Genetic Resolution of Composition and Phylogenetic Placement of the Isabelline Bear
We sequenced part of the mitochondrial control region of 2 Himalayan Ursus arctos isabellinus individuals and compared it with that of other U. arctos. Results indicate that the valid allopatric subspecies U. a. isabellinus represents an ancient clade and includes the Gobi bear of Mongolia as a relict population.
A Preliminary Density Estimate for Andean Bear Using Camera-Trapping Methods
Andean (spectacled) bears (Tremarctos ornatus) are threatened across most of their range in the Andes. To date no field-based density estimations are available for this species. We present a preliminary estimate of the density of this species in the Greater Madidi Landscape using standard camera-trapping methods and capture-recapture analysis. We photographed 3 individually recognizable Andean […]
Distinct Population Segments and Grizzly Bear Delisting in Yellowstone: A Response to Rosen
Tatjana Rosen (previous article) recommends reforms to the policy outlining how distinct population segments (DPSs) are defined and then objects because the proposed DPS for delisting grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) does not mesh with her recommendations. The purpose of the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 US Code 1531-1544) is […]
The Endangered Species Act and the Distinct Population Segment Policy
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to delist the Yellowstone grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) as a distinct population segment, pursuant to the 1996 Distinct Population Segment Policy, on grounds that these bears have achieved their recovery goals. In this paper I discuss the Distinct Population Segment Policy and suggest that it does not […]
Status of Asiatic Black Bears in Protected Areas of Nepal and the Effects of Political Turmoil
We conducted informal interviews with villagers and park and buffer zone personnel in protected areas of Nepal presumed to contain Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) during 19 September-10 November 2005. Based on these interviews, we assessed the presence and persistence of this species in Nepal. We conducted interviews in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Langtang National […]
Status of the Brown Bear in Pakistan
As in the rest of their range in Southern Asia, brown bears (Ursus arctos) are poorly studied in Pakistan. Historically, brown bears occupied almost the entire range of the mountains of northern Pakistan, approximately 150,000 km². Their populations are declining and have gone extinct from some areas in the past 50 years. Brown bears are […]
Going into the 21st Century: A Perspective on Trends and Controversies in the Management of the American Black Bear
We surveyed 52 jurisdictions across continental North America to gather comparative information on management strategies for American black bear (Ursus americanus) for the late 1980s and the start of the 21st century. Specifically, we asked about: population estimates and targets, harvest objectives and hunting methods (spring hunt, use of bait, use of dogs), hunter and […]
Spatial Response of American Black Bears to Prescribed Fire in Northwest Florida
Little is known about the effects of prescribed burning on American black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. In Florida, Eglin Air Force Base is home to 1 of 8 relatively disjunct populations of black bears (U. a. floridanus) in the state. Prescribed burning has been used on Eglin since the late 1980s […]
Using Sign at Power Poles to Document Presence of Bears in Greece
The endangered brown bear (Ursus arctos) population in Greece is in urgent need of effective protection and management; that management should be based on information that is both reliable and quickly attained. After observing bears marking and rubbing on power poles, we initiated a study to collect information on this behavior and develop an effective […]
Influence of Mast Production on Black Bear Non-Hunting Mortalities in West Virginia
Food availability influences movements, population dynamics, and harvest of black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Appalachian Mountains. We compared combinations of hard and soft mast indices to black bear non-hunting mortalities in West Virginia, USA, 1980-2004. Mast conditions were inversely related to non-hunting black bear mortalities. We constructed regression equations to predict non-hunting bear mortalities […]