The Japanese black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus japonicus Schlegal) removes bark from both broad-leaved and coniferous trees in Japan. These injuries are predominantly inflicted on coniferous species over an extensive geographical area on Honshu and Shikoku islands. Seventeen conifer species are known to be attacked. The bark is typically removed at the base of the tree and the exposed sapwood is gnawed and presumably eaten by bears. Tree feeding occurs mainly between mid-June and mid-July. Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), the most useful timber species in Japan, sustain the most severe damage. Most Japanese cedar trees sustain bole circumference girdling of 10-40 percent without showing symptoms of distress, but trees with 50 percent or more girdling usually display evidence of serious weakening. Trees completely girdled eventually die. Tree wounds are subject to infections that can deteriorate wood quality. Prevention of bear damage is an imposing challenge to Japanese forestry.
- Volume 4
- Issue
- Pages 67-70
- Publication Date 1 January 1980
- DOI 10.2307/3872845
- File Size 544.91 KB
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