Asiatic Black Bear Ursus Thibetanus Research Articles

Forced sympatry? Spatiotemporal interactions of ursids, the Himalayan brown bear and the Asiatic black bear, along a gradient of anthropic disturbances in Western Himalaya

AbstractThe coexistence of species with similar ecological niches implies that species must segregate along one or more niche axes in order to avoid competition. Partitioning of time, space, or resources is an essential niche dimension along which competitor species tend to coexist. The intensity of interspecific competition may vary under varying anthropogenic pressures, but such knowledge is scarce. We investigated the co‐occurrence patterns of two bear species, Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus and Himalayan Brown Bear Ursus arctos isabellinus, at two sites in the Western Himalayan region of India with similar ecological conditions and varying anthropogenic pressures. Camera trap datasets from the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) in Himachal Pradesh and the Bhagirathi basin in Uttarakhand were used to assess the species interactions. We used two species interaction models and kernel density estimates to understand the co‐occurrence pattern of the bear species and their interactions with humans. Our results provide insights into the spatiotemporal behavior of the two bear species and reveal their sympatric and allopatric relationships in two different anthropogenic environments. We found (1) a prominent association between the two bear species (98%) indicating spatial overlap in GHNP, but found spatial separation among the two species (93%) in Bhagirathi basin (2). In GHNP, the spatially co‐occurring bear species were found to be temporarily segregated, whereas in Bhagirathi, they showed spatial avoidance and similar activity patterns (3). In GHNP, human activities in the alpine habitat had a significant negative impact on brown bear presence. The comparative study revealed that the brown bear uses the forested habitats of GHNP due to high anthropogenic disturbances in the alpine areas, whereas no spatial association was observed in the Bhagirathi basin with comparatively low anthropogenic disturbances. The results highlight that, in addition to biological factors, anthropogenic pressures can also influence interspecific competition.

Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus attacks in Kashmir Valley, India

Asiatic Black Bear attacks are reported rarely throughout the majority of their global range; however, this has not been the case in the Kashmir Valley where over the past 20–30 years attacks have been relatively common. There are several causes for the high number of attacks, though the foremost reason likely stems from the conversion of natural habitat to orchards and agricultural fields. Asiatic Black Bears actively crop raid orchards and agricultural areas putting them into close proximity to humans. The Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department has collected data on 2,357 Asiatic Black Bear attacks in the Kashmir Valley between 2000 and 2020. A total of 2,243 (95.2%) resulted in injury and 114 (4.8%) resulted in death. The majority of injuries were reported as minor (57.4%, n=1126), 42.4% (n=832) as grievous, and 1.2% (n=21) caused permanent disability. The highest proportion of attacks occurred from July through November, coinciding with the harvesting season, and the least occurred from December through March, coinciding with when most Asiatic Black Bears are hibernating. Victims of bear attacks were most often working in farms or orchards, and were mostly between the ages of 31–40 years old. Most attacks occurred in the morning hours when people first entered the orchards or agricultural fields to work. The frequency of attacks has declined since 2016, which could be attributed to retaliation killings, better management by the wildlife department, and the engagement of NGO’s with local people to create bear awareness and teach safety measures.

First photographic evidence of Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve, India

The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) also known as the Himalayan black bear is a Vulnerable species. Its range is distributed throughout southern and eastern Asia. Here we report the first photographic evidence of the species in Kaziranga Tiger Reserve situated in the northeast of India. The photo-captured image of the species has unfolded various dimensions of conservation starting from preparation of baseline information to more systematic surveys in the whole landscape or across northeastern India.

Use of a spatially explicit individual-based model to predict population trajectories and habitat connectivity for a reintroduced ursid

AbstractReintroductions of large carnivore species present unique opportunities to model population dynamics as populations can be monitored from the beginning of a reintroduction. However, analysis of the population dynamics of such reintroduced populations is rare and may be limited in incorporating the complex movements and environmental interactions of large carnivores. Starting in 2004, Asiatic black bears Ursus thibetanus were reintroduced and tracked in the Republic of Korea, along with their descendants, using radio telemetry, yielding 33,924 tracking points over 12 years. Along with information about habitat use, landscape, and resource availability, we estimated the population equilibrium and dispersal capability of the reintroduced population. We used a mixed modelling approach to determine suitable habitat areas, population equilibria for three different resources-based scenarios, and least-cost pathways (i.e. corridors) for dispersal. Our population simulations provided a mean population equilibrium of 64 individuals at the original reintroduction site and a potential maximum of 1,438 individuals in the country. The simulation showed that the bear population will disperse to nearby mountainous areas, but a second reintroduction will be required to fully restore U. thibetanus. Northern suitable habitats are currently disconnected and natural re-population is unlikely to happen unless supported. Our methodologies and findings are also relevant for determining the outcome and trajectories of reintroduced populations of other large carnivores.

The hidden risk of using umbrella species as conservation surrogates: A spatio-temporal approach

The use of a charismatic umbrella species as surrogate for sympatric species is often advocated as an efficient approach. However, comprehensive evaluations from a spatio-temporal perspective are few, leaving the long-term effectiveness of such practices remain uncertain. We modeled the habitat change for giant panda and eight sympatric mammalian species using observations from extensive camera trap surveys and remotely-sensed environmental predictors during two time periods, early 2000s and early 2010s. We found that the degree and spatial pattern of the habitat suitability change varied among species. The overall habitat suitability improved between the early 2000s and early 2010s for seven target species including giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca, suggesting positive effects of several recent conservation projects in restoring natural landscapes for certain species groups. However, the current nature reserve system designed for giant pandas did not adequately cover critical landscapes for several species, including the two species who experienced net habitat loss, Endangered forest musk deer Moschus berezovskii and Vulnerble Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus. To conserve multiple species simultaneously in this region, we recommend establishing nature reserves for other threatened species who share dissimilar habitat needs with giant panda, and adding a widely distributed omnivores, Asiatic black bear, as a surrogate species in central and southwest China. These findings reveal the risk of using umbrella species as a conservation shortcut in protecting animal communities in China, and have substantial implications for other regions where the majority of the conservation funds are directed toward a single charismatic species.

Patterns of resource use by Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus during pre-hibernation in Kashmir Himalaya, India

ABSTRACT Resource use is the way in which an animal (or population) utilises the available resources, and is known to occur in a hierarchical fashion. The Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus is an opportunistic omnivore whose diet and intensity of habitat use fluctuates with season and availability of resources in the environment. In this study, we assessed the habitat use and food habits of black bears during the autumn season (pre-hibernation) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir Himalaya, to understand the reasons behind recurrent bear–human conflict in the area. We walked 14 natural trails covering different habitats of the study area. At each bear sign location, we recorded habitat variables in plots of 10 m radius. Black bear diet was assessed from 192 scats using a standard protocol. Black bear scat encounter rate varied significantly between habitats and was highest in forest scrub. Bear habitat use exhibited a significant association with medium canopy cover represented by the forest scrub and riverine habitat, and a negative association with the distance from human habitation, indicating use of forest patches close to nearby villages. Scat analysis revealed the occurrence of 17 plant species, mainly dominated by hard mast fruit species (88.54%) including Celtis australis (55.21%), Quercus robur (39.06%), and Pyrus malus (13.54%), with no evidence of animal food. Overall resource use by black bears showed a strong association with hard mast and fruit-producing trees adjacent to human habitations (i.e. orchard plantations close to forest scrub and riverine habitats), thereby increasing the risk of bear–human conflict. By elucidating the factors affecting bear occurrence and resource use during the autumn season, this study is expected to assist in resolving issues related to bear–human conflict management in the Dachigam landscape, particularly during their pre-hibernation period.

Mammals of the Bhagirathi basin, Western Himalaya: understanding distribution along spatial gradients of habitats and disturbances

AbstractUnderstanding the distribution of wildlife species and their response to diverse anthropogenic pressures is important for conservation planning and management of wildlife space in human-dominated landscapes. Assessments of anthropogenic impacts on mammals of the Indian Himalayan Region have mostly been limited to locations inside protected areas. We studied the occurrence of mammals in an unexplored landscape, the 7,586 km2 Bhagirathi basin, at an altitude of 500–5,200 m. The basin encompasses wilderness areas of various habitat types and protection status that are exposed to a range of anthropogenic pressures. Camera trapping at 209 locations during October 2015–September 2017 confirmed the occurrence of 39 species of mammals, nine of which are categorized as threatened (four Vulnerable, five Endangered) and four as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. We recorded five mammal species that were hitherto undocumented in Uttarakhand State: the argali Ovis ammon, Tibetan sand fox Vulpes ferrilata, woolly hare Lepus oiostolus, Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx and woolly flying squirrel Eupetaurus cinereus. In addition, we recorded two Endangered species, the dhole Cuon alpinus and tiger Panthera tigris. Threatened species such as the sambar Rusa unicolor, common leopard Panthera pardus and Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus occur in a wide variety of habitats despite anthropogenic disturbance. We recorded the snow leopard Panthera uncia in areas with high livestock density but temporally segregated from human activities. The musk deer Moschus spp. and Himalayan brown bear Ursus arctos isabellinus were recorded in subalpine habitats and appeared to be less affected by human and livestock presence. Our findings highlight the potential of the Bhagirathi basin as a stronghold for conservation of several threatened and rare mammal species.

Habitat overlap between Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus and red panda Ailurus fulgens in Himalaya.

Studying habitat overlap between sympatric species is one of the best ways to identify interspecies relationships and to direct conservation efforts so that multiple species can benefit. However, studies exploring interspecies relationships are very limited in Nepal, making it difficult for the government of Nepal and conservation partners to manage wildlife in their habitats, especially in Himalayan protected areas. In this study, we identified habitat overlap between Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and red panda (Ailurus fulgens) as well as important habitat types for both species in the Makalu Barun National Park, Nepal using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling. GPS points of species occurrence were collected from the field, and environmental variables were extracted from freely available sources. We found that the study area contained 647 km2 of Asiatic black bear habitat and 443 km2 of the red panda habitat. 368 km2 supported both species, which constituted 57% of the Asiatic black bear habitat and 83% of the red panda habitat. We found that conifer forest was the most important habitat type for both species. Because the largest portions of both species’ habitat were located inside the buffer zone, a peripheral zone of national park, conservation efforts for these sympatric species should be focused inside the buffer zone to be most effective.

Understanding patterns of distribution and space-use by Ursus thibetanus in Khangchendzonga, India: Initiative towards conservation

Increasing rate of bear-human conflict and declining black bear population remains a conservation paradox throughout its distributional range. Sound information on the patterns and dynamics of bear occurrence seems prerequisite towards addressing this issue, particularly in sub-tropical and temperate ecosystems. We aimed to understand the patterns of space-use and distribution of Asiatic black bears Ursus thibetanus in the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (BR) of Eastern Himalaya, and the factors influencing the same. We also modelled the distribution and extent of suitable habitats for bears in the Khangchendzonga landscape. We used sign surveys, trail monitorings, camera trapping, occupancy based space-use modelling and presence-only habitat suitability modelling using Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA). Almost all the black bear evidences (98%) were recorded from temperate and subalpine habitats. Broadleaved and coniferous forests were the best predictors for bear occurrence, and the percentage of acorn producing trees in temperate zone was the most important factor positively influencing the proportion of site utilization by bears during pre-hibernation periods. ENFA results indicate black bear as a ‘habitat specialist species’ and delineated only a small portion of the Biosphere Reserve (5.35%) as highly suitable for its occurrence. These highly suitable patches mostly occurred in the buffer zone outside the National Park boundary and were therefore, found as more susceptible to conflicts. Such patterns in habitat preference highlight the importance of local landscapes and demand for site specific conservation and management strategies for black bears in Khangchendzonga.

Evidence of seed germination in scats of the Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus in Iran (Mammalia: Carnivora)

Dispersal and germination of fruit seed by omnivorous mammals such as bears is common in nature (Traveset & Willson, 1997). The importance of Asiatic Black Bears Ursus thibetanus Cuvier, 1823 in se...

High altitude ungulate communities in southwest China

Abstract In southwest China, three major rivers, the Yangtze, Mekong and Salween, flow down from the Tibetan plateau, creating a complex topography with a diverse, little-known ungulate community. We used camera traps and multi-species occupancy modeling to determine presence/absence, habitat use and estimate species richness/occupancy. At Langdu, east of the Yangtze, we had 23 camera sites in four habitats from 4000 to 4815 m asl; at Gehuaqing in the south of Baimaxueshan Nature Reserve (BNR) between Mekong and Yangtze we had 14 sites in two habitats from 3050 to 3600 m asl. At Langdu, we photographed tufted deer Elaphodus cephalophus (Milne-Edwards 1872) most often followed by serow Capricornis milneedwardsii (David 1869) and alpine musk deer Moschus chrysogaster (Hodgson 1839). At Gehuaqing, we photographed serow most often followed by tufted deer and forest musk deer Moschus berezovskii (Flerov 1929). Tufted deer were in the most habitats, and alpine musk deer were at an elevation higher than previously reported (4815 m). The only large carnivore recorded was Asian black bear Ursus thibetanus (Cuvier 1823) leopard cats Prionailurus bengalensis (Kerr 1792) were at 4579 m asl, higher than previously documented. Langdu had higher species richness than Gehuaqing, and tufted deer had the highest occupancy at both sites. We discuss differences with another site in the north of BNR.

The effects of digestion by Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus on seed germination of Japanese bird cherry Prunus grayana (Rosaceae)

The effects of digestion by Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus on seed germination of Japanese bird cherry Prunus grayana (Rosaceae)

Ethnozoological assessment of animals used by Mon traditional medicine vendors at Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar

Ethnopharmacological relevanceWild animals are widely used in traditional Asian medicine but information from Myanmar is lacking. We show that a wide range of animals are used at a pilgrimage site, mostly for their rendered fats and oils to be used in mixed concoctions. The majority of species were sold to be used to treat aching joints, muscle ache and skin diseases. Aim of the studyTo assess wildlife for sale for medicinal purposes, and document their medicinal use at Kyaiktiyo, a pilgrimage site at a 1100m tall mountain, with many of the pilgrims climbing to the top. In addition we address legal issues relating to the production and sale of traditional medicine that contain legally protected animals. Material and methodsFour visits were made to Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar, between 2000 and 2017 to quantify animal parts on display and through discussions with vendors to obtain information on medicinal use of these parts. ResultsTwenty-three species, mostly mammals, were recorded to be used for traditional medicine. The most common were Chinese serow Capricornis milneedwardsii, Asian elephant Elephas maximus, and Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus. Over 600 bodies or body parts were present. Combined, these parts purportedly provided cures or relief for at least 15 ailments or diseases. The most commonly mentioned treatment was that of using rendered animal fats/oils externally to relieve/cure aching joints or muscles. This treatment allegedly provides instant relief to pilgrims after an arduous climb up the mountain. Purported cures for various skin diseases was the next common use for the animal species on offer. Ten of the species observed for sale at Kyaiktiyo are listed as globally threatened, and 15 are protected and cannot be legally traded. Ambiguities in Myanmar's legislation mean that protected animals or their body parts cannot be traded, however traditional medicines can be made out of them provided rules relating to the manufacturing of traditional medicines are adhered to. ConclusionThis study indicated that animals and their parts continue to be openly offered for sale at Kyaiktiyo to treat various illnesses. Despite these products potential medical, traditional or cultural importance, solutions have to been found on how to ensure that, in line with Myanmar's laws, use of traditional local medicine does not impede the conservation of imperilled species.

An assessment of food habits and altitudinal distribution of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in the Western Himalayas, Pakistan

ABSTRACTThe Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus is one of the least well-known species of mammals, and there have been few studies conducted to investigate its status and feeding behaviour, particularly in the north-western parts of Pakistan. We investigated the food habits and altitudinal distribution of the Asiatic black bear in the Kaghan Valley region of the western Himalayas, Pakistan. We interviewed local villagers (n = 180) about food items consumed by black bears, and collected signs (n = 178) of the presence of black bears at different altitudes. The villagers reported that the black bears predominantly inhabit the forests of Malkandi, Kamalban and Jaraid, and visit agricultural fields located at the edge of the forests. Oak (Quercus spp.), guch (Viburnum cotinifolium), mulberry (Morus spp.), fig (Ficus palmata), pomegranate (Punica granatum) and maize (Zea mays) were confirmed by 160 (89%) interviewees as food items consumed by black bears in the Kaghan Valley. We recovered the remains of 21 types of food items from 53 black bear scats. Dietary analysis showed that maize (22.64%), white mulberry (Morus alba, 16.98%) and maple (Acer spp., 11.32%) were the most frequently identified food items in black bear scats. We recorded shifts in food item selection from month to month. The total volume of crop remains found in scats was 31.38%, which was greater than that of other major food groups.This high volume of agricultural crops in the Asiatic bear diet is a source of continuing human–bear conflict in the region, and is a factor that needs to be taken into consideration when formulating management strategies to protect this International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list species.

Phylogeographic and Demographic Analysis of the Asian Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) Based on Mitochondrial DNA.

The Asian black bear Ursus thibetanus is widely distributed in Asia and is adapted to broad-leaved deciduous forests, playing an important ecological role in the natural environment. Several subspecies of U. thibetanus have been recognized, one of which, the Japanese black bear, is distributed in the Japanese archipelago. Recent molecular phylogeographic studies clarified that this subspecies is genetically distantly related to continental subspecies, suggesting an earlier origin. However, the evolutionary relationship between the Japanese and continental subspecies remained unclear. To understand the evolution of the Asian black bear in relation to geological events such as climatic and transgression-regression cycles, a reliable time estimation is also essential. To address these issues, we determined and analyzed the mt-genome of the Japanese subspecies. This indicates that the Japanese subspecies initially diverged from other Asian black bears in around 1.46Ma. The Northern continental population (northeast China, Russia, Korean peninsula) subsequently evolved, relatively recently, from the Southern continental population (southern China and Southeast Asia). While the Japanese black bear has an early origin, the tMRCAs and the dynamics of population sizes suggest that it dispersed relatively recently in the main Japanese islands: during the late Middle and Late Pleistocene, probably during or soon after the extinction of the brown bear in Honshu in the same period. Our estimation that the population size of the Japanese subspecies increased rapidly during the Late Pleistocene is the first evidential signal of a niche exchange between brown bears and black bears in the Japanese main islands.This interpretation seems plausible but was not corroborated by paleontological evidence that fossil record of the Japanese subspecies limited after the Late Pleistocene. We also report here a new fossil record of the oldest Japanese black bear from the Middle Pleistocene, and it supports our new evolutionary hypothesis of the Japanese black bear.

Role of badger setts in life of other carnivores

A study of interspecific interactions of European (Meles meles) and Asian (M. leucurus) badgers with other carnivores at badger setts was carried out in Darwin Reserve (European part of Russia) and in Ussuriisk Reserve (Russian Far East) in 2006-2011. We used camera traps for the registration of visits of carnivore mammals to the badger setts. Overall, 11 species were recorded. In both reserves, badger setts attract carnivore species during the whole year. Some predators visit badger setts regularly. The visitors can be divided into two groups: species searching shelter, or searching prey. The first group includes raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides and red fox Vulpes vulpes. Raccoon dog was the most frequent visitor in both study areas (34 visits in Darwin reserve and 73 in Ussuriisk reserve). The second group includes lynx Lynx lynx and wolf Canis lupus in Darwin reserve and Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus, brown bear U. arctos, yellow-throated marten Martes flavigula aterrima and lynx Lynx lynx in Ussuriisk reserve. Smaller predators are also included into the second group because they can find prey at badger setts too: leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura, sable Martes zibellina and Siberian weasel Mustela sibirica in Ussuriisk reserve and European pine marten Martes martes in Darwin reserve. No cases of aggressive interactions between the badgers and the visitors were recorded. But we noted two cases of change of sett owners and one case when raccoon dog removed dead badger cubs from the sett.

Activity pattern of the orphaned Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Ursidae) cubs during rehabilitation processes

Five Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus cubs aged between 6.5-15 months were studied for five months using instantaneous scan sampling (n=3049 scans) while they were undergoing acclimatization in the rehabilitation areas in Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. During the course of the study, feeding, moving, climbing, resting and playing activities were recorded in three consecutive time periods, representing three phases of acclimatization. The frequency of climbing and moving increased considerably towards the third phase, while feeding decreased. These changes can be attributed to a learning process during acclimatization. Time spent on moving and playing differed significantly among the bears, but not climbing or feeding.

Vocal repertoire of Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) cubs

The vocal repertoire of the Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) has been poorly studied and until recently only two call types (chuffing and humming) have been described. Here I investigate the vocalizations of three wild orphaned cubs (two males and one female) reared by two observers in natural conditions in the Russian Far East. I grouped the calls into structural types, and then compared them with existing literature data on vocalizations of the same, as well as other species of the Ursidae family. In total, 1302 calls were classified visually from spectrograms into seven call types: whine, moan, yelp, grunt, snort, chuffing and humming. Classification results were verified with discriminant function analysis and randomization. I also fixed the presence of nonlinear phenomena (NLP) and articulation effects in calls. Whine was the most frequently recorded, as well as the most structurally variable call type due to a high rate of NLP. These results indicate that the vocal repertoire of the Asiatic Black Bear cubs is graded, but includes at least two discrete sound types. This work needs to be continued with further studies of vocalizations of cubs and adults of this species to verify the results of this preliminary study.

Status of the Asiatic black bearUrsus thibetanusin the southeastern region of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal

The Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus is an omnivore that occurs throughout the mid-hill region of Nepal. Globally, it is listed as vulnerable; in southern Asia it is considered threatened and in Nepal it is identified as endangered. This study was conducted to explore its habitat use and distribution in the southeast (Bhujung sector) of the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). Most of black bear signs in the study area were recorded at the elevation ranging from 1900 to 3100 m. The black bear was mainly recorded in the forest habitat with 20–30° slope and 50–75% crown cover. A total of 86 bear signs were recorded in the study area and the density of bear signs was estimated at 0.45 signs/km2. The bear was distributed in Schima wallichi, Quercus spp. forest with Arundinaria spp. and Dendrocalamus spp. The study recorded 1.3 hectares crops damaged/raided by black bears. Black bear habitats were found to be under the pressure of different human activities such as forest product collection, grazing and poach...

Multiple paternity in Asian black bear Ursus thibetanus (Ursidae, Carnivora) determined by microsatellite analysis

AbstractWe performed microsatellite paternity analyses of two Asian black bear