Lorraine Scotson

The Annamite Bioregion of Indochina has seen dramatic extirpation of large carnivores. However, Sun Bear (Ursus malayanus) and Asiatic Black Bear (U. thibetanus) have proven to be remarkably resilient. Yet, their future there remains uncertain with ongoing rampant poaching, poor governance of natural resources and severely under resourced conservation interventions. With Annamite endemics like the Critically Endangered Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) on the edge of extinction, where do the bear species, both with considerably larger global ranges and more secure populations in other regions, fit in biodiversity conservation strategy for the Annamite Bioregion? For organisations like the Saola Foundation with a mission to prevent unrecoverable biodiversity loss, the bears as two species amongst thousands are not clear priorities. We will discuss objectively ways to prioritise biodiversity conservation interventions and how bears can dovetail with conservation of Critically Endangered species. The bears contribute other values to the region’s conservation, serving as globally iconic species and providing philanthropic leverage that many Critically Endangered species cannot command. This leverage together with their ecological plasticity lends itself to fitting bear conservation within and supporting the needs of ecologically restricted biodiversity, such as the endemic Critically Endangered Large-antlered Muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis) or the endemic Silver-backed Chevrotain (Tragulus versicolor). As Keystone Species, bears help to maintain species diversity and richness through their ecosystem engineering, increasing their value to overall biodiversity conservation goals. In the long-term, future rewilding offers the best hope for minimising unrecoverable biodiversity loss. Nevertheless, long-term conservation success depends on managing and limiting future conflicts. Bears can help lead the way to future rewilding including a natural community of large carnivores.

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