The Kamchatka Ecology and Nature Management Institute has been censusing brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the southern part of the Kamchatka peninsula (Russian Far East) since 1991. The censused area comprised 11,045 km2 within the districts of Yelizovo, Ust' Bolsheretsk, Sobolevo, and Ust' Kamchatsk. We used an aerial total count method while flying in small fixed-wing planes during late spring (May-early Jun) to collect data on bear numbers, their distribution, den location, birth rate, and cub survival. A total of 1,051 bears was observed during 83 hours of overflight time during 1991, 1993, and 1994. Our yearly estimates of average bear densities in the southern part of Kamchatka (54,100 km2 study area) ranged from 0.81 to 1.30 bears/10 km2. Some areas had high bear density (>1.7 bears/10 km2) despite hunting pressure. Bear numbers declined (<0.8 bears/10 km2) near settlements along main roads. The main threat to brown bears in Kamchatka is poaching for bear parts by local residents. We recommend that aerial censuses be expanded and improved to more accurately estimate population status and trends. Alternate means of employment in ecotourism and outfitting should be developed for local residents to encourage their support of measures to sustain Kamchatka's brown bears.
- Volume 10
- Issue
- Pages 11-16
- Publication Date 1 January 1998
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- File Size 398.06 KB
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