Abstract 164 – A Study on the status and distribution of Himalayan Brown Bears (Ursus arctos isabellinus) in Kashmir Valley, India using camera traps and GPS collaring

Aaliya Mir, Thomas Sharp, S. Swaminathan, A. Sha. Arun, Kartick Satyanarayan,
Geeta Seshamani

Human-wild animal conflict has always been high in the Kashmir Valley, mostly involving black
bears and leopards. However, recently human-brown bear conflict has emerged as a new
challenge in this region. There is little structured literature available on the ecology and status
of brown bears in Kashmir valley. Therefore, we set out to assess the status, distribution and
ecology of brown bear population in the Central Wildlife Division of Kashmir, India, using field
techniques, camera trapping and GPS collaring with an ultimate goal of finding solutions that
will benefit both people and wildlife. Brown bears in the study area were distributed in the
alpine meadows with a specific elevational range (3000 to 5000 m). Direct sightings revealed
congregations of bears in a few areas; especially in the North-Western (Sarbal) and Eastern
region (Amarnath/Baltal). The relative abundance of the brown bear was recorded to be
around 0.12 ± 2/km. Camera trapping recorded bears in five locations, while as the density
estimate of brown bears based on REM was 1.53/km2. Brown bears were found heavily
dependent on the grazing livestock and garbage sites. The scat analysis revealed that bears in
the region fed upon garbage food items (75%), wild plant matter (16%), crop raiding (0.41%)
and sheep hunting (0.31%) respectively. Out of 408 scat samples, 86 were found to have plastic
carry bags, milk powder and chocolate covers. From July to September, 2023, we radio collared
six brown bears (4 males and 2 females) with GPS iridium collars to understand habitat
utilization and movement patterns. Initially, after collaring, the bears moved large distances
away from the habituated open garbage dump areas, however, they eventually returned and
tended to stay close to these dumps. All 6 collared bears went into hibernation in month of
November, 2023.The information gathered in this project will be of vital importance in
developing future conservation plans and management initiatives.