During the 16th century, the European brown bear (Ursus arctos) inhabited most of the Iberian Peninsula. At present, its range in Spain is limited to 2 relict populations: the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian mountains. In 1973, the bear was declared a protected species; hunting was prohibited and compensation was paid for all livestock and agricultural damages by bears. The small Cantabrian bear population is distributed throughout 5 provinces covering approximately 5,000 km2. This fragmented distribution leads to reduced interchange and genetic isolation between groups. Since 1954, 8 published population estimates have ranged from 54 to 142 individuals. Livestock grazing is the dominant activity in the mountains and has resulted in forests being converted to pastureland and being kept at seral stages. Livestock and agricultural damage by bears primarily affects young horses, sheep, and apiaries. Timber harvesting and the conversion of hardwood regeneration areas to exotic pine plantations also eliminate potential habitat. Coal-mining has a 3-fold influence: the operations themselves; the illegal hunting by miners in these areas; and the building of roads, which increase traffic. Principal threats are habitat loss and fragmentation, genetic isolation, illegal hunting, and use of strychnine. We encourage improved administrative coordination among provinces, timely compensation to affected livestock owners, and collection of ecological data to identify the species' requirements for survival.
- Volume 7
- Issue
- Pages 1-8
- Publication Date 1 January 1987
- DOI 10.2307/3872599
- File Size 455.67 KB
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