In early times, the brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) was preserved by law for royal hunts and occurred in large numbers in the extensive forests of Poland. From the 16th century on, its destruction became increasingly intensive, and by the end of World War I, only a few bears were left. Full legal protection was given the bear in 1952. Attempts to reintroduce the bear into the Bialowieża Primeval Forest were halted by World War II. At present, there is a western population (Tatra Mountains) and an eastern population (western Bieszczady Mountains) in Poland. Their combined numbers are estimated to be about 30, with a density of 0.02-0.33 animals per 1,000 ha. Because of increasing human activities and interference in the bear's range, preservation of the bear populations will soon require the establishment of extensive and less disturbed areas in which the brown bear can live in comparative security.
- Volume 4
- Issue
- Pages 229-232
- Publication Date 1 January 1980
- DOI 10.2307/3872872
- File Size 190.02 KB
- Download