Rabin K.C., National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)

The Himalayan Black Bear (HBB) faces severe conservation challenges in Nepal due to habitat loss and intense human-bear conflict (HBC). This study, conducted between October 2022 and May 2023, assessed the occupancy, and conservation status of HBB in the Jumla district of western Nepal. Using a single-season occupancy framework, we surveyed 28 grids of size 5km x 5km covering more than 50% forest area. Within these grids, five 1-km replicates were surveyed for direct sightings and indirect signs such as scats, scrapes, and diggings. During the survey, the total of 109.2 km of the transect was surveyed. The naïve occupancy of HBB was 0.62 and the model-averaged HBB occupancy was estimated of 0.79 (SE ± 0.012). The terrain ruggedness and distance to human settlements had a negative influence on bear occupancy, whereas distance to rivers showed a positive influence. To complement the ecological data, a household survey of 150 local residents was conducted evaluate HBC. Results highlighted a critical need for intervention, as evidenced by the collection of eight bear pelts from illegal killings during the study period. Consequently, a multi-tiered conservation approach was implemented, including the distribution of 2,000 educational posters, school awareness programs for over 300 students, and 24 community outreach session targeting herders and local residents. These findings underscore the importance of integrating rigorous occupancy modeling with community-based conservation to ensure the long-term survival of the Himalayan Black Bear in western Nepal.