Dynamics of bioresource potential of the brown bear in european russia under human impacts and climate fluctuations

Abstract

Average temperature in Russia in 1907–2006 had increased by 1.29 °C and in 1976–2006 by 1.33 °C. Direct evidence of movement of the northern border of the area of brown bear northward is not found. However, expansion of ripple band of the northern border of the area took place. It is manifested in the penetration of the bear far into the tundra of European Russia along river valleys. The forest ecosystems in European Russia are highly dynamic and variegated because of logging, subsequent successions on clearcuts and fire footprints, overgrowing old-cultivated lands with saplings and then secondary forests and so on. The species welfare in regions of European Russia is determined by two key factors: the condition of forest ecosystems, and the hunting pressure. The bear resources in regions of European Russia correlate with the size of the forest areas and the share of forests. In 2011, the largest populations of bear were found in Vologda (7500 ind.), Tver (2200) and Novgorod (1500) oblasts. Increased bear number and density in the districts along the borders with neighboring Russian oblasts (Leningrad, Novgorod, Tver and Smolensk oblasts) is caused by lower anthropogenic load on near-border areas (less logging, less population, less hunting pressure, less disturbance, etc.). A negative correlation between the bear population density and the human population density is revealed. Bioresource potential of brown bear in European Russia is increasing. Expansion of bear area southward continues, but with less intensity.