Uncovering the Dependence and Habituation of Himalayan Brown Bears on Rubbish Dumps

The study was conducted by the Wildlife SOS Research team to analyze the anthropogenic strain on Brown bear habitat

Little is known about the Himalayan Brown bear due to its isolated alpine habitat in the Himalayan range.

The report revealed that Himalayan Brown bears are increasingly scavenging human garbage and becoming acclimated to it.

86 bears were found to have excreted plastic carry bags, milk powder, and chocolate wrappers, and even glass shards were found in some scats.

This can potentially harm their gastric intestinal anatomy resulting in reduced life expectancy

Repeated human interactions from construction to mountain grazing has threatened the habitat of the Brown bear territory

86 bears were found to have excreted plastic carry bags, milk powder, and chocolate wrappers, and even glass shards were found in some scats.

75% of the bears surveyed were found to scavenge garbage instead of hunting or eating crops.

The Wildlife SOS Research team and government officials are finding out ways to reduce such activity of the bears in an effort to conserve their food habit

Almost 20,627 camera footages from camera traps showed 9,131 scenes where Brown bears were scavenging for foods in the dumps

The study identified hotspots for bear scavenging at tourist sites like Sonmarg and Amarnath Camp.

Camera traps recorded the feeding signals in the Sarbal and Amarnath area

The Wildlife SOS team and the J&K Development Authority and the Tourism Board suggested a waste disposal management out of brown bear settlement

 The increase in scavenging behavior is linked to habitat loss and human intervention in the forest, as well as shepherds grazing livestock in bear habitats.

Floral Frame

More stories