Robert Marquez, Rob Wallace, Isaac Goldstein

The Andean Bear Range-Wide Priority Setting (RWPS 2.0) project is a collaborative, data-driven effort designed to update the species’ distribution and establish a cohesive framework for its long-term conservation. Building on more than a decade of scientific advances, the project utilizes a participatory co-design process and will openly share all results. RWPS 2.0 focuses on identifying and characterizing Andean Bear Conservation Units (ABCUs) based on direct local knowledge of Andean bear presence/absence within the possible Andean bear range. RWPS 2.0 is co-led by range country government agencies and AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Andean Bear and employs a four-step methodology: 1) A grid-based exercise whereby stakeholders categorize areas according to set presence/absence criteria; 2) Expansion of presence polygons based on habitat continuity; 3) Modeling presence in areas lacking direct information; and 4) Collaborative review to resolve discrepancies.
To date, the initiative has used the information gathered from a broad network of contributors - including managers, park rangers, researchers, and government personnel - to determine the status of bear presence in 67.4% of the 1.274.340 km2 (100%) of remaining wilderness identified as potential Andean bear range (above 180m). Within this area, confirmed bear presence accounts for 28.5%, probable bear presence for 2.9%, and reported bear absence for 35.9%. Notably, the remaining 32.6% of the potential range lacks direct information regarding presence status.
This project demonstrates that multi-national mapping is possible when governmental organizations and other stakeholders align. By placing all results and tools in the hands of national agencies, RWPS 2.0 aims to strengthen coordination, support analyses that inform national and global strategies, and foster an equipped and connected network of Andean bear conservation practitioners in priority landscapes.