Abstract 113 – Anthropogenic Disturbance on the Space Use of Locally Endangered Formosan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) in Taiwan

Fang Chen, Neil Carter, Mei-Hsiu Hwang

Anthropogenic impacts, such as habitat degradation and overhunting, pose significant threats
to wildlife populations globally. In Taiwan, alongside habitat loss due to urban development,
the proliferation of snare traps has escalated threats to the locally endangered Formosan black
bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus), leading to increased mortalities and physical injuries.
Despite the severity of these issues, there is limited information that can inform conservation
strategies regarding the preferred habitat characteristics of the bears and the long-term
behavioral impacts of snare trap-derived injuries. In this study, we used integrated resource
selection functions (iRSFs) and integrated step selection functions (iSSFs) to analyze the habitat
selection patterns of 15 bears (6 injured, 9 healthy) inhabiting Yushan National Park, Taiwan.
Further, we generated a predictive map to visualize habitat suitability and compared the
habitat selection patterns between healthy bears and those injured by snare traps. Population-
level results indicated that bears prefer habitats characterized by rugged terrain with a
preference for broad-leaved forests over other land cover types. However, injured bears
exhibited diminished preferences for terrain ruggedness and different human avoidance
patterns compared to healthy bears. These results suggested that the ability of injured bears to
access high-quality habitat patches could be constrained, potentially increasing the encounters
and risks from humans and impacting their energy gain in the long term. This study highlights
that the impacts of snare traps extend beyond mortality and physical injury, possibly
influencing the behavioral and energetic dynamics of bear populations. Conservation efforts
must prioritize the preservation of high-quality habitats and regulations on snare trap usage to
protect this locally endangered species.