom may eventually desire wild have been provided pigs and chick- The trade in bear parts from bile (because farmed bile may be seen ens to dissuade them from hunting Myanmar: an illustration of the as impure or less potent), and thus ungulates. ineffectiveness of enforcement of continue to propel that market. The Also present in the reserve are international wildlife trade regula- data to prove or disprove either side Asiatic black bears and sun bears. tions. Biodiversity and Conserva- of this argument are nearly impos- In April 2008, a mobile patrol team tion 17:35–42. sible to obtain. But one fact remains confiscated two Asiatic black bear patently clear – many farmed bears cubs from a village near are being kept in appalling conditions, the reserve headquar- where their health is unquestionably ters. A hunter had compromised and their psychological sold these two cubs to suffering immoral by most human a local villager, after standards. killing the mother bear. Is there a tie between improv- Stories about continued ing the status of farmed bears and bear hunting in the conservation? We think there is. reserve are not uncom- Animals Asia Foundation is leading mon. Bears have been a campaign to reduce the suffering targeted because they of bears in farms by (1) convincing are easily sold across the Chinese and Vietnamese govern- the border in China ments to close the worst farms; (2)

12 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Bear Specialist Group offering tangible assistance for helping the bile trade, and bear farming in Maybe the most direct welfare– the bears in situ should the Chinese particular, that inspired votes for conservation link is funding. People Government commit to a formal time- them. Notably, Animals Asia urged flock to zoos (and pay entrance fees); line for ending all bear farming; (3) visitors to their website to cast their they also donate, out of compassion, financially compensating the farmers vote (open to anyone in the world) for various animal welfare causes. and removing (“rescuing”) the bears for Asiatic black bears (more affec- The connection between money spent once a whole farm is closed; and (4) tionately called moon bears). This and an end result is generally obvious. trying to rehabilitate rescued bears (or species is now in the company of the Conservation is expensive, but it is euthanizing them, if necessary), and Big 5 of Africa (lion, leopard, elephant, often harder to get people to pay for then maintaining them in a captive rhino, and buffalo) – quite a feat, and it, maybe because there are too many facility where they are well cared for. certainly helpful in terms of promot- grave situations and nebulous ways to Their captive facility in Chengdu, ing its conservation. solve them. We cannot guarantee that Sichuan Province, China, attracts Although conservation should not a certain level of donations will save a numerous Chinese visitors each year, be a popularity contest, in truth it threatened population. For the most particularly school groups, who learn really is. Unfortunately, not every- part, we cannot even generate an ac- of the farming practice, alternatives to thing can be saved. And although curate population estimate. We would the use of bear bile, and the impacts we might care a great deal about be lucky to get a nice photo (e.g., of poaching wild bears for their bile. “biodiversity” in general, we have to with a camera trap) and some useful In essence, the facility, which allows admit that humans have prejudices for data. But zoos, and organizations visitors to see rehabilitated bears and against certain kinds of animals. like Animals Asia have recognized playing contentedly in semi-natural As stewards of the bears of the world, this, and have made contributions to enclosures, serves as a center for con- we (BSG and IBA) do not want to conservation-related field studies (e.g., servation education. Clearly, without promote these species at the expense Animals Asia has funded a field study the rescued bears, there would be of others, but we do nonetheless want on the distribution of Asiatic black no visitors to receive this important to promote these species. If it takes bears in central China). Obviously message. (Their center in Vietnam is cute, comical, and endearing photos of this support has been instrumental not yet open to the public.) bears in a rehab facility like Animals in conducting these studies, but also Well beyond this, Jill Robinson, Asia’s to emotionally inspire people is beneficial to the organizations founder and CEO of Animals Asia, to feel for these animals, then so be it. themselves, as their members and travels the world to raise the money Conservation is emotional, and photos contributors appreciate that their needed to fund the rescues and main- can be priceless. donations are being wisely used both tain the two sanctuaries. She gives Zoos, of course, have served this for welfare and for conservation. very gripping presentations about the function for a long time. In the old So the more thoughtful answer to horrific conditions of bears on farms days, zoos were places that people our title question is: animal welfare is – obviously an animal welfare issue to could see animals like bears pacing not conservation, but can be integral audiences who are mainly concerned back and forth in their cages. They in promoting conservation. In this with animal welfare. But by raising saw what the species looked like, but issue of IBN we highlight Animals this issue in the public consciousness, their condition in captivity did not Asia’s bear rehab work in China and she has made people aware of the encourage much positive emotional Vietnam, along with an inventory of broader issue of the impacts of the inspiration (other than compassion other captive bears from the Captive bear bile trade on Asiatic black bears for the hapless individual). Many zoos Bear Expert Team. We also present a (the prime target in this trade). Most today have recognized this, and have report on a bear conservation issue in people would probably not even be made conditions more favorable for a remote valley in northern Myanmar, aware of Asiatic black bears had it not the animals, fostering more natural supported by the Wildlife Conserva- been for the animal welfare concerns behaviors against a backdrop of tion Society (formerly, the New York over the farming. Recently Asian natural scenery, and hopefully rousing Zoological Society of the Bronx Zoo). Geographic magazine conducted a a greater interest and concern for the public poll on the five most popular fate of these species in the wild. This Asian animals. Obvious winners were is bolstered as well by educational the giant panda, tiger, orangutan, and information, which is likely to have elephant. But also making the “Big a greater impact if the animals are 5” was the Asiatic black bear, a real viewed in semi-natural environments, “dark horse” (unlikely contender) in which not only conjures up feelings of the contest. The editor felt it was the wild, but is also considered more

the widespread public concern over humane. Dulaney© Michael W.

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 13 Americas Tied to the Juco are the majority of “fortifications” were there to prevent The Andean Bear in the sexual myths of the forest. Juco the incursions of jaguars and the Juco. the World View of is described as attacking the young Don Ruiz told us about something virgins and trying to have offspring we had never heard before, the Art of the South American with them. The female version of the the Juco. Andes the Juco will stalk young men. The “On a summer morning, I noticed local aboriginal people and gauchos jaguars near the house and decided to Imarú Lameda say that, during the rainy season, men take a gun and look for the animals & and women should stay out of the along the river. After walking for Fernando Del Moral mountains. During this time, the Juco three hours, I sensed the presence of Andean Bear Researchers will leave the high cliffs and forests the jaguars. I decided to stop to eat Masters Student in Natural Resources to stalk people in the villages in the and rest by a stream and sat below and Environment lowland areas. some trees and cliffs. Suddenly, I National University of Salta The incursion of men into the smelled a strange odor and heard a Argentina territory of the Juco is dangerous, too. woofing sound. I picked up the gun Email: [email protected] People say that dogs will howl when right away and, high above the canopy, [email protected] they smell the presence of Juco and I saw a male Juco – dark, hairy, with will run away once they hear the roars big arms. He was staring me in the of the creature. The Juco will warn eyes without moving. I was hypno- The Juco in the Beliefs the people of its presence and will tized and incapable of holding the gun of the Gauchos watch them from the high cliffs. If against him. In that instant, it seemed During our visits to the forest areas it feels threatened, it will push rocks as if the world was him, until he of northeastern Argentina (Salta and to discourage them from getting any turned and disappeared in the thick of Jujuy), we spent time with the gauchos, closer. the mountain forests” Don Ruiz says. the ‘cowboys of Argentina,’ and “I told the story to the old spent evenings at their ranches creole gauchos, and they told me sharing coca leaves and mate I was victim of the ‘Art of the (an infusion of ‘yerba mate,’ Juco,’” he added. Ilex paraguensis), and other “If the Juco looks at the hunter aromatic and medicinal herbs. with a penetrating and prolonged The gauchos told us about a gaze, it will take control of that mysterious creature – half man hunter and his movements, a and half bear – that lives in the sort of hypnosis that will leave forest and is often referred to him frozen for some minutes as ‘Juco,’ ‘Ucu,’ ‘Ucumar,’ and without the hunter being able ‘Creole panda.’ To our surprise, to do anything about it until the we discovered that that mysteri- Juco is gone. This is ‘the Art of ous creature is our very own the Juco.’” spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus). The chubasquera is a small bag used by the gaucho to store The following are some coca leaves. This one features an Andean bear and a jaguar. The Son of the Juco An old creole gaucho from the of the beliefs that are widely In front of the chubasquera is a biquero, a container made from the horns of the bull, for storing sodium bicarbonate Colorado River in Salta, near the shared about the spectacled which is used when consuming coca leaves. border with Jujuy, told us of the bears of the cloud forest of fate of one of the sons of Juco, North-East Argentina. They a hybrid between a bear and a are part of the rich cultural heritage of human. He was known as José Juco, a the region. We collected these stories The ‘Art of the Juco’ man with brown hair, medium height, from the gauchos and the aboriginal On a drizzly evening, after walking with strong arms and feet, of the Kolla people living there. along the banks of the Santa Maria, in the heart of the forest north of ethnic group. (Kolla are aboriginal Salta, we stayed in the house of Don people of the cloud forest and Andean The Juco Ruiz, a timber guide. The house was highlands of Argentina, Bolivia, and Where the forest rises and the fog like a little “fortress,” surrounded by Chile.) He had an angular face full of embraces it in the mountains, that two meter high laurel sticks. Seeing contrast. He also had a detail that did is where the home of the ‘Juco’ lies. my surprise, Don Ruiz said that the not go unnoticed. He was very hairy;

14 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Americas this was the reason why the creole and The study sites were chosen kollas concluded that José was one of The Juco Project: because of their good conservation the Juco’s sons. advances in status, the low occurrence of anthro- José Juco had some disagreement pogenical activities (timber logging, with his community and was no determining the cattle rearing and oil extraction), the longer living there. Instead, he was presence of the altitude, and the composition of the living in a remote part of the forest. flora for sampling purposes. SE1 is in He would occasionally come back Andean Bear in the northeastern part of Salta; SE2 is in to trade with gauchos and kollas; he the southeastern part of Jujuy. Each would bring wildlife hides and meat Argentina study site is approximately 25 km2. and trade them for utensils and other For each study site, we established J. Fernando Del Moral products. When he approached a two 5-km-long linear transects. The Director, Project Juco ranch, the dogs would bark and howl profiles of the transects reflect an alti- Calle Eduardo Wilde no. 450 upon feeling his presence. The horses tudinal gradient, which includes river, Villa Soledad would get agitated, even the most stream, beach, low forest, mountain 4400 Salta, Argentina tame ones. forest, and cliffs. These were identi- Tel: 54 (0387) 155313698 José was famous for his hunting fied in the search for different indirect Email: [email protected] skills. Nobody knew what techniques indications of the bear’s presence and he used. Many concluded that his activity. skills had to do with the fact that he The biological and ecologi- might be related to the Juco. As years cal study of the Andean bear went by, conflicts between José and (Tremarctos ornatus) and its other hunters invading his territory forest life is still in its in- increased. Since José hated the fact fancy. Advances in these areas that people were killing so much require an understanding, first, widlife, he stopped having respect for of the overall distribution of people and decided to move into an the species. So, we are explor- even more remote area of the forest. ing new regions and searching After that, he was never seen again. for indications of the presence Some believe that the fate of José of the bear in the southern was different. While looking for part of Bolivia and the ‘Darien honey, José allegedly ran into some gap’ between Colombia and Jucos, and, at that moment, he decided Panama. to become one of them. By becoming Our study area is in the one of them, he could no longer be cloud forests in the northeast- human. Living in remote areas of the ern part of Argentina. Given forest until his death, he created a new the recent indirect indications © Salta and Provincial Jujuy Governments generation of human-Juco hybrids. of the presence of the bear in Figure 1. Reserva de Biósfera de las Yungas this area, we decided to carry out (RBYUN) in Salta and Jujuy, northeast Argentina. the “Juco Project” to understand the distribution of the bear and possible threats to its survival. (The We used Global Position Systems name ‘Juco’ means ‘bear’ in the (GPS) to georeference the data found, aboriginal dialect rusanimi.) define the influence of environmental As part of the Juco Project, we variables in areas where data were carried out a “program of rapid collected, such as linear distance evaluation” (RAP) in new areas of from sources of water (temporal and Salta and Jujuy. We did approximately permanent) and type of vegetation. 7-day-long surveys; we visited two We divided the data into five types:

study sites (SE) found in the Reserva tracks, scratches, signs of feeding, de Biósfera de las Yungas (RBYUN) by beds, and scats. foot or on horseback (Figure 1). The With some rare exceptions, we area in question is 13,287.2 km2 and used the data in a combined fashion is found in the Tucumano-Oranense to find the most direct evidence of the

© Michael W. Dulaney© Michael W. o’ Yungas Forest. bears presence or activity, with the

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 15 Americas exception of scats that provided research group and the research group that direct evidence alone. This that studies infirmities in amphibians way, we made sure that we were in the ‘Huiquilla Private Conservation not mistaking these signs with Area’ (www.huiquilla.org), located indications of the presence of in front of the district of Longuita other species. in Luya, Amazonas, in northeastern However, at times, we used Perú. These kinds of private conser- trained scat dogs (Figure 2). Us- vation areas are part of conservation ing scat dogs is recommended initiatives started by nature loving for optimizing the identification people. These people try through the of bear signs and the collection sustainable management of natural

of data such as fresh scats and © Fernando Del Moral resources and ecotourism to protect hair, in case they are needed Figure 2. Gaucho y Baqueano, the scat dogs. the species of flora and fauna that are for subsequent analysis. Using threatened; they also seek to protect scat dogs is recommended if the the quality of life of the nearby rural corridor for bears and other large dogs are well trained and healthy so communities. When I talked to the carnivores of conservation value like that they do not disturb the wildlife manager of ACP Huiquilla, Mr. José the the jaguar (Panthera onca) and and introduce diseases. La Torre, I asked if he had seen any mountain lion (Puma concolor). We We found bear signs in two of the sign of Andean bears (Tremarctos need to stop the current trends that four units of vegetation found in the ornatus). He answered how people are accelerating habitat fragmentation ecosystem (Figure 3), in the mountain from different generations have been (like the plans to build a hydroelectric forest and mountain forest/high telling different stories related to dam on the high banks of the Bermejo pastures areas. The signs found were the presence of the Andean bear in River) and ensure the natural genetic distributed between the northern part this area. He also said how during a exchange between the bears at the of Salta and Jujuy (longitude 24º 30’ S). herpetological study the year before edge of the range and the ones in The altitude encompassed is between one Andean bear was spotted in the 500 and 2400 meters above sea level. Bolivia. ACP and it was thus probable that The RBYUN and its connectivity there were some bears in the area. with the neighboring Reserva de Flora (continued on page 17, after the Special y Fauna de Tariquia (Tarija, Bolivia), Presence of the Election Supplement ... ) with more than 13,400 km2 in area combined, is of vital importance Andean Bear in for the establishment of a biological the Mountain Forest and “Pajonal” in Luya, Amazonas, Northeastern Perú Marco A. Enciso, MV Programa de Postgrado en Zo- ología: Ecología y Conservación Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú Mailing address: Jr. San Miguel 257, 2° Piso Urb. Cahuache, San Luis. Lima 30. Lima, Perú

© Fernando Del Moral Tel: +511997060016 Figure 3. Sign of left paw of an Andean bear Email: [email protected] Figure 1. Map of Amazonas, with areas of (Tremarctos ornatus), in the Tucumano- potentially suitable habitat for the Andean Oranense ó Yungas forest, northeast During the first months of 2008, Bear. The arrow shows the district of Lónguita. Argentina. a joint study started between my Adapted from Amanzo et al. 2007.

16 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 IBA 2008 Election Supplement

IBA Candidate Statements

Nominee for Vice-President Eurasia Piero Genovesi...... E2

Nominees for Council (2 positions) Mark Haroldson...... E2 Mei-Hsiu Hwang...... E2 Alexandros Karamanlidis ...... E3 Ali Nawaz ...... E3 John Paczkowski ...... E3 Brian Scheick ...... E4 Andreas Zedrosser ...... E4

Bylaw Amendments

Bylaws and Organizational Structure...... E5 Article I. Description Section 6. Official Language...... E5 Article II. Membership Section 7. Code of Ethics ...... E5 Article III. Organization Section 1. The Council ...... E5 Section 3. Quorum ...... E5 Section 4. Duties ...... E5 Section 5. Transparency and Accountability...... E5 Section 6. Conflict of Interest ...... E6 Section 7. Compensation for Council Members ...... E6 Article IV. Officers Section 5. The Treasurer...... E6 Section 6. Ursus Editor(s) ...... E6 Article V. Procedures ...... E6 Article VI. Elections Section 2. Nominations ...... E6 Section 3. Balloting ...... E7 Section 4. Tenure of Office ...... E7 Section 5. Vacancies ...... E7 Article VIII. Bylaws and Resolutions Section 1. Bylaws ...... E7 Section 2. Amendments to the Bylaws and Resolutions...... E7 Article IX. Publications Section 1. Publications ...... E8 Section 3. Funding ...... E8

2008 IBA Election Supplement E1 IBA Candidate Statements

Nominee for Vice-President Eurasia Piero Genovesi Since my election at the IBA conference in Riva del – the first ever in Asia – and experience the enthusi- Garda, I had three fantastic years in my role of IBA Vice asm and dedication of many friends working on bear President for Eurasia! In this time I had the opportunity conservation in Asian countries. to work closely with many colleagues from the Americas, I think this has been a really special moments of Europe and Asia. I worked at organizing workshops in increased international role of IBA, and of growing Abruzzo and Spain that I believe concurred to improve enthusiasm in so many countries toward bear bear conservation in these areas – that host the most conservation. And hope you will give me a chance to threatened bear populations of Europe. Also, I had the continue my effort to support strengthening the IBA fortune to attend the wonderful IBA conference in Japan work around the world.

Nominees for Council (2 positions)

Mark Haroldson Mei-Hsiu Hwang I had my first experiences working with bears After receiving my PhD degree from the Conservation during the summer of 1976 as a work-study student Biology Program, University of Minnesota in 2003, I am at the University of Montana. From that point I was currently an assistant professor at Institute of Wildlife captivated by bears have made studying them my life’s Conservation of Taiwan’s National Pingtung University work. Through the years I have had the good fortune to of Science and Technology. As the co-chair of the IUCN/ study both black and grizzly bears throughout the Rocky SSC Asiatic black bear Expert Team, I have conducted Mountains and to work with many renowned biologists. research on Asiatic black bears in Taiwan for 12 years. For the last 25 years I have worked for the Interagency My collaborative bear research and conservation work Grizzly Bear Study Team in Greater Yellowstone have extended into South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Ecosystem. My first 15 years with the study team I was Malaysia. In my homeland, I have been dedicating to primarily a field biologist, tasked with maintaining a bring the locally endangered bears back from the edge of sample of radio-marked bears throughout the ecosystem. extinction. In addition to carrying out the challenging My focus was narrow, immediate, and likely very similar field and community-based studies on locally endangered to many biologist involved with the day-to-day aspect of bears, I have organized workshops, symposia, and capturing and handling bears. During the last 10 years developed websites related to bear conservation. my role with the study team has broadened and evolved IBA has special responsibility in today’s world of in to one of supervision, analyzing, and writing. Through dwindling bear resources. I have great ambitions of these changes in my professional responsibility I have enhancing public awareness of a myriad of bear issues, gained a greater appreciation for the role our science and providing long-term sustainability of bear resources has had on management and policy surrounding grizzly through conservation-oriented research and education bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. I have become programs. I believe, there is a critical need to allocate more informed regarding regional and international more resources to preserve bears in Asia where 6 issues confronting bears. I am a long standing member threatened bear species reside, and any other developing of the IBA and view our organization as vital in the countries where human-caused mortalities continue to conservation of bears worldwide. I also believe that jeopardize the declining bear populations. For doing we need to find innovative ways to educate our publics this, technical and grant support through international regarding conservation and management of bears. I collaboration can be further encouraged. Moreover, consider it an honor to be nominated for council, and if worldwide culture-and value-based information related elected, will serve the IBA with dedication. Thank you to bear-human interactions should be addressed and for considering me. integrated into internationally environmental education

E2 2008 IBA Election Supplement IBA Candidate Statements

Nominees for Council (2 positions)

networks. Finally, for advancing the IBA positions, Ali Nawaz I advocate fostering effective public and political campaigns to raise conservation funds, and eliminate I have recently completed my PhD in Norway on the illegal hunting and consumption which imperil our bear ecology, genetics and conservation of Himalayan brown families. bears. In this study, I looked at conservation problems of With my decade involvement with IBA, I have a small population living at high elevations of Himalaya. not only gained enormous help (e.g., research and My association with bears is about 10 years long, and travel grants, and participation of conferences) in I participated both in research and conservation for developing my academic career, but also seen enormous bears in Pakistan. I contributed the most fundamental accomplishments made by IBA. However, I believe, more data on ecological requirements and genetics of high can be done. With my scientific training, teaching, elevation brown bears. Apart from this pioneering and both community and medium-related experience, research in South Asia, I contributed in practical I will be much honored to serve as a council member to conservation efforts like community mobilization, aggressively defend bears. awareness campaigns, training of wildlife staff and park management. Although bears in Asia are highly threatened with a multitude of human impacts, I strongly believe that they can be conserved by a combination of Alexandros Karamanlidis approaches like building partnership with communities When I first started working with brown bears five and management-oriented science. years ago, I never could imagine that one day I might I was introduced to IBA when I started looking at be writing a candidacy statement for the Council of the literature on bear species. The IBA has contributed International Bear Association. Obviously, I did not greatly to my professional development by supporting know back then, how things work around the IBA. The my research and also introducing me to senior scientists. firm commitment of the IBA to guide and support bear Bear are not adequately represented on the conservation research and conservation where mostly needed, in agenda of Asian countries; therefore an active role of IBA combination with the IBA conferences the newsletter which is growing as a global conservation organization is and the Truman list, they all dragged me into the “bear” much needed. world and infected me with the incurable “bug” of I am associated with the Scandinavian Brown Bear helping protect the species. Research Project and have served as a member of the Now, time has come to give something back! IUCN SSC Bear Specialist Group since 2004. I would What I might lack in experience I will match up with be honored to serve the IBA as a council member. I will enthusiasm, hard work, and tenacity in my efforts to work to increase the role of IBA in Asia, because IBA can fulfill the mission statement of the IBA. Drawing from play an important role by developing capacity of relevant my personal experience within the IBA, I am particularly organizations and influencing national conservation keen on developing even more, two of the features of the priorities towards bears’ conservation. IBA that I believe have made it so successful over the past years. The first is the active recruitment and the encouragement towards effective participation in the John Paczkowski IBA of international members, especially those from less – represented countries and those with threatened bear I would like to express my sincere interest in becoming populations. The second is the guidance and support a candidate for the IBA council and would consider provided to young students and professionals in finding the responsibility a privilege. Ever since becoming their way around and encourage their professional involved with bear research and management, 16 years development. Two features that I know that in the long ago, I have always been impressed with how accessible run will come back to benefit the IBA, but mostly the the IBA members and council are to students, wildlife species that we are trying to protect. professionals and members of the public. I would like to maintain and strengthen these relationships as a member of the IBA council both locally and internationally.

2008 IBA Election Supplement E3 IBA Candidate Statements

Nominees for Council (2 positions)

My greatest asset to the IBA is my fluency in the Andreas Zedrosser Russian language and familiarity with Russian academic and government operational principles. Considering The first bear conference I attended was in 1997 in the vast numbers of bears in Russia and the numerous my native Austria and, with the exception of the Japan biologists doing research, the IBA can provide an conference in 2005, I have attended every IBA conference excellent forum for a mutually beneficial exchange of since. I have become involved into the IBA through information and skills across linguistic and political the student forum by planning and organizing student borders. From my experience with the Bear Specialist meetings, student housing, and other student activities. Group I understand that increasing international Now I have been asked to run for the IBA Council cooperation amongst bear biologists will only help to and have accepted, because I am willing to take this strengthen the network that makes up the IBA. I look involvement one step further. I am strongly committed forward to becoming more involved with the IBA as to science-based conservation and management of bears this organization evolves, and serving the members and worldwide and the role that IBA plays in achieving these council of the IBA. goals. The IBA is the world’s foremost source of science- based information about bears. It has been and still is successfully contributing to the management and Brian Scheick conservation of bears in North America. New challenges I’m honored to be asked to run the IBA council for bear conservation and management are emerging, and will serve to the best of my ability. I’ve been a involving species and regions that have not yet been well member for nearly 12 years, where I’ve been on the web studied. I believe it is very important to keep focusing committee and assisted with the student sessions since on our traditional member and information strongholds it’s inception in 2005. Last year I ran for secretary and in North America and Europe, but it is also crucial after the Monterrey meeting I took over as Student for the development and the influence of the IBA on Coordinator. I moderate the new Truman discussion the international level to increase its involvement and group and recently assisted with recruiting an IBA membership in especially Asia and South America. Since Intern/Volunteer Coordinator to help connect projects my first conference in 1997 I have also witnessed that the with those members seeking more experiences with IBA has made significant scientific progress. Members bears. Hopefully this will expand to connect prospective are gaining and distributing scientific information experience and exchange program candidates. about lesser-studied bear species and developing new I work for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation technological and analytical tools. I strongly believe in Commission as the Assistant Coordinator for the Bear and will work for the distribution, sharing, and access to Research Program and have worked on American black this knowledge and expertise through different organs of bears since 1996. Much of this work has focused on the IBA. habitat, population estimates, interactions with roads, I have worked for several years as a bear manager in human-bear conflicts, and developing a management Austria, thereby gaining experience “on the ground”, and plan. I have contributed to the development of the Austrian The IBA’s strength comes from its global membership Brown Bear Management Plan. Since 2001 I have been with expertise on all bear species. I hope the recent working in Sweden and Norway with the Scandinavian increase in cooperation with the Bear Specialist Group Brown Bear Research Project. I have worked on various continues and expands. We are the leading scientifically- aspects of brown bear life history and ecology and based bear research and management organization and I finished my PhD in 2006. Since then I am working as think the IBA should continue providing policy makers post doctoral researcher, continuing my research on bear with sound science. I support attempts to increase life history and behavioral ecology, but also expanding membership in those under-represented countries that more into the conservation and management of small have bears. Whether or not I win the council seat, I look bear populations. I believe that I can contribute to the forward to future conferences where I can meet with IBA’s scientific and conservation goals through a mix of more of our dedicated and diverse membership from enthusiasm and experience. around the world.

E4 2008 IBA Election Supplement IBA Bylaw Candidate Amendments Statements

(Approved by Council on 24 March 2008 as Interim Bylaws)

Additions to the Bylaws are underlined and shown in Section 3. Quorum bold, whereas deletions have a double strike-through line. Two-thirds of the Council membership shall constitute a Only Articles and Sections with changes are shown. meeting quorum for the transaction of Council business when meeting at any conference or workshop. In the International Association for Bear Research and event that any member of the Council is unable to attend a meeting, that member is authorized to appoint any Management, Inc. qualified regular member of the IBA as his/her alternate, provided that the absent Council member has notified Bylaws and Organizational the president in writing that the alternate can explain Structure the absent member’s views and vote on pre-announced business. (Last revision: 24 March 2008) Section 4. Duties Article I. Description Council business will be conducted at meetings in Section 6. Official Language conjunction with IBA conferences or workshops. With the exception of such meetings, because Council English shall be the official language of all IBA members reside around the world where time zones proceedings and newsletters. make it difficult to communicate simultaneously

Article II. Membership by teleconference, most business will be conducted by email. conducted through electronic means. The Council shall enact policies and procedures to further Section 7. Code of Ethics the objectives of the IBA as stated in Article I, Section 2, IBA members are expected to adhere to the but must comply with Article VII. The Council shall, by highest standards of ethics in working to achieve majority vote of a quorum, fill vacancies for unexpired bear conservation—locally, regionally, or terms in its membership; develop further objectives and globally. Members are expected to strive towards policies of the IBA; organize the structure and function accomplishing IBA’s purposes, goals and objectives of all publications; and recommend changes in the IBA to through commitment to excellence in bear the members. The Council shall be responsible for actions conservation, while maintaining accountability, taken by the IBA on public issues. The Council may be transparency, integrity, honesty, and responsible responsible for writing, proposing and amending the IBA stewardship of resources important to bears. Bylaws, and for presenting them to members of the IBA for approval, subject to Article VIII. Article III. Organization Section 5. Transparency and Section 1. The Council Accountability In order to carry out its objectives, the IBA shall be To provide for transparency of Council actions that governed by a Board of Directors called the Council. The relate to IBA’s goals, objectives, or programs to Council shall consist only of volunteers. To the greatest achieve bear conservation, Council decisions and extent permitted by law, “Good Samaritan” laws and policies will be reported to association members principles apply and Council and its members shall not through IBA’s serial publication, International Bear be legally liable for any actions related to activities of News, or on the IBA website. The Secretary will the IBA. Council members shall discharge his or her maintain a record of all Council decisions or policies. duties (1) in good faith; (2) with care an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar IBA will make information about its operation, circumstances; and (3) in a manner that will be in the governance, finances programs and activities best interest of achieving IBA’s goals and objectives widely available to IBA members during member for bear conservation. meetings at conferences, on the IBA website, or in International Bear News.

2008 IBA Election Supplement E5 Bylaw Amendments

An accounting of IBA’s achievements and progress page charges for IBA’s journal, Ursus, as needed. To towards bear conservation around the world will be provide oversight and security of the IBA treasury, provided on a quarterly basis in International Bear records of monthly income and expenses will also News and on the IBA website. A similar evaluation be provided to the IBA Secretary, and an annual and review of progress in implementing IBA’s accounting provided to all members of Council. mission, programs, and activities will be presented The Treasurer will follow IBA Bylaws and Council at all members’ meetings, to make sure that they policies for payment or reimbursement of expenses advance the state of bear conservation and make are incurred by anyone conducting Council-approved prudent use of IBA’s resources. business or travel on behalf of IBA. An accounting of such expenses will be made available to all Council Section 6. Conflict of Interest members and be included in the Treasurer’s report All potential conflicts of interest, or the appearance at periodic members’ meetings. In order to maintain of conflict of interest, between the interests of IBA IBA’s non-profit, tax-exempt status in the US, the and personal interests of any Council member Treasurer must be a US citizen. The Treasurer may will be avoided or appropriately managed through delegate or contract some of the duties to others with disclosure, recusal or other means. A signed the concurrence of the President. The Treasurer and statement disclosing any such potential conflict of President will arrange for an audit of the IBA’s financial interest is required before a Council member takes records following completion of his/her term and will office and at the beginning of each calendar year make this audit available for review by members at IBA that the member serves in that capacity. No punitive membership business meetings. action will be taken against any IBA member who reports violations of any IBA Bylaw, policy, goals or Section 6. Ursus Editor(s) objectives by a member of Council. The editor(s) of the IBA’s journal, Ursus, shall be selected by the Council and appointed by the President. The Section 7. Compensation for Council editor(s) shall serve with the concurrence of the Council. Members The editor(s) will be an ex-officio member(s) of Council Council members will serve on a voluntary basis without voting privileges, and will act as an advisory to without compensation, other than reimbursement Council in publication matters. Editors may overlap in for expenses incurred to fulfill Council duties. In the their time in terms of office. event that a Council member applies for a travel grant to attend an event or to give testimony critical to bear Article V. Procedures conservation or to IBA, the same stipulations and limitation that apply to any members for dispersal of Sturgis’ Rules of Order will be used unless they travel grants will apply. No loans of IBA funds to any conflict with the IBA’s Bylaws the IBA’s Articles of Council member is allowed. Incorporation or these Bylaws.

Article IV. Officers Article VI. Elections

Section 5. The Treasurer Section 2. Nominations The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds of the Six months prior to the conference held in the Americas, IBA. The Treasurer shall keep accurate books concerning the President shall appoint a Nominating Committee. expenditures and receipts of IBA’s funds, maintain the The Nominating Committee shall provide the Secretary IBA checking account, handle investments, pay bills, with the names of at least one and usually two regular receive payment for dues and publications, process members as nominees for each office and at least one credit card payments, arrange for preparation and filing name for each Council seat to be filled in the upcoming of tax returns, maintain the IBA’s US tax-exempt status, election, as specified in Section 1 of this Article. issue checks to selected projects as directed by the Incumbent officers may be renominated for the Council, Chair of the IBA’s Research and Conservation Grants subject to Section 3 of this Article. The Nominating Committee, maintain all financial records, and bill for

E6 2008 IBA Election Supplement IBA Bylaw Candidate Amendments Statements

Committee’s list of nominees will be provided to the Section 4. Tenure of Office Secretary in time to allow publication in an issue of All elected members of Council shall be installed at the International Bear News prior to election. The Secretary business meeting held in conjunction with an Americas will compile the list of nominees received from the or Eurasian conference. The Vice President (Eurasia) Nomination Committee along with any additional and two elected Councillors shall be installed at the nominations. Additional nominations will be accepted by Eurasian conference; all other elected Officers and postal mail or email from any member up until 65 days Councillors will be installed at the conference held in the prior to the conference. Any nominator must certify that Americas. All elected Officers and Councillors and the nominees are members, have agreed to run for office, past president shall serve a term of approximately 3 years, and have agreed to serve if elected. All nominations usually until at the next triennial conference, subject to received will be placed on a ballot and circulated to IBA Sections 2 and 3 of this Article, but in any event until members in the Newsletter, by mail, by email or on the their successors are chosen. All elected Officers and IBA webpage. Similar procedures will be followed Councillors are limited to two consecutive terms in a for councillors or officers elected in conjunction particular office. with conferences held in Eurasia. In the event that circumstances do not allow a conference to be held on Section 5. Vacancies schedule in conjunction with a conference, Council Vacancies within the Council that may occur during the will set a date for election to comply with the 3-year 3-year term between conferences shall be filled from the terms as described in Section 4 of this Article. membership by a majority vote of a plurality of Council, or at the Council’s discretion, a special election may be Section 3. Balloting held instead. The new Council member shall serve until The election of all members of Council shall be by mail the next regular election held for the position vacated the or internet ballot. Ballots will be provided in a Newsletter, balance of the term to which their predecessor was in a separate mailing, or via secure internet before the elected. appropriate Conference. Ballots will be accepted by the Secretary or other presidentially appointed official until Article VIII. Bylaws and 8:00 pm Midnight GMT the day before the opening of Resolutions the next conference or, in the event that a conference is not held on schedule, at a date selected by Council. Section 1. Bylaws Ballots will be accompanied by candidate statements The workings and organization of the IBA shall include which may be subject to length limitations. At the IBA only those listed in these Bylaws be governed by these meeting, members of the Nominating Committee who Bylaws. Copies of the Bylaws shall be available on the IBA are present, or other members appointed for this purpose, website or to any member upon request to the Secretary. will open and tabulate all paper ballots in addition to those received electronically by the Secretary. The Section 2. Amendments to the Bylaws and nominee receiving the largest number of votes for each Resolutions. office shall be elected. The five (six) Council nominees Resolutions or bylaws amendments may be submitted with the largest number of votes shall be elected to by any IBA member during the IBA business meetings Council. In the event of a tie, the presiding Council or to the president at any time. Proposed resolutions or shall immediately vote by secret ballot to decide the bylaws changes will be published in the Newsletter and/or winner. The results of the election shall be reported sent to members by email to provide for discussion and at the opening of the business or members meeting at to ask members to submit viewpoints. Representative the conference and in the first Newsletter following the viewpoints which are submitted to the Secretary in a election. In the event that a conference is not held on timely manner and subject to length limitations, will schedule, election results will be announced in the be published in the following newsletter, distributed next newsletter following the election and on the IBA to members by mail or email, and/or posted on the website. IBA website. Ballots for the resolution or bylaw change will be provided with the newsletter that includes the representative viewpoints, by separate mailing, or via

2008 IBA Election Supplement E7 Bylaw Amendments

Internet. Passage will require that at least 10% of allow inclusion of additional peer-reviewed papers in members cast ballots and at least 2/3 of those vote in the journal that are submitted to the editor(s) but not favor of the measure. presented at conferences. The IBA shall also publish a serial Newsletter, titled International Bear News, To accommodate resolution of important issues in a that reports on IBA and Affiliate group news, scientific timely manner that is not specifically addressed in the articles, current literature, conservation problems, Bylaws, the Council may, by a two-thirds vote, establish educational issues and research. English shall be the interim Bylaw amendments, that will remain in effect official language of all IBA proceedings and newsletters. until ratified or rejected by member ballots. Such interim amendments must be published in the next Newsletter Section 3. Funding or distributed to members by mail or email and be The funding of IBA publications shall be directed by ratified by a two-thirds majority of votes cast by at least the Council; normally a Conference fund-raiser may 10% of members eligible to vote. returned ballots. be selected. Contributions to IBA bear conservation To facilitate open discussion by members, on proposed funds, projects, or other programs must be used for amendments to IBA Bylaws or proposed IBA Resolutions, the purposes described in any relevant solicitation representative viewpoints of members, if available in materials, in the way specifically requested by the a timely manner, will be posted on the IBA webpage, donor, or in the manner that reflects the donor’s International Bear News, or distributed to members by intent. Donors will be provided with a clear accurate other means. In order to be counted, ballots must be acknowledgment of charitable contributions that received by the Secretary within 30 days of distribution of will facilitate any relevant compliance with tax representative viewpoints to members. law requirements. No gifts will be accepted that compromise bear conservation or the ethics, financial Article IX. Publications circumstances, or objectives of IBA.

Section 1. Publications IBA will respect the privacy of individual donors, and The IBA shall issue an annual journal, titled Ursus, which except where disclosure is required by law, and will includes those papers submitted at conferences that not sell or otherwise make available the names and are reviewed by peers and accepted by the appropriate contact information of its donors without providing IBA editor(s). In addition, at the discretion of the them an opportunity at least once a year to opt out of editor(s) and Council, a policy may be adopted to the use of their names.

Please Vote!

E8 2008 IBA Election Supplement Americas our campsite (Figure 2). The most will be able to report on progress on important moment was at the begin- the conservation of the Andean bear ning of February when, approaching in the northeast of Perú. a pasture area at 3600 m (78°01´W, 06°20´S), we spotted an adult male References Andean bear 20 m from us. When he Amanzo, J., W. Mendoza, C. Chung, saw us, he ran for cover in the forest and M. Villalobos. 2007. Evaluación (Figure 3). Since spotting this bear, de Oso Andino Tremarctos ornatus we were able to confirm the presence en Amazonas. Serie de Publica- of other bears. What is special about ciones de Flora y Fauna Silvestre. this sighting is the fact that, generally, Instituto Nacional de Recursos Andean bears’ habitat has specific Naturales (INRENA), Intendencia altitudinal delimitation. On very few Forestal y de Fauna Silvestre-DCB. occasions, studies done in Perú men- Lima, Perú. 17p. tion sightings of bears above 3200 m. Appleton, R. D., J. V. Guerrero, and It is also important to know that the S. Paisley. 2007. Mark-resight bears are found in this area, because population estimates derived from with the exception of ACP Huiquilla, © Marco A. Enciso observations of Andean bears using Figure 2. Andean Bear track in ACP the neighboring areas are dedicated water holes in the tropical dry for- Huiquilla. to agricultural and livestock rearing ests of Peru. Proc. 18th Int. Conf. uses and there is great fragmentation Bear Res. and Manage., Monterrey- and destruction of forests. I was able ( ... continued from page 16) México. p.64. to talk to some people in Choctamal, While the objective of this study Longuita, who told me how some was to find frogs, I was seriously times they have seen bears predate on interested in finding some bear sign, livestock, a kind of conflict that needs tracks or maybe seeing one. According to be addressed. to population Southwest U.S.A. studies on the Andean bear and Mexico in Amazonas, the bear is News from Southwest USA and found in all Mexico reported by: the provinces Bonnie Reynolds McKinney of Amazonas; however, the New Tex/Mex Study: Luya province Transboundary Movement shows the and Habitat Use by Black smallest per- Bears (Ursus americanus) in centage (3.9%) of potentially the Chihuahuan Desert of suitable habitat Western Texas and Northern

for the bears Figure 3. Habitat of the Andean bear Oso Andino in Lónguita, © Marco A. Enciso Coahuila, México (Figure 1) and Amazonas, from 3500 m elevation. You can see the transition from the area of ‘pajonal’ to mountain forest. Bonnie Reynolds McKinney Lónguita is Wildlife Coordinator not considered We are beginning a study to CEMEX, El Carmen Land and as potentially suitable bear habitat understand the ecology of the Andean Conservation Company, LLC (Amanzo et al. 2007). Hence, we set Bear and will follow as an example Coahuila, Mexico, and Brewster out to find out whether there were existing studies like the one Robyn County, Texas, USA bears in the area. Appleton is doing in Lambayeque, Email: [email protected] During January, we had the op- Perú (Appleton et al. 2007). We will [email protected] portunity to find scratches on trees combine it with an environmental U.S. Mailing address: P.O. Box and remains of bromeliads (apparently education plan in the neighboring 420608, Del Rio TX 78842-0608, used by bears) and a track close to communities. We hope that soon we USA

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 17 Americas black bear study in Coahuila, and on a and ground telemetry. In Coahuila, Dr. Patricia Moody Harveson local level in Texas with landowners, the Maderas del Carmen black bear Assistant Professor Conservation Big Bend National Park (BIBE) and research team will also be continuing Biology BGWMA; (3) investigate habitat selec- field work using the same methods in Department of Natural Resource tion, home range, diet, reproduction, the northeastern part of the Maderas Management and seasonal movement of resident del Carmen/Sierra del Carmen range. Sul Ross State University black bears on BGWMA and El Movement across the international Alpine TX 79832 USA Carmen-Adams Ranch; (4) determine border will be coordinated by both Email: [email protected] mortality factors during dispersal research teams. Movement data and for Mexico and Texas, and develop habitat use will be analyzed using Michael T. Pittman corridor management plans for west Geographical Information Systems Trans-Pecos Wildlife Mangement Texas and northern Coahuila; (5) (GIS) software, ArcGIS 9.3. Radio Areas Project Leader determine the importance of artificial telemetry locations on bears will be Texas Parks and Wildlife Department water sites (wildlife guzzlers, tanks, entered in the GIS where movements, Alpine TX, USA troughs) to resident and dispersing home range, and habitat selection will Email: [email protected] black bears in a lower Chihuahuan be analyzed. M.C. Jonás Delgadillo Villalobos Desert habitat; (6) continue genetic This research project will increase Assistant Wildlife Coordinator work with mtDNA samples; and (7) knowledge of black bear distributions, CEMEX- El Carmen Land and Con- movements and servation Company, LLC corridor use in Coahuila, México western Texas and Email: [email protected] adjacent northern Coahuila, Mexico. American black bears (Ursus Without dispersal americanus) are listed as state from northern “Threatened” (west of I35) in Texas, Coahuila, black and “Endangered” in Mexico. Black bear populations bears were extirpated from Texas in western Texas by the 1950s, likewise, populations will not con- drastically declined in Mexico with tinue to reestablish remnant populations remaining in because Coahuila, a few isolated mountain ranges in particularly the northern Coahuila and Chihuahua. Maderas del In the 1990s, black bears began slowly Carmen is the core recolonizing areas of the Trans-Pecos population and in western Texas through dispersal the closest viable from adjacent Coahuila, Mexico. The provide necessary training on capture, population of black bears to the meta connectivity of dispersal corridors, handling and transport of black bears populations that have recolonized habitat selection during dispersal, and to Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart- in BIBE and BGWMA. Corridor mortality factors for immigrating and ments employees needing hands-on protection in Mexico is an ongoing emigrating black bears in the border- experience. priority of El Carmen Project, infor- lands of both countries needs further The duration of the study will be mation on dispersal of black bears study to manage this species in for two years beginning in September from west Texas to Mexico will also metapopulations and core populations 2008; and will be located on the BG- provide important habitat informa- on a state and international level. WMA, and the Adams Ranch Division tion and aid in the selection of lands Our objectives are to: (1) determine of El Carmen Land and Conservation to be purchased for further corridor dispersal corridors of emigrating Company, LLC in the Trans-Pecos of protection as well as delineate im- and immigrating black bears in west western Texas. Both areas are located portant corridors in western Texas Texas on the Texas Parks and Wildlife on the edge of the Mexican Highlands for expansion of the metapopulation Departments Black Gap Wildlife Province in the southeastern portion on BGWMA. Information obtained Management Area (BGWMA) and the of Brewster County, Texas adjacent on ecology parameters will further El Carmen Land and Conservation to the state of Coahuila, Mexico in TPWD knowledge in western Texas to Company, LLC, Adams Ranch Divi- typical Chihuahuan Desert shrub enhance management on state as well sion ; (2) coordinate field work on an habitat. Black bears will be captured, as private lands. This project will also international level with the El Carmen radio collared and tracked by aerial highlight the need for cross-border

18 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Americas collaboration in natural resource sampled black bears, mountain lions, conservation. Conservation and jaguars, and ocelots by personnel Northern Divide research initiatives are often restricted and collaborators associated with the Grizzly Bear Project by political boundaries because of Arizona Game and Fish Department cross-border challenges. Large-scale and Wildlife Conservation Society Releases Results ecosystems such as those used by during 2008. DNA will be extracted black bear often include habitats and genotypes will be obtained from Katherine Kendall that cross political and international a total of 12 microsatellite loci for U.S. Geological Survey – NOROCK boundaries, and must be addressed as each sampled individual. Statistical Glacier Field Station, Glacier National contiguous not separate ecosystems. analyses will be performed using Park Our study will integrate western genetic data obtained from these West Glacier, MT 59936 USA Texas and northern Coahuila, Mexico samples to address the following Email: [email protected] black bear populations to understand objectives: (1) to determine whether population dynamics, habitat and genetic subdivision exists among black Jeff Stetz movement of an umbrella species in bears and mountain lion populations University of Montana contiguous habitat in two countries. inhabiting fragmented habitats along Glacier Field Station, Glacier National Cooperators on the project are the Arizona-Mexico border; (2) to Park Borderlands Research Institute, Sul document the occurrence and gather West Glacier, MT 59936 USA Ross State University; Texas Parks and baseline genetic data for ocelots and Email: [email protected] Wildlife Department; El Carmen Land jaguars inhabiting fragmented habitats and Conservation Company, LLC- along the Arizona-Mexico border; (3) Amy Macleod Adams Ranch(CEMEX); Proyecto El to evaluate levels of genetic diversity University of Montana Carmen, Mexico (CEMEX) ; and Sec- within and among focal carnivore Glacier Field Station, Glacier National retaria de Medio Ambiente Recursos populations along the Arizona- Park Naturales (SEMARNAT) Mexico. Mexico border; (4) to evaluate levels West Glacier, MT 59936 USA Funding sources include the Na- of relatedness among focal carnivores Email: [email protected] tional Science Foundation, El Carmen within putative subpopulations Land and Conservation Company, inhabiting fragmented habitats along We released the primary results of LLC, Adams Ranch, Texas, (CEMEX), the Arizona-Mexico border; and (5) the 5–year Northern Divide Grizzly Proyecto El Carmen, Coahuila, to evaluate levels of gene flow among Bear Project in September. The goal Mexico (CEMEX), and in-kind putative subpopulations of black of this U.S. Geological Survey–led services, Texas Parks and Wildlife. bears and mountain lions inhabiting project was to determine the abun- fragmented habitats along the Ari- dance, distribution, and genetic health zona-Mexico border. of the grizzly bear population (Ursus Connecting the Dots: arctos) in a 31,410 km2 (7.78 million Ron Thompson, Arizona Game and Demographics include determining sex ratios of focal carnivore popula- acre) study area in northwestern Fish reported a new study slated for Montana, USA (map). Our study area the Arizona/Mexico borderlands. tions inhabiting fragmented habitats, and determining the relative abun- represented all U.S. lands occupied by grizzly bears associated with the Genetic Connectivity of Sky dance of focal carnivore populations associated with hair-snag or rub-pad Northern Continental Divide Ecosys- Island Carnivores sampling grids distributed along the tem (NCDE) Recovery Zone. Investigators: Arizona-Mexico border. We used two concurrent nonin- Kirby Bristow, Arizona Game and Fish Results from this study will provide vasive sampling methods, hair traps Department a report of sample sizes, field and ge- and bear rubs, to collect bear hair for Dr. Julie Young, Wildlife Conservation netic methods, and statistical analyses genetic analyses. We systematically Society used to estimate genetic and demo- distributed 2,558 hair traps through- Dr. John Beckmann, Wildlife Conser- graphic parameters associated with out the study area using a grid of 641 vation Society the putative carnivore populations 7×7 km cells (photo). We also con- sampled along the Arizona-Mexico ducted over 18,000 visits to 4,795 bear This project will take place along border; and through interpretation rubs found across 80 percent of the the Arizona/Mexico border during and discussion of the results special study area. Bear rubs are objects such the time frame of 1 June 2008 to 31 attention will be given to the impor- as trees, posts, and power poles that May 2009. The scope of the work will tance of conservation implications of bears naturally rub on; no attractant be to perform genetic analyses of hair erecting impermeable and semi-per- was used to draw the bears to these samples collected from non-invasively meable border fencing. sites (photo).

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 19 Americas 2004 population at 765 grizzly bears (CV = 3.8%). Beyond estimating abundance, we used our data to evaluate genetic pop- ulation structure. Genetic diversity approached levels seen in relatively undisturbed populations in northern Canada and Alaska, suggesting that this population has not experienced a severe genetic bottleneck. Facto- rial correspondence analysis of 15 microsatellite loci indicated that there are currently no severe anthropogenic fractures in the NCDE grizzly bear population. Nevertheless, gene flow across part of the study area has be- gun to slow down suggesting that the population may be fragmented with increasing traffic volumes and devel- opment. Employing all available data sources, we also found that grizzly bear range now extends approximately 10,000 km2 (2.6 million acres) beyond the NCDE recovery zone boundary. Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project study area in northwestern Montana, USA, 2004. However, density varied greatly, with the highest densities found in Glacier National Park in the north, with far From June to September of 2004, ods (bear rubs, hair traps, and live fewer bears identified at the eastern 210 field technicians collected 33,741 captures) to construct individual bear and southern periphery. grizzly and black bear (U. americanus) encounter histories. This approach This study provides the first rigor- hair samples. Genetic analysis of was an extension of our recent ous, ecosystem–wide estimates of hair samples at 7 microsatellite loci research (Boulanger et al. 2008, grizzly bear abundance, distribution, identified 545 unique grizzly bears Kendall et al. 2008) and could be used and genetic structure for this threat- (238 M, 307 F). We also genotyped with a variety of sampling methodolo- ened population. Our results provide tissue samples from grizzly bears gies for other populations or species. benchmarks for ongoing and future handled in the NCDE during research Using this approach we estimated the research efforts, and will aid manag- and management activities. This ers in assessing progress towards effort brought the recovery. Further details about the total minimum project along with remote video number of grizzly demonstrating our methods can be bears document- found on our website (http://nrmsc. ed in the NCDE usgs.gov/research/NCDEbeardna. in 2004 to 563 htm). The complete results of (242 M, 312 F). this study will be published in the To estimate January 2009 issue of The Journal of the total number Wildlife Management. of grizzly bears in the NCDE, Acknowledgements we developed We thank the hundreds of a mark–recap- employees and volunteers who ture modeling conducted field work under dif- approach that ficult conditions, entered reams of combines data data, and processed thousands of from our three Grizzly bear with cub at a barbed wire hair trap in Glacier National Park, Montana, USA.. hair samples. We also thank the sampling meth- following agencies that provided

20 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Americas substantial financial, logistical, and Northeast Wildlife Administrators’ in–kind support: Blackfeet Nation; Northeastern Association (NEWAA) as authorized Confederated Salish and Kootenai United States and by the Northeast Association of Fish Tribes; Montana Department of and Wildlife Agencies (NEAFWA). Fish, Wildlife, and Parks; Montana Eastern Canada Jurisdictions in NEAFWA include Department of Natural Resources and Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Conservation; National Park Service; Martyn Obbard Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Connections; U.S. Bureau Wildlife Research and Development and Newfoundland in eastern Canada, of Land Management; U.S. Fish and Section and Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Wildlife Service; and the University of Ontario Ministry of Natural Maryland, Massachusetts, New Montana. Resources Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, DNA Building, Trent University Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, 2140 East Bank Drive Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8 CANADA Virginia in the northeast U.S. Phone: +1 705-755-1549 Technical committees established Email: [email protected] by NEAFWA provide opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, and Northeast Black Bear developing new concepts, and they Technical Committee produce outreach tools such as books, Annual Meeting booklets, and white papers. Techni- The annual meeting of the North- cal committees work on specific east Black Bear Technical Committee charges that are given by NEWAA. (NEBBTC) was hosted by the On- For example, the NEBBTC has been tario Ministry of Natural Resources responding to the following charges: (OMNR) and was held July 14-17, 1. evaluate aversive conditioning 2008, at the Harkness Labora- techniques for black bears, Grizzly bear rubbing on a tree in tory of Fisheries Research on Lake 2. develop a booklet for the public Glacier National Park, Montana, USA. Opeongo in Algonquin Provincial on black bear management Park. The NEBBTC functions under options, the oversight and guidance of the 3. investigate the feasibility of References developing a technical black Boulanger, J., K. C. Kendall, J. B. Stetz, D. A. Roon, L. P. Waits, and D. Paetkau. 2008a. Multiple data sources improve DNA–based mark–recapture population esti- mates of grizzly bears. Ecological Applications 18:577–589. Kendall, K. C., J. B. Stetz, D. A. Roon, L. P. Waits, J. B. Boulanger, and D. Paetkau. 2008. Grizzly Bear Density in Glacier National Park, Montana. Journal of Wildlife Management. 72(8) in press. Kendall, K. C., J. B. Stetz, J. Boulanger, A. C. Macleod, D. Paetkau, and G. C. White. 2009. Demography and genetic structure of a recovering grizzly bear population. Journal of Wildlife Management 73(1) in press. Attendees at the 2008 NEBBTC meeting Rear, left to right: Jennifer Madden (NS), Peter Carter (ON), Randy Cross (ME), Harry Spiker (MD), Larry Bifaro (NY), Jim Cardoza (MA), Tony Nette (NS), John McDonald (USFWS), Martyn Obbard (ON). Front, left to right: Kate Witherly (Dalhousie U.), Andrew Timmins (NH), Jeremy Hurst (NY), Jennifer Vashon (ME), Maria de Almeida (ON), Chris Ryan (WV), Mark Ternent (PA).

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 21 Americas Joint Disease and Its Management in Captive Bear Species

Heather Bacon Email: [email protected]

As bearkeepers our knowledge of captive animal management is constantly improving and the animals under our care are living longer, and so we are increasingly faced with Chris Ryan, Jeremy Hurst, John McDonald, Andy Timmins, Jenn Vashon, the problems of managing geriatric Harry Spiker, and Randy Cross discuss the merits of the Cambrian College bear populations and their associated culvert trap design. medical problems. One of the biggest problems faced bear management booklet for Science and Technology, the supplier by aging bears is that of joint disease. wildlife managers, of GPS collars for the study, to view Osteoarthritis, the commonest cause 4. provide annual jurisdictional locations of Pat’s study bears in nearly of lameness, is often caused by wear bear harvest and management real time (within about 30 minutes). and tear on the joints, leading to reports, Apart from the 2-day business erosion of the protective cartilage 5. provide feedback to CITES meeting that included informative coating over the articular surfaces of representatives, and jurisdictional updates and updates the joints. The process of erosion is 6. identify potential committee on the status of other charges, the a painful one and may lead to swell- charges for review and consid- group enjoyed an informal social ing, inactivity and reduced use of the eration by NEWAA. and campfire on Monday evening, joint. Once the cartilage is damaged, a presentation from Brad Steinberg, inflammatory changes occur includ- Attendees at the 2008 meeting Algonquin Park Biologist, on the ing deposition of new bone around included Larry Bifaro (NY), Jim history of Algonquin Park and on bear the joint which may decrease the Cardoza (MA), Randy Cross (ME), management in the park on Tuesday functional range of movement of the Jeremy Hurst (NY), Jennifer Madden evening, a trip to the Algonquin joint (joint fusion), meaning that the (NS), John McDonald (USFWS, and Park Visitor Centre and Museum on bear is no longer able to stretch or rep. of the NE Section, TWS), Tony Wednesday afternoon, and a presenta- move as actively as before. These Nette (NS), Martyn Obbard (ON), tion by Rick Stronks, Algonquin Park’s types of changes are common, not Chris Ryan (WV), Harry Spiker Chief Naturalist, on Algonquin’s only in the limb joints, but also (MD), Mark Ternent (PA), Andrew world renowned Public Wolf Howl on along the vertebral column of the Timmins (NH), and Jennifer Vashon Wednesday evening. A wolf howl led spine, where they may not manifest (ME). Additional invited guests were by Rick later that evening was unsuc- specifically as lameness but instead Kate Witherly (Dalhousie Univ.) and cessful, but a more informal wolf howl as general inactivity. In addition to Peter Carter and Maria de Almeida during the Monday evening social primary osteoarthritis, other joint of OMNR’s Wildlife Policy Section. did raise a response from a pack on problems in bears may include septic Jen Vashon (ME) is the current chair the east side of Lake Opeongo! The arthritis where infection of the joint of the NEBBTC, and Marty Obbard group also had the chance to enjoy a has damaged the cartilage and caused (ON) was the host for the meeting. paddle on Lake Opeongo using canoes secondary arthritis, traumatic injuries Patrick Carr (NJ) was unable to attend and kayaks generously provided by such as fractures, and nutritional or the meeting in person, but he linked Jerry Schmanda, Manager of nearby developmental problems which can in by conference call on Tuesday Algonquin Outfitters. The 2009 cause poor joint conformation and morning to update the group on New meeting of the NEBBTC will be held lead to osteoarthritic change. Jersey’s ongoing aversive conditioning in conjunction with the Eastern Black Osteoarthritis is often insidious study. During Pat’s update, the group Bear Workshop to be held in Min- and develops over a number of years. accessed the website of North Star nesota. Rather than specific lameness, keepers may notice that a bear becomes less

22 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Captive Bears active, sleeps more, climbs less and is fed, reducing amounts of high-fat or yet to approve the addition of GAGs generally slower or more irritable than high-sugar enrichment items such to animal feed, although their use as before. Joint problems can be mini- as peanut butter or jam. Bears can human supplements is unregulated. mised by the provision of a well bal- easily be trained to stand on a weigh Non-steroidal anti-inflamma- anced diet that supports joint develop- plate that allow their weight to be tory drugs (NSAIDs) are com- ment, sensible weight monitoring, and accurately recorded and it is worth monly prescribed for osteoarthritis adequate exercise facilities that build remembering that seasonal fluctua- or general pain relief. This class of muscular strength and allow joints to tions in weight are normal. Visual drugs works by dampening down the be used appropriately. The restrictive assessment of body condition score body’s natural inflammatory response captive environment in which some is an important tool in monitoring through inhibition of enzymes known bears are kept may contribute to weight changes and determining what as COX 1 & 2. Side effects caused by the degeneration of their joints, and weight is appropriate for a particular the inhibition of COX 1 may include so it is vital that enclosures, which bear’s frame. gastrointestinal signs such as vomit- allow for the expression of natural However even if factors such as ing or diarrhea, stomach ulceration behaviours are provided in order to diet and exercise are monitored and or increased stress on the kidneys. In maintain both physical and mental adjusted appropriately, bears may still general, although no specific clinical health. Enrichment programmes that develop osteoarthritis (OA) as they trials have been conducted on bears, encourage climbing or swimming age. A number of therapies may be these side-effects appear to be rare. allow bears to engage in naturalistic utilized in the treatment of OA. For Newer brands of NSAIDs select behaviours. mild symptoms or as a prophylactic preferentially for inhibition of COX 2 Obesity and mobility issues are treatment, neutraceutical therapy may rather than COX 1 thus reducing the common in captive bears and these be helpful. Supplements containing risk of side effects. NSAIDs are ex- two issues go hand in hand. Reducing gylcosaminoglycans (GAGs) provide tremely effective against osteoarthritic weight obviously reduces the load the ‘building blocks’ of cartilage and pain and generally safe even when carried by joints and maintenance can theoretically help to prevent or used for long periods. Different bears of a healthy weight is an essential repair inflammation within the joint. respond differently to different types technique in preventing and manag- Some studies have found GAGs to of NSAID. For example at the China ing lameness. As bears are very food be effective and anecdotal evidence bear rescue centre we use Carprofen, motivated animals, any reduction in in relation to veterinary patients is meloxicam and tepoxalin on different diet should be carefully monitored to promising. However their applica- bears depending which drug they re- prevent aggression occurring within a tion in animals such as bears has not spond to best. A medication-free gap group of bears, and should ideally be yet been quantified and thus their should always occur when switching timed with a natural seasonal reduc- chondroprotective effects are cur- between different types of NSAIDS, tion in food e.g. late winter. Even very rently unknown. GAGs are added to to reduce the risk of side-effects from simple changes to diet and enrichment a number of prescription pet foods combined drug interaction. items can have big impacts on weight in the UK and are commonly used as Steroids are sometimes used in e.g. increasing amounts of vegetables supplements. In the USA the FDA has the management of mobility disease,

Class Drug Species Dose NSAID Carprofen Asiatic black bear 2 - 4.4mg/kg p.o., s.c., s.i.d. Meloxicam Brown bear 0.5mg/kg s.c. followed by 0.1mg/kg p.o., s.i.d. Asiatic black bear 0.2mg/kg p.o. followed by 0.1mg/kg p.o., s.i.d. Andean bear 0.2mg/kg p.o, s.I.d. Tepoxalin Asiatic black bear 20mg/kg p.o. s.I.d. followed by 10mg/kg p.o., s.i.d. Steroids Prednisone Polar bear 25 - 80mg p.o., s.i.d. for treatment of allergic dermatits with noted improvement in mobility also. Prednoleucotropin Asiatic black bear 1 tablet/16kg p.o., b.i.d. Tramadol Tramadol Asiatic black bear 4mg/kg p.o., b.i.d. Nutraceuticals Glucosamine/ All bear species Used in combination, preferred ratio of 500mg glucosamine: Chondroitin 400mg chondroitin, dose according to manufacturers instructions and scale up to appropriate dose for weight.

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 23 Captive Bears generally when the disease is caused by a neurological problem CONDITION SCORE 1 or where other therapies have Pelvis and scapulae protrud- failed. Steroids are generally not ing, ribs easily palpated. An- used as a first line treatment gular appearance, with no fat for chronic mobility disease rounding out silhouette. A as their potential side effects hollow will be noted between include those described above the pelvis and last rib show- for NSAIDs plus increased risk ing virtually no fat. of diabetes, liver disease etc. As well as be given by the oral route, steroids may be injected into arthritic joints when the bear is under general anaesthesia. CONDITION SCORE 2 Intra-articular steroid injection Pelvis easily palpated, but can provide short-term relief of good muscle covering over arthritic pain until alternative rump, ribs also felt on management or drug therapies palpation, but having some are initiated. Steroids should muscle covering them. The never be used concurrently with hollow between the pelvis NSAIDs. and last rib obvious, but Although not an opiod, softer. Tramadol binds to opiod recep- tors in the brain through an unknown mechanism and so CONDITION SCORE 3 provides similar analgesia to Body is fully fleshed out. opiod drugs such as morphine. Obvious fat is present Tramadol can be used concur- over pelvis and shoulders rently with both NSAIDs and ribs not visually obvious, steroids and can provide very ef- but palpable. The hollow fective additional analgesia. One between the pelvis and last of the main benefits of tramadol rib is absent. is that it appears to have minimal side-effects, however it should not be used with mood-enhanc- CONDITION SCORE 4 ing drugs like selective serotonin Bear has a rounded or blocky reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such appearance, very well fleshed as fluoxetine (prozac) or mono- over all bony areas, obvious amine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. fat over the rump and Bears can be trained to take shoulders. Ribs difficult to medications in a number of palpate. Caudal abdominal ways. Often the medication can fat visibly hanging. be perceived as a reward and so if the bear is managed as a group, attention should be paid to potential conflict when the medication is offered. The most CONDITION SCORE 5 successful route in my experi- Legs appear too short for ence is the use of fruit shakes the body, rolls of fat on the (tablets blended with fruit and neck and lower shoulders. water +/- jam) offered from a Unable to palpate ribs. plastic jug which the bear laps. Caudal abdominal fat For foul-tasting medication visibly hanging. Noticeably such as tramadol, tablets or rounded rump.

24 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Captive Bears capsules can be stuffed into the centre conspecifics who no longer recognize Symptoms, radiographic examina- of marshmallows which are then their housemate. tions and pathologies: development smeared in honey or sauce. The bears Finally, euthanasia is a sad but of a scoring system to evaluate will generally swallow the marshmal- important tool for the management physical condition and quality of lows without chewing as long as the of bears with mobility disease whose life in geriatric zoo mammals, J. marshmallows are offered in quick welfare cannot be adequately main- Föllmi,http://www.ths.vetsuisse. succession (they’re generally so eager tained within a facility. The bear’s unibe.ch/lenya/housing/live/publi- to take the next one they swallow quality of life should always be the cations/Diss_Foellmi.pdf without chewing) if offered slowly the primary consideration when making Why are some species more com- bears may chew the marshmallows this decision; pre-emptive euthanasia monly afflicted by arthritis than and taste the tablets. is preferable to collapse or to chronic others? A comparative study of Special attention should be paid to pain caused by inadequate manage- spondyloarthropathy in primates the husbandry of elderly bears. Where ment. When managing joint disease and carnivores. C. L. Nunn, B. possible, geriatric bear facilities should in bears, a comprehensive, holistic Rothschild & J. L. Gittleman be providing with features such as management approach is necessary to Journal of Evolutionary Biology. non-slip flooring, low nesting areas, ensure the health and welfare of these 20(2)460–470 and sympathetically designed drains, stoic animals. steps, slopes etc that do not put The problems of old bears in zoos, strain on animals with poor mobility. A.C. Kitchener, International Zoo Further reading: News 51(5: 282-293), 2004 Keeping staff should also be aware Brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) of the potential for sudden collapse femoral head and neck excision, www.wildlifeinformation.org in bears with mobility disease, if this Matthieu Witz, D.V. et al, Journal www.animalsasia.org, occurs in a group situation then the of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 32(4): collapsed bear may be mauled by [email protected], 494–499, 2001 personal communications

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International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 25 Bears in Culture that is not easily accessible to English- activities “were undertaken in secret, Book Review — only speakers. or at least not in the presence of Bears: A Brief History Table of Contents: strangers.” Introduction Brunner takes a significant de- David Mather 1. Tracking the Paths of Bears parture from other books in this National Register Archaeologist 2. Transformations genre with his chapters on early bear Minnesota Historical Society 3. The Mystery of the Cave Bear 4. False Steps studies, the development of zoos in 5. Exotic Discoveries Europe, circuses and animal per- Bears: A Brief History, by Bernd 6. The Bear’s Personality formance arenas, and teddy bears Brunner, translated from German by 7. Sounds, Senses, Signals and other bear toys. In these areas Lori Lantz, Yale University Press, New 8. Bears as Pets again, Brunner’s access to German Haven and London (2007) 9. An Observer in Eastern Siberia 10. Face to Face source material provides a unique Bernd Brunner casts a wide net in 11. Hunters and Hunted perspective. Bears: A Brief History. He is clearly 12. The Inuit and Polar Bears Brunner provides a fascinating 13. Closer than Close fascinated with his subject, and he perspective on macabre arena fights 14. Bears on Show between bears and other animals introduces a diverse selection of top- 15. Bear Substitutes ics. Most are about the associations 16. “Bearanoia” (and sometimes humans) in contexts between bears and people, although Epilogue ranging from the Roman empire to evolution, taxonomy, biology and con- With such a wide range of subjects, medieval European “bear gardens” servation are also discussed. Perhaps each reader will gravitate to their own to Nazi concentration camps. He it is unfair to complain about the brief interests. Readers new to bears will discusses the trained bear circus acts presentation of some of these topics find a good introduction, although it in nineteenth and early twentieth (especially since the title contains the is short on the methods and goals of century Europe and America, includ- word “brief”), but the shallow depth of modern bear biology. ing celebrities such as Ursula Böttcher, some passages is a disappointment. I have read broadly on the anthro- the “Brilliant Baroness of the Bears” in More troubling is the lack of cita- pology of bear ceremonialism, and I the 1960s. tions to support many of the book’s was pleased to find new material here While the presentation of modern more provocative statements. This is for my research. Brunner summarizes bear biology is relatively thin, rarely particularly difficult to understand the exploits of Leopold van Schrenck extending beyond bear attacks and in a book from a university press. It and Carl Maximowicz in eastern Si- prevention, Brunner presents an ex- is a weakness shared by some other beria, in the late 1850s. Van Schrenck cellent historical context of the field’s “Bears in Culture” books, particularly participated in the bear festival of the development from the eighteenth to Paul Shepard’s and Barry Sanders’ Gilyak people. This was an elaborate the early twentieth centuries. As one The Sacred Paw: The Bear in Nature, ceremony, which involved keeping example, Brunner mentions that the Myth and Literature (Viking, 1985). bears captive for some length of time, phenomenon of delayed implantation Like The Sacred Paw, however, Bears: and then parading them around the was proposed in 1882 by zoologist G. A Brief History is an informative and village over the course of several days Herbst, and later by G. W. D. Hamlett entertaining book. If anything, my and nights. The bears were killed in 1935, but was not proven until 1963 disappointment about the lack of cita- when being brought back from the by L. Dittrich and H. Kronberger. tions is because the book is so good frozen river, followed by a village feast Returning to my earlier complaint, otherwise. lasting for weeks. The skins and skulls however, none of those people or their The book contains sixteen chapters, of the bears were displayed at the work are cited in the bibliography. plus an introduction and epilogue. ceiling of one of the lodges, and later The images throughout Brunner’s Portions of the early chapters draw stored in a place of honor within. This book range from astonishing to enter- heavily on Björn Kurtén’s The Cave ceremony is similar in many respects taining. A few appear to be irrelevant Bear Story and David Rockwell’s to that of the Ainu, and is therefore to the text, but are not distracting. Giving Voice to Bear. The book soon one of the more complex versions of One intriguing example is an image begins to show its unique value to the bear feast. Intriguingly, Brunner from the sixteenth century of knights North American readers, however, closes the chapter by noting that von in armor grappling with bears. with perspectives on cultural connec- Schrenck was not able to witness Bears: A Brief History is a rich book, tions to bears in northern and eastern significant portions of the ceremony despite the thin bibliography and index, Eurasia. Much of the source material – in particular, he did not see what and I have only touched on much of its for these chapters is in German (and occurred during the feast itself or how potential. It is a unique and valuable to a lesser degree, French), so Brunner the bones of the bear were disposed contribution to the growing library of provides a useful portal into literature of. Von Schrenck wrote that these “Bears and Culture” books.

26 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 Publications case history of black bears. Hu- of Wildlife Management 73(1) in Recent Bear man-Wildlife Conflicts1 (2):168-174. press. Literature: Boulanger, J., K. C. Kendall, J. B. Leigh, J. and M. J. Chamberlain. 2008. November 2008 Stetz, D. A. Roon, L. P. Waits and Effects of aversive conditioning D. Paetkau. 2008a. Multiple data on behavior of nuisance Louisiana Richard B. Harris sources improve DNA-based mark- black bears. Human-Wildlife Ursus Editor recapture population estimates of Conflicts (2):175-182. 218 Evans grizzly bears. Ecological Applica- Missoula MT 59801, USA tions 18:577‑589. Nawaz, M. A., J. E. Swenson and V. Zakaria. 2008. Pragmatic manage- Tanya Rosen Brown, D. E. and M. Conover. 2008. ment increases a flagship species, Research Associate How people should respond when the Himalayan brown bears, in Northern Rockies Conservation encountering a large carnivore: Pakistan’s Deosai National Park. Cooperative opinions of wildlife profession- Biological Conservation. P.O. Box 1404 als. Human-Wildlife Conflicts1 Ennis MT 59729, USA (2):194-199 Thiemann, G. W., R. Stahl, Baruch- mordo and S. W. Breck. 2008. Kendall, K. C., J. B. Stetz, D. A. Roon, Trans fatty acids provide evidence Ahmadzadeh, F., H. Liaghati, B. Has- L. P. Waits, J. B. Boulanger and of anthropogenic feeding by black sanzadeh Kiabi, A. R. Mehrabian, D. Paetkau. 2008. Grizzly Bear bears. Human-Wildlife Conflicts1 A. Abdoli and H. Mostafavi. 2008. Density in Glacier National Park, (2):183-193. The status and conservation of Montana. Journal of Wildlife the Asiatic black bear in Nikshahr Management 72(8):1693-1705. County, Baluchistan District of Iran. Journal of Natural History Kendall, K. C., J. B. Stetz, J. Boulanger, 42(35‑36):2379-2387(9). A. C. Macleod, D. Paetkau and  Human-Wildlife Conflicts is a G. C. White. 2009. Demography referred journal, rather than peer- Beckmann, J. P. and C. W. Lackey. and genetic structure of a recover- reviewed. It may be one with which 2008. Carnivores, urban land- ing grizzly bear population. Journal you are unfamiliar, as it is new. scapes and longitudinal studies: a

Events

Research Group population trends, numbers, dynamics 20th Eastern Black 1201 East Highway 2 and ecology. One day will be devoted Bear Workshop: Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA to hands-on work with both tradi- Announcement and Call Tel: +1 218-327-4146 tional and newer modeling techniques Email: [email protected] for reconstructing populations from for Papers age-at-harvest data. Another half-day The 20th Eastern Black Bear session will provide participants with Karen Noyce Workshop (EBBW), will be held April the opportunity to view, revise, and Forest Wildlife Populations and 26‑29, 2009, in Grand Rapids, Min- interpret geographic metadata on Research Group nesota, USA. It is being co-hosted by reproduction and survival for popula- 1201 East Highway 2 the Minnesota Department of Natural tions across eastern North America. Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Resources (DNR), the Wisconsin This project will entail pre- USA DNR, and the Manitoba Department workshop preparation of maps and Tel: 218-327-4133 of Conservation. datasets, based on contributions of Email: [email protected] The workshop will focus on putting information from workshop partici- Dave Garshelis to use harvest and demographic data pants during winter, 2008-2009. Forest Wildlife Populations and already in hand to better understand

International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 27 Events In addition, the 20th EBBW will Registration Registration include the traditional session for brief Information and instructions for On-line registration for the WBBW updates from states and provinces, a registering and reserving lodging for will open around mid-November at session for a limited number of oral the 20th EBBW can be found on the www.bearbiology.com. There will be presentations, and a poster session. IBA website, www.bearbiology.com, a special raffle for all early registrants. Several field trip options will be of- under “Conferences”. Anyone registering for the workshop fered on Wednesday, April 29. by April 1st will have their name During fall and early winter, we entered into a special raffle for a great will be contacting state and provincial prize. On-site registration will be agency biologists with instructions available throughout the workshop. for submitting population status and 10th Western Black harvest information prior to the work- shop and for preparing oral updates Bear Workshop Workshop Highlights We will begin the workshop in style for the workshop. We will also be American Black Bears and with the Ice Breaker / Silent Auction contacting agency biologists, as well as on Monday evening May 18th , hosted all attendees of the 19th EBBW, with Brown Bears by The Nevada Wildlife Record Book, an invitation to contribute geographi- Call For Papers www.nevadarecordbook.com. En- cally-indexed data on reproductive Go to www.bearbiology.com for tertainment will be provided by The parameters for the mapping project workshop information! Ghost of Mark Twain, a humorous described above. If you would like to and informative presentation on one be included in this mailing but do not For more information, contact the of the areas special attractions, Vir- fall into one of the above categories, Workshop Coordinators: ginia City. Hors devours and no-host please contact one of the conference cocktails will be available and many organizers above. Carl Lackey - Wildlife Biologist Nevada Department of Wildlife special items may be bid on during the Minden Nevada USA silent auction. Submission of Abstracts Tel: +1 775 720 6130 On Tuesday evening, we will enjoy Anyone wishing to present a poster Email: [email protected] or a presentation by our featured speaker, or oral presentation at the 20th EBBW [email protected] David Garshelis. Wednesday evening should submit an abstract of 250- will start out with a vendor’s mixer 500 words to one of the conference Diana Doan-Crider among the poster presentations. It organizers above by February 1, 2009. Tel: +1 830 324 6550 will conclude with a public presenta- Please indicate your preference for Email: [email protected] tion about bears. poster or oral presentation. The num- The workshop will culminate on ber of slots for oral presentations will The 10th Western Black Bear Thursday evening with a catered be very limited, with priority given to Workshop (WBBW) is being hosted dinner on the shores of Lake Tahoe, significant findings from completed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife hosted by Nevada Bighorns Unlim- research, new techniques for research and will take place May 18-21, 2009, in ited, www.nevadabighorns.org. or management, and/or findings of Reno, Nevada, U.S.A., at the beautiful The days will be filled with in- broad geographic significance. Peppermill Hotel & Resort. formative and useful topics for the It is the intent of the 10th WBBW plenary sessions and poster presenta- Travel committee to create an atmosphere tions, along with enlightening work- Grand Rapids, MN, is located in that encourages communication shop discussions. north-central Minnesota, about 180 among managers and researchers, and miles north of Minneapolis/St Paul leaves attendees with an enhanced knowledge of black and brown bear Accommodations and Travel and 80 miles northwest of Duluth. Current information is now posted issues facing Western North America. Duluth and Hibbing, 35 miles north- on the IBA website, www.bearbiology. An agenda will be developed later in east of Grand Rapids, have airports com, under “Conferences”. with a number of flights daily to 2008, but we intend to have morning Minneapolis or Detroit for connec- sessions on various topics, including tions across the country. We hope to new management techniques, human Call for Papers Go to www.bearbiology.com for arrange bus shuttles to meet several dimensions and population ecology details. Papers will be accepted on Duluth and Hibbing flight arrivals on in an oral presentation type format both black and brown bears. April 26. followed by facilitated workshops in the afternoon. There will be a poster session one evening.

28 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 IBA Membership Application Please Complete Both Sides of Form. Mail or Fax to Address Below. Name______Affiliation______Address______City______State/Province______ZIP+4 or Postal Code______Country______Telephone______Fax______Email______ New  Renewal  Address Change  You may share my membership information with similar organizations. MEMBERSHIP  Standard Membership US$50.00/year, US$45.00/year for three or more years. Includes International Bear News & Ursus. # Years_____ US$______ Please donate my copy of Ursus to a library or deserving recipient.  Institutional Membership US$100.00/year, US$250.00/three years. # Years_____ US$______ For those who cannot afford a Standard Membership, US$25.00/year. Includes International Bear News. If needed, a free copy of Ursus may be requested. # Years_____ US$______ Please send Ursus. I have no access to it, need it & cannot afford Standard Membership.  Donation (if possible!) included to help defray costs of sending Ursus. US$______GIFTS & CONTRIBUTIONS  Gift Standard Membership US$50/year, US$45/year for three or more years. Includes International Bear News & Ursus. # Years_____ US$______ Gift Institutional Membership US$100/year or US$250/three years. # Years_____ US$______ Gift Low-cost Membership US$25/year. Includes International Bear News, not Ursus. # Years_____ US$______Gift Membership for: ______ ______IBA Please Choose a Deserving Gift Recipient.  Tax Deductible Contribution to IBA General Fund. US$______ Tax Deductible Contribution to IBA Bear Conservation Fund. US$______

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Thank you for completing the survey. Please tear out and mail or fax! 30 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 IBA Publications Order Form Ursus Journal & IBA Conference Proceedings * Cost (US$) Quantity Total 4th 1980 Montana 1977 $30.00 5th 1983 Wisconsin 1980 $30.00 6th 1986 Arizona 1983 $30.00 7th 1987 Virginia/Yugoslavia 1986 $35.00 8th 1990 British Columbia 1989 $40.00 9th (1) 1994 Montana 1992 $45.00 9th (2) 1997 France 1992 $25.00 10th 1998 Ursus-Alaska/Sweden 1995 $40.00 11th 1999 Ursus 11 $45.00 12th 2001 Ursus 12 $45.00 13th 2002 Ursus 13 $45.00 14th 2003 Ursus 14 Volumes 1 & 2 $45.00 15th 2004 Ursus 15 Volumes 1 & 2 $45.00 16th 2005 Ursus 16 $45.00 17th 2006 Ursus 17 $45.00 18th 2007 Ursus 18 $45.00 19th 2008 Ursus 19 (included with membership) $45.00 * 40% discount for 3 or more volumes, except Ursus 16 through 19 Less 40% discount (-$ ) Eastern Black Bear Workshop Proceedings, USA 10th 1991 Arkansas 1990 $15.00 11th 1992 New Hampshire 1992 $15.00 13th 1996 Vermont 1996 $15.00 14th 1997 Mississippi 1997 $15.00 15th 2002 Massachusetts 1999 $15.00 16th 2001 South Carolina 2001 $15.00 17th 2005 New Jersey 2003 $15.00 18th 2008 Florida 2005 $15.00 Western Black Bear Workshop Proceedings, USA 4th 1993 California 1991 $15.00

 5th 1995 Utah 1995 $15.00 Please fill legibly! form out 6th 2003 Washington 1997 $15.00 7th 2001 Oregon 2000 $15.00 8th 2005 Montana 2003 $15.00 9th 2008 New Mexico 2006 $15.00 Monographs of the IBA A Proposed Delineation of Critical Grizzly Bear Habitat in the Yellowstone Region by F. Craighead (#1, 1977) $10.00 The Status and Conservation of the Bears of the World by C. Servheen (#2, 1989) $10.00 Density-Dependent Population Regulation of Black, Brown and Polar Bears edited by M. Taylor (#3, 1994) $10.00 Population Viability for Grizzly Bears: A Critical Review by M. Boyce, B. Blanchard, R. Knight, C. Servheen (#4, 2001) $10.00

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 SEND TO: Terry D. White, Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory, 274 Ellington Hall, University of Tennessee, Knoxville TN 37996, USA, Fax: +1 865-974-3555 Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery alsoForm available www.bearbiology.com. at International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 31 IBA Officers & Council Executive Council Officers Executive Council Koji Yamazaki  Frank van Manen Isaac Goldstein Member President  Member ˆ Zoological Laboratory USGS Southern Appalachian Field Wildlife Conservation Society Ibaraki Nature Museum Laboratory PO Box 833 700 Osaki Iwai-City University of Tennessee IPOSTEL Merida Ibaraki 306-0622, Japan 274 Ellington Hall Estado Merida, Venezuela Phone: +81 297-38-2000 Knoxville TN 37996, USA Phone: +58 414-7176792 Phone: +81 297-38-1999 Phone: +1 865-974-0200 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: +1 865-974-3655 Email: [email protected] Djuro Huber Ex-officio, Non-voting Members Member ˆ Matt Durnin, Harry Reynolds University of Zagreb International Bear Newsletter Editor Past President Biology Dept., Veterinary Faculty B4-2 Qijiayuan Diplomatic Compound PO Box 80843 Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb No. 9 Jianwai Dajie Fairbanks AK 99708, USA Republic of Croatia Chaoyang District Phone: +1 907-479-5169 Phone: +385 1 2390 141 Beijing 100600, China Email: [email protected] Fax: +385 1 244 1390 Phone: +86 (10) 8532-4710 ext 232 Email: [email protected] Fax: +86 (10) 8532-3922 Piero Genovesi Email: [email protected] Vice President for Eurasia ˆ Mike Proctor INFS-National Wildlife Institute Member  Dave Garshelis, Via Ca’ Fornacetta 9 PO Box 920 Bear Specialist Group Co-Chair I-40064 Ozzano Emilia BO, Italy Kaslo BC Canada V0G 1M0 Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources Phone: +39 051 6512228 Phone: +1 250-353-7339 1201 East Highway 2 Fax: +39 051 796628 Email: [email protected] Grand Rapids MN 55744, USA Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 218-327-4146  Shyamala Ratnayeke Email: [email protected] Karen Noyce Member  Vice President for Americas  Department of Forestry, Wildlife Rich Harris, Ursus Editor Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources and Fisheries 218 Evans 1201 East Highway 2 University of Tennessee Missoula MT 59801, USA Grand Rapids MN 55744, USA Knoxville TN 37996, USA Phone & Fax: +1 406 542-6399 Phone: +1 218-327-4432 Phone: +1 865-429-1218 Email: [email protected] Fax: +1 218-327-4181 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Bruce McLellan, Jon Swenson Bear Specialist Group Co-Chair Diana Doan-Crider Member  Box 1732 Secretary  Department of Ecology and Natural D’arcy BC, V0N 1L0, Canada PO Box 185 Resource Management Email: [email protected] Comfort TX 78013, USA Agricultural University of Norway Phone: +1 830-324-6550 Box 5003, NO-1432 Jordan Schaul, AZA Liaison Email: [email protected] Ås, Norway Email: [email protected] Phone: 47 64 94 85 30 Cecily Costello Email: [email protected] Brian Schieck, Treasurer  IBA Student Coordinator PO Box 567 Michael R. Vaughan Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Manhattan MT 59741, USA Member ˆ Commission Phone: +1 406-284-3477 Virginia Cooperative 156 Kelvin, Avenue Email: [email protected] Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Deltona FL 32738-5002, USA 148 Cheatham Hall, Virginia Tech Phone: +1 386 789-7063 Blacksburg VA 24061-0321, USA Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 540-231-5046 Fax: +1 540-231-7580 ˆ term expires 2008  Email: [email protected]  term expires 2010

32 International Bear News November 2008, vol. 17 no. 4 © Dr. T.R.K.© Dr. Yoganand About the International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) The International Association for Bear Research and Management (IBA) is a non-profit tax-exempt organization open to 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 conserva- tion 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 trans- lation of technical information into popular literature and other media, as well as through other educational forums. 6. Encourage the professional growth and development of our members. 7. Provide professional counsel and advice on issues of natural resource policy related to bear management and conservation. 8. Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. 9. Encourage full international participation in the IBA through the siting of conferences, active recruitment of interna- tional members and officers, and through financial support for international research, travel to meetings, 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 re- gional governments and, to the extent possible, address their needs without compromising bear conservation, recogniz- ing that conservation is most successful where human communities are stable and can see the benefits of conservation efforts. 13. Form partnerships with other institutions to achieve conservation goals, where partnerships could provide additional funding, knowledge of geographical areas, or expertise in scientific or non-scientific sectors.

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