Managing Human-Sun Bear Conflict in Sumatran Agroforest Systems

Abstract

Human-wildlife conflict negatively affects farmers’ livelihoods and wildlife species that may already be threatened. In Sumatra, the sun bear Helarctos malayanus is a little-known and potentially significant conflict species. To understand the characteristics of human-sun bear conflict and local perceptions and tolerance towards the species, semi-structured interviews were conducted among 120 farmers from four study areas in west-central Sumatra. Spatio-temporal conflict patterns were then investigated in 30 farms from one selected study area. Overall, 45.8 % of respondents reported having experienced human-sun bear conflicts since occupying their farm and crop raiding characterised the majority of these conflicts. Farmers who experienced property damage and livestock depredation by sun bears were less tolerant towards the species and favoured conflict management strategies that removed sun bears from their area. Conflict events were positively correlated with rainfall and peaked when important cash crops reached maturity. With the current rate of agricultural expansion in west-central Sumatra human-sun bear conflicts are likely to increase. This study suggests that mitigation strategies should be implemented as crops mature for harvest, where such measures would no doubt lessen raids by other conflict species.