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Mellin R, Velichko E, Maltseva L, Dydykin S, Vasil’ev Y. Polytrauma Caused by a Bear Attacking a Human with a Benign Outcome. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:542. [PMID: 38470653 PMCID: PMC10931391 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Injuries to humans caused by wild animals, particularly bears, are rarely mentioned in the literature. Such injuries are frequent in Siberia, which is a territory surrounded by dense forests inhabited by brown bears. In the last 4 months alone (September-December 2023), four bear attacks on humans were registered in Khakassia, Russia. This article presents a clinical case of rehabilitating a patient after a bear attack, who suffered multiple fragmentary fractures of the facial skeleton with displaced bone fragments, subcutaneous emphysema of the soft tissues of the face, damage to the parietal and right occipital regions and paranasal sinus hemorrhage on the left side. The nature of the injuries was enhanced by trauma to the upper extremity caused by the patient defending himself against the animal. In addition to the damage to his face, the bear tried to open his cranium, as evidenced by four furrows caused by its canines, including two each on the frontal and occipital bones of the skull. The patient's complex treatment included both maxillofacial and reconstructive surgeries, and outpatient treatment involved the formation of normotrophic scars using a neodymium laser and injections of a heterogeneous composition consisting of microparticles of "crosslinked" collagen of animal origin placed in a gel identical to the natural extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Mellin
- G. Ya. Remishevskaya Republican Clinical Hospital, Abakan 655012, Russia;
| | - Ellina Velichko
- Pathological Physiology Department, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia or (E.V.)
| | - Larisa Maltseva
- Pathological Physiology Department, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia or (E.V.)
| | - Sergey Dydykin
- Operative Surgery and Topographic Anatomy Department, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Yuriy Vasil’ev
- Operative Surgery and Topographic Anatomy Department, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia
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2
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Balseiro A, Herrero-García G, García Marín JF, Balsera R, Monasterio JM, Cubero D, de Pedro G, Oleaga Á, García-Rodríguez A, Espinoza I, Rabanal B, Aduriz G, Tuñón J, Gortázar C, Royo LJ. New threats in the recovery of large carnivores inhabiting human-modified landscapes: the case of the Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos). Vet Res 2024; 55:24. [PMID: 38395920 PMCID: PMC10893660 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-024-01279-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding mortality causes is important for the conservation of endangered species, especially in small and isolated populations inhabiting anthropized landscapes where both natural and human-caused mortality may hinder the conservation of these species. We investigated the mortality causes of 53 free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos) found dead between 1998 and 2023 in the Cantabrian Mountains (northwestern Spain), a highly human-modified region where bears are currently recovering after being critically threatened in the last century. We detected natural traumatic injuries in 52.63% and infectious diseases in 39.47% of the 38 bears for which the mortality causes were registered, with 21.05% of these cases presenting signs of both infectious diseases and traumas. More specifically, almost 30% of the bears died during or after intraspecific fights, including sexually selected infanticide (10.53%). In addition, primary infectious diseases such as infectious canine hepatitis, distemper, clostridiosis and colibacillosis caused the death of 15.79% of the bears. The number of direct human-caused deaths (i.e., shooting, poisoning, snare) decreased over the study period. This study also reveals three new mortality causes triggered by pathogens, two of which-Clostridium novyi and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli-not previously described in ursids, and the other one, canine distemper virus, never reported in brown bears as cause of death. New management strategies for the conservation of Cantabrian bears, which are urgently needed due to the rapid expansion of the population, should consider the mortality causes described in this study and must promote further research to elucidate how the high prevalence of infectious diseases may threaten the current recovery of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Balseiro
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain.
| | - Gloria Herrero-García
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain
| | | | - Ramón Balsera
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Juana María Monasterio
- Dirección General de Medio Natural y Planificación Rural del Principado de Asturias, 33007, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - David Cubero
- Dirección General de Patrimonio Natural y Política Forestal de La Junta de Castilla y León, 47014, Valladolid, Castilla y León, Spain
| | - Gabriel de Pedro
- Dirección General de Patrimonio Natural y Política Forestal de La Junta de Castilla y León, 47014, Valladolid, Castilla y León, Spain
| | - Álvaro Oleaga
- Sociedad de Servicios del Principado de Asturias S.A. (SERPA), La Laboral, 33203, Gijón, Spain
| | - Alberto García-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Israel Espinoza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Benjamín Rabanal
- Laboratorio de Técnicas Instrumentales, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, 24071, León, Spain
| | - Gorka Aduriz
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, NEIKER-Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, 48160, Derio (Bizkaia), Spain
| | - José Tuñón
- Fundación Oso de Asturias, 33114, Proaza, Asturias, Spain
| | | | - Luis José Royo
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Genética, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
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3
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Cimpoca AL, Voiculescu M, Creţan R, Voiculescu S, Ianăş AN. Living with Bears in Prahova Valley, Romania: An Integrative Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:587. [PMID: 38396555 PMCID: PMC10885976 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Our research focuses on a complex and integrative analysis of bear presence in four tourist resorts in Prahova Valley, Romania: Sinaia, Bușteni, Azuga and Predeal. Employing innovative mixed methods, including questionnaires, interviews, newspaper analysis, and consideration of the local toponymy, including bear-related names and souvenirs, we aim to highlight the extent to which a posthumanist attitude is evident in the region. The sustained appearance of bears is attributed to habitat invasion through deforestation, road construction, residential neighborhoods, and tourist infrastructure. Ambiguity arises from the presence of food sources and voluntary feeding both by locals and tourists. The mass media initially heightened fear and panic during the onset of human-bear interactions but later adopted a more tolerant tone regarding the bear's presence in tourist resorts, reflecting an openness to the posthumanist approach in Prahova Valley. That is why locals express fear and concern about bear encounters, advocating for a clear separation between animal and human spaces. Tourists exhibit attitudes ranging from unconscious appreciation to ambivalence, often contributing to the problem through practices such as feeding bears for fun. The use of bear-related names for tourist establishments is identified as anthropocentric, despite their appeal for attracting tourists. Souvenir sales, through increasing socio-economic value and contributing to tourist experiences, are also recognized as anthropocentric. However, souvenirs can provide elements of support for bear conservation efforts and the equal consideration of human and non-human entities. This study concludes that a successful adaptive coexistence requires a posthumanist vision, overcoming anthropocentrism in a landscape altered by human activities, supported by bear management programs in Bucegi Natural Park, and conservation efforts in Prahova Valley in a landscape altered by people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mircea Voiculescu
- Department of Geography, West University of Timişoara, Bdul Vasile Pârvan, 4, 300223 Timişoara, Romania; (A.-L.C.); (R.C.); (S.V.); (A.-N.I.)
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Bombieri G, Penteriani V, Almasieh K, Ambarlı H, Ashrafzadeh MR, Das CS, Dharaiya N, Hoogesteijn R, Hoogesteijn A, Ikanda D, Jędrzejewski W, Kaboli M, Kirilyuk A, Jangid AK, Sharma RK, Kushnir H, Lamichhane BR, Mohammadi A, Monroy-Vilchis O, Mukeka JM, Nikolaev I, Ohrens O, Packer C, Pedrini P, Ratnayeke S, Seryodkin I, Sharp T, Palei HS, Smith T, Subedi A, Tortato F, Yamazaki K, Delgado MDM. A worldwide perspective on large carnivore attacks on humans. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001946. [PMID: 36719873 PMCID: PMC9888692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Large carnivores have long fascinated human societies and have profound influences on ecosystems. However, their conservation represents one of the greatest challenges of our time, particularly where attacks on humans occur. Where human recreational and/or livelihood activities overlap with large carnivore ranges, conflicts can become particularly serious. Two different scenarios are responsible for such overlap: In some regions of the world, increasing human populations lead to extended encroachment into large carnivore ranges, which are subject to increasing contraction, fragmentation, and degradation. In other regions, human and large carnivore populations are expanding, thus exacerbating conflicts, especially in those areas where these species were extirpated and are now returning. We thus face the problem of learning how to live with species that can pose serious threats to humans. We collected a total of 5,440 large carnivore (Felidae, Canidae, and Ursidae; 12 species) attacks worldwide between 1950 and 2019. The number of reported attacks increased over time, especially in lower-income countries. Most attacks (68%) resulted in human injuries, whereas 32% were fatal. Although attack scenarios varied greatly within and among species, as well as in different areas of the world, factors triggering large carnivore attacks on humans largely depend on the socioeconomic context, with people being at risk mainly during recreational activities in high-income countries and during livelihood activities in low-income countries. The specific combination of local socioeconomic and ecological factors is thus a risky mix triggering large carnivore attacks on humans, whose circumstances and frequencies cannot only be ascribed to the animal species. This also implies that effective measures to reduce large carnivore attacks must also consider the diverse local ecological and social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bombieri
- MUSE – Science Museum, Research & Collections Department, Conservation Biology Unit, Trento, Italy
- * E-mail: (GB); (VP)
| | - Vincenzo Penteriani
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (GB); (VP)
| | - Kamran Almasieh
- Dept. of Nature Engineering, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran
| | - Hüseyin Ambarlı
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management, Faculty of Forestry, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group, Dept. for Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Mohammad Reza Ashrafzadeh
- Dept. of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Chandan Surabhi Das
- Dept. of Geography, Barasat Government College, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Nishith Dharaiya
- Wildlife and Conservation Biology Research Lab, Dept. of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat, India
| | | | | | - Dennis Ikanda
- Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Włodzimierz Jędrzejewski
- Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas IVIC, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Mohammad Kaboli
- Dept. of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Anastasia Kirilyuk
- Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve, Zabaikalsky Krai, Onosky District, Nizhniy Tsasuchey, Russia
| | | | - Ravi Kumar Sharma
- Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, India
- HCL Foundation, HCL Technologies Hub, Noida, India
| | - Hadas Kushnir
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | - Alireza Mohammadi
- Dept. of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Octavio Monroy-Vilchis
- Universidad Autónoma Del Estado De México Toluca, México y Universidad Autónoma Metropólitana-Lerma, Lerma de Villada, México
| | | | - Igor Nikolaev
- Federal Scientific Center of the East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity FEB RAS, Vladivostoka, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Omar Ohrens
- Panthera, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Craig Packer
- Dept. of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Univ. Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States of America
- Aga Khan University, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Paolo Pedrini
- MUSE – Science Museum, Research & Collections Department, Conservation Biology Unit, Trento, Italy
| | - Shyamala Ratnayeke
- Dept. Of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, n.5 Jalan University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ivan Seryodkin
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation, Pacific Geographical Institute FEB RAS, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Thomas Sharp
- Wildlife SOS – USA/India, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | | | - Tom Smith
- Dept. of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Ashok Subedi
- National Trust for Nature Conservation, Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Pokhara, Nepal
| | | | - Koji Yamazaki
- Forest Ecology Laboratory, Dept. of Forest Science, Faculty of Regional Environmental Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maria del Mar Delgado
- Biodiversity Research Institute (IMIB; CSIC-Oviedo University, Principality of Asturias), Campus Mieres, Mieres (Asturias), Spain
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5
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Pop MI, Dyck MA, Chiriac S, Lajos B, Szabó S, Iojă CI, Popescu VD. Predictors of brown bear predation events on livestock in the Romanian Carpathians. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mihai I. Pop
- Centre for Environmental Research (CCMESI) University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
- Association for the Conservation of Biological Diversity (ACDB) Focșani Romania
| | - Marissa A. Dyck
- Department of Biological Sciences Ohio University Athens Ohio USA
| | | | - Berde Lajos
- Covasna Environmental Protection Agency Sf. Gheorghe Romania
| | - Szilárd Szabó
- Harghita Environmental Protection Agency Miercurea Ciuc Romania
| | - Cristian I. Iojă
- Centre for Environmental Research (CCMESI) University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
| | - Viorel D. Popescu
- Centre for Environmental Research (CCMESI) University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
- Department of Biological Sciences Ohio University Athens Ohio USA
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6
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Characteristics of natural and anthropogenic mortality of an endangered brown bear population. J Nat Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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7
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Menyangbo S, Bhatta G, Rokaya PK, Basnet R. Bear Maul Injury among Patients Presenting to the Department of Surgery in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2022; 60:995-999. [PMID: 36705104 PMCID: PMC9795123 DOI: 10.31729/jnma.7907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bears are robust and agile wild creatures that can potentially inflict injuries. Black bears (Ursus thibetanus) are an inhabitant of the mountainous part of Nepal. Encounters between humans and bears generally occur in the bear-prevalent areas of Nepal and the world inflicting complex categorical injuries. The aim of the study was to find the prevalence of bear maul injury among patients presenting to the Department of Surgery in a tertiary care centre. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Surgery in a tertiary care centre from 1 August 2017 to 1 September 2022. Data was collected from the records of the Department of Surgery after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 078/79/38). The collected data included time of arrival in the hospital, type of bear, types of laceration, wound type, and demographic of patients. Convenience sampling method was used. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results Among 2980 patients presenting to the Department of Surgery, the prevalence of bear maul injury was 15 (0.50%) (0.25-0.75, 95% Confidence Interval). Of which, all had laceration injury, with the face and scalp 9 (60%) being the highest injured site. Autumn was the season attacked most in daytime. Conclusions The prevalence of bear maul injury was lower than in other studies done in similar settings. Keywords bears; injuries; lacerations; Nepal; prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suryaman Menyangbo
- Department of General Surgery, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Chandannath, Jumla, Nepal,Correspondence: Dr Suryaman Menyangbo, Department of General Surgery, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Chandannath, Jumla, Nepal. , Phone: +977-9852662277
| | - Gakul Bhatta
- Department of General Surgery, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Chandannath, Jumla, Nepal
| | - Poojan Kumar Rokaya
- Department of Orthopaedics, Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Chandannath, Jumla, Nepal
| | - Rabin Basnet
- Department of Emergency, Bir Hospital, Kantipath, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Ji Y, Wei X, Liu F, Li D, Li J, Huang X, Jiang J, Tang J. Assessing the spatial-temporal patterns of conflicts between humans and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) around the Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve, China. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1020703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflicts between humans and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) are widespread in Asia and pose challenges to human-bear coexistence. Identifying effective mitigation measures requires a thorough understanding of human-bear conflicts (HBC). We assessed spatial-temporal patterns of HBC and their impact factors around the Baoshan Section of the Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve (GNNR) between 2012 and 2020. The results suggested that crop raiding by bears occurred most commonly, followed by beehive loss, livestock depredation, and human casualties. HBC hotspots occurred near the protected area where local people frequently encountered bears. The landscapes with lower elevation and human density were at higher risk of HBC. Furthermore, villages with more fragmented forests or less fragmented croplands were more vulnerable to HBC. The differences in agricultural structures contributed to the diverse composition of HBC between the two regions. In addition, crop raiding by bears decreased significantly, probably due to the changing landscape composition and configuration derived from human behaviors, yet livestock depredation and beehive loss increased. Our findings indicated the complex interrelationship between the environment, bears, and humans, which could guide the implementation of mitigation measures. We recommend multiple approaches based on a social-ecological system to mitigate HBC.
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Ali A, Uz Zaman I, Omer T, Ahmad S, López‐Bao JV. Negative interactions between humans and Asiatic black bears (
Ursus thibetanus
) in northern Pakistan. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Zoology Department Government Degree College, Akbarpura Nowshera Pakistan
- Peshawar Zoo, Wildlife Department Peshawar Pakistan
| | | | - Talha Omer
- Department of Statistics and Computer Science University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore Pakistan
| | - Shakeel Ahmad
- Carnivores Conservation Lab, Department of Zoology Quaid I Azam University Islamabad Pakistan
| | - José Vicente López‐Bao
- Biodiversity Research Institute (CSIC – Oviedo University – Principality of Asturias) Oviedo University Mieres Spain
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Iliopoulos Y, Astaras C, Chatzimichail E. Dogs, not wolves, most likely to have caused the death of a British tourist in northern Greece. NATURE CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.50.81915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Wolf (Canis lupus) populations have recovered and expanded across many parts of the world thanks to conservation efforts, including improved legal status and restoration of their prey. Concurrently, public concerns regarding the risk of wolf attacks on humans and livestock are increasing as wolves occupy human-dominated landscapes. We examined a unique case in Europe allegedly involving wolves in the death of a female British tourist, aged 64, in northern Greece in September 2017. This incident received extensive international media attention and yet many fundamental details of the case area are lacking, including whether local livestock guarding dogs played a role. To assist in resolving the case, we conducted an extensive literature review which documented 13 criteria linked to the risk of either a wolf and/or a dog attacking a human. We also conducted a camera trap survey (October to December 2017) soon after the fatal attack to calculate the activity overlap among humans, dogs and wolves. Sufficient data were available for assessing 11 of the 13 criteria. For the remaining two, the required data were either not analysed (i.e. canid DNA collected from the attack site), not appropriately collected (i.e. DNA from the mouths of suspected dogs) or were collected, but misinterpreted (i.e. the post-consumption patterns of the victim’s corpse). Via this combination of evidence, we conclude that this case involved a fatal dog attack. This assertion is supported by evidence such as the: a) high dog-human activity overlap at the attack site which peaked during the attack time as opposed to near zero wolf-human activity overlap at the same time, b) presence of a large pack of unsupervised dogs, c) high ratio of male dogs in the dog pack, d) close vicinity of the attack site to dog owner’s property and e) previous documented aggression of these dogs towards humans. The consumption patterns, time scale and location of the victim’s remains indicate a posthumous consumption of the corpse possibly by the same dogs and/or by wild scavengers including wolves. A multidisciplinary approach, such as this one, in the assessment of putative wildlife attacks on humans can reduce misidentifications of the responsible species by forensic authorities and, therefore, prevent unfounded decrease in public tolerance for large carnivores.
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Nayeri D, Mohammadi A, Hysen L, Hipólito D, Huber D, Wan HY. Identifying human-caused mortality hotspots to inform human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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Giergiczny M, Swenson JE, Zedrosser A, Selva N. Large carnivores and naturalness affect forest recreational value. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13692. [PMID: 35953627 PMCID: PMC9372138 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17862-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recreation is a crucial contribution of nature to people, relevant for forest ecosystems. Large carnivores (LCs) are important components of forests, however, their contribution to forest recreational value has not yet been evaluated. Given the current expansion of LC populations, the ongoing forest conservation debate, and the increasing use of nature for recreational purposes, this is a timely study. We used discrete choice experiments and willingness-to-travel to determine people’ preferences for both forest structural characteristics and presence of four LC species in Poland (N = 1097 respondents) and Norway (N = 1005). In both countries, two-thirds of the respondents (termed ‘wildness-positive’) perceived LCs as contributing positively to forest recreational value and preferred to visit old forests with trees of different species and ages and presence of dead wood (i.e. natural forests). Respondents with negative preferences towards LCs preferred more intensively managed forest (‘wildness-negative’); their preferences were stronger than in wildness-positive respondents and in Norway. Preferences towards wild nature were highly polarized and there were hardly neutral people. Our results showed a strong link between preferences for LC presence and forest structure, and reflected the dualism of human-nature relationships. This study highlights the need to consider the contribution of forests and LCs to human recreation services in ecosystem management policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Giergiczny
- Faculty of Economic Science, University of Warsaw, ul Długa 44/50 00-241, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jon E Swenson
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Andreas Zedrosser
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3800, Bø, Telemark, Norway.,Institute for Wildlife Biology and Game Management, University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-120, Kraków, Poland.
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Soga M, Gaston KJ. The dark side of nature experience: Typology, dynamics and implications of negative sensory interactions with nature. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Soga
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences The University of Tokyo Bunkyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Kevin J. Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn UK
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14
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Kumar V, Sharief A, Dutta R, Mukherjee T, Joshi BD, Thakur M, Chandra K, Adhikari BS, Sharma LK. Living with a large predator: Assessing the root causes of Human-brown bear conflict and their spatial patterns in Lahaul valley, Himachal Pradesh. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9120. [PMID: 35866011 PMCID: PMC9289122 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown bear‐mediated conflicts have caused immense economic loss to the local people living across the distribution range. In India, limited knowledge is available on the Himalayan brown bear (HBB), making human–brown bear conflict (HBC) mitigation more challenging. In this study, we studied HBC in the Lahaul valley using a semi‐structured questionnaire survey by interviewing 398 respondents from 37 villages. About 64.8% of respondents reported conflict in two major groups—crop damage (30.6%) and livestock depredations (6.2%), while 28% reported both. Conflict incidences were relatively high in summer and frequently occurred in areas closer to the forest (<500 m) and between the elevations range of 2700 m to 3000 m above sea level (asl). The dependency of locals on forest resources (70%) for their livelihood makes them vulnerable to HBC. The “upper lower” class respondents were most impacted among the various socioeconomic classes. Two of the four clusters were identified as HBC hot spots in Lahaul valley using SaTscan analysis. We also obtained high HBC in cluster II with a 14.35 km radius. We found that anthropogenic food provisioning for HBB, livestock grazing in bear habitats, and poor knowledge of animal behavior among the communities were the major causes of HBC. We suggest horticulture crop waste management, controlled and supervised grazing, ecotourism, the constitution of community watch groups, and others to mitigate HBC. We also recommend notifying a few HBB abundant sites in the valley as protected areas for the long‐term viability of the HBB in the landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Kumar
- Zoological Survey of India Kolkata India.,Wildlife Institute of India Dehradun India
| | - Amira Sharief
- Zoological Survey of India Kolkata India.,Wildlife Institute of India Dehradun India
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Papp CR, Scheele BC, Rákosy L, Hartel T. Transdisciplinary deficit in large carnivore conservation funding in Europe. NATURE CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.49.81469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Achieving coexistence between humans and large carnivores in human-shaped landscapes is a complex challenge. Addressing this challenge requires the revaluation of the approaches academia uses to foster carnivore conservation and human-large carnivore coexistence. In this forum paper, we provide a brief overview of the three archetypical approaches of knowledge generation for large carnivore conservation in human dominated landscapes (disciplinary, interdisciplinary and emerging transdisciplinary approaches) and highlight the need for more explicit consideration of transdisciplinarity in large carnivore conservation funding. We refer to transdisciplinary deficit (TDD) for those situations when the context allows the implementation of transdisciplinarity but research and practice remains disciplinary or interdisciplinary. We identify drivers of this TDD and provide a brief overview of current and past conservation funding programmes at the European level in terms of their capacity to promote transdisciplinary approaches for large carnivore conservation. We show that current funding programmes favour sectorial and disciplinary approaches, resulting in low transdisciplinary substance in large carnivore conservation projects. TDD can be overcome by transforming the character of public funding towards multi-stakeholder collaboration, designing and nurturing effective communities of practice, and reducing co-financing rates for large, integrated projects.
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16
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Patterns of Human–Brown Bear Conflict in the Urban Area of Brașov, Romania. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14137833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human–bear conflicts are increasing in number due to deforestation, urban expansion, tourism, and habitat invasion by humans. Our study was conducted in Brașov, a picturesque city in central Romania. Brașov is surrounded by forests and has significant tourist traffic, but also much uncollected garbage and many garbage containers, which attract brown bears. We recorded human–bear conflicts in four districts (Răcădău, the Historic Centre, Noua, and Gară) between 2004 and 2018, finding 55 cases in total, of which in 19 cases involving people, 4 people were killed and 32 were injured. In 36 cases, there were no human victims. We mapped the locations of human–bear conflicts and garbage containers, then analysed their space–time location and human victims in terms of behavioural factors. The altitudes at which brown bears were identified ranged from 580 to 790 m, whereas bears were found in the city at distances of between 100 and 2600 m from the forest. The highest frequency of human–bear conflicts occurred during summer and autumn, and the most common behavioural factor was human outdoor activities. This study provides an important background for understanding human–bear conflicts and will help local authorities develop effective strategies to reduce human–bear conflicts and mitigate risk.
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17
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Bhattacharjee A, Sadadev BM, Karmacharya DK, Baral R, Pérez‐García JM, Giménez Casalduero A, Sánchez‐Zapata JA, Anadón JD. Local ecological knowledge and education drive farmers' contrasting perceptions of scavengers and their function in Nepal. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biology, Queens College City University of New York Queens NY USA
- Biology Doctoral Program, Graduate Center City University of New York New York NY USA
| | | | | | - Rishi Baral
- National Trust for Nature Conservation Annapurna Conservation Area Project Pokhara Nepal
| | | | | | | | - José D. Anadón
- Department of Biology, Queens College City University of New York Queens NY USA
- Biology Doctoral Program, Graduate Center City University of New York New York NY USA
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18
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Mohammadi A, Alambeigi A, López‐Bao JV, Taghavi L, Kaboli M. Living with wolves: Lessons learned from Iran. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mohammadi
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources University of Jiroft Jiroft Iran
| | - Amir Alambeigi
- Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, College of Agricultural Economics and Development University of Tehran Karaj Iran
| | | | - Lobat Taghavi
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch Islamic Azad University Tehran Iran
| | - Mohammad Kaboli
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources University of Tehran Karaj Iran
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19
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Kudrenko S, Ordiz A, Stytsenko F, Barysheva SL, Bartalev S, Baskin L, Swenson JE. Brown bear‐caused human injuries and fatalities in Russia are linked to human encroachment. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Kudrenko
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
| | - A. Ordiz
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental Área de Zoología Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales Universidad de León León Spain
| | - F. Stytsenko
- Terrestrial Ecosystems Monitoring Laboratory Space Research Institute (IKI) Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russian Federation
| | - S. L. Barysheva
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russian Federation
| | - S. Bartalev
- Terrestrial Ecosystems Monitoring Laboratory Space Research Institute (IKI) Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russian Federation
| | - L. Baskin
- Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution Russian Academy of Sciences Moscow Russian Federation
| | - J. E. Swenson
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Norwegian University of Life Sciences Ås Norway
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20
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Ingram BM, Colosimo CM, Weaver JS, Mentzer CJ, Yon JR. Reconstruction After Grizzly Bear Attack in Wyoming. Am Surg 2021:31348211050579. [PMID: 34734536 DOI: 10.1177/00031348211050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bear attacks are rare, although global incidents have been increasing. Injury patterns of bear attacks against humans consistently include injuries to the face, head, neck, chest, and upper extremities. Here, we have a brief report of a 59-year-old male hunter who was attacked by a grizzly bear in Wyoming. He sustained multiple lacerations to his face which included an avulsion of his nose and upper lip, as well as extensive associated facial fractures. Additional injuries included soft tissue and bony injuries to the upper extremities. He underwent 53 operations during his first hospitalization, primarily of facial reconstruction, which required nose and upper lip replant to his arm. His course was complicated by pressure ulcers, bacteria, acute kidney injury, and a urinary tract infection. After successful coordinated multidisciplinary care and a prolonged hospitalization, he was ultimately discharged to his home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce M Ingram
- Department of General Surgery, 23684Sky Ridge Medical Center, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Christina M Colosimo
- Department of General Surgery, 23684Sky Ridge Medical Center, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - John S Weaver
- Department of General Surgery, 23684Sky Ridge Medical Center, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Caleb J Mentzer
- Department of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, 24312Spartanburg Regional, Spartanburg, SC, USA
| | - James R Yon
- Division of General and Acute Care Surgery, 24520New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC, USA
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21
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Parchizadeh J, Belant JL. Brown bear and Persian leopard attacks on humans in Iran. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255042. [PMID: 34293067 PMCID: PMC8297784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Large carnivore attacks on humans are a serious form of human-wildlife interaction which has increased globally in recent decades. When attacks occur, both humans and large carnivores suffer, highlighting the need to characterize these conflicts toward mitigation of attacks. We investigated brown bear (Ursus arctos) and Persian leopard (Panthera pardus) attacks on humans across Iran using reports provided by the Government of Iran during 2012–2020. We characterized temporal and spatial patterns of attacks, as well as species-specific attributes. We identified 83 attacks resulting in 77 human injuries and 6 fatalities. Bears were responsible for more attacks (63%) than leopards (37%). Attacks occurred more frequently during defensive reactions by bears and leopards on adult male people while livestock herding during the day in spring and summer. Bears reportedly attacked people more often in western provinces of Iran, while leopards attacked more frequently in northern provinces. We recommend that the Iran Department of the Environment consider implementing a national reporting system to document bear and leopard attacks on people. We further suggest development of national bear and leopard management plans that emphasize mitigating human risk to improve human attitudes toward these carnivore species to facilitate their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamshid Parchizadeh
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jerrold L. Belant
- Global Wildlife Conservation Center, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, State University of New York, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
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22
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Nowak S, Szewczyk M, Tomczak P, Całus I, Figura M, Mysłajek RW. Social and environmental factors influencing contemporary cases of wolf aggression towards people in Poland. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-020-01455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractUnderstanding factors and mechanisms causing large carnivore aggression towards people is crucial for their conservation in modern human-dominated landscapes. We present detailed descriptions of wolf attacks on people in early summer 2018 in two areas of Poland, analysis of behaviour, fitness and origin of individuals responsible for the attacks and management actions undertaken by local communities as well as governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations. We show that attacks were caused by yearling wolves (13-month-old male and 14-month-old female) originating from local packs, which appeared near households several months prior to incidents. Both individuals were positively food-conditioned and showed increasing habituation caused by irresponsible behaviour of people such as long-lasting intentional feeding or illegal keeping. Post mortem necropsy revealed obesity and serious abnormality of spleen (polysplenia) in the problem female wolf that negatively impacted her fitness and was the most likely reason for her presence near households and feeding on leftovers. Despite prolonged observations of these wolves very close to human settlements (less than 30 m), no mitigation actions were undertaken until the attacks, after which both individuals were killed. We provide several recommendations to avoid aggressive human-carnivore encounters.
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23
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Dai Y, Hacker CE, Cao Y, Cao H, Xue Y, Ma X, Liu H, Zahoor B, Zhang Y, Li D. Implementing a comprehensive approach to study the causes of human-bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus) conflicts in the Sanjiangyuan region, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 772:145012. [PMID: 33581527 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Personal injury and property loss caused by wildlife often deteriorates the relationship between humans and animals, prompting retaliatory killings that threaten species survival. Conflicts between humans and Tibetan brown bears (Ursus arctos pruinosus) (Human-Bear Conflicts, HBC) in the Sanjiangyuan region have recently dramatically increased, seriously affecting community enthusiasm for brown bears and the conservation of other species. In order to understand the driving mechanisms of HBC, we proposed six potential drivers leading to increased occurrences of HBC. We conducted field research in Zhiduo County of the Sanjiangyuan region from 2017 to 2019 to test hypotheses through semi-constructed interviews, marmot (Marmota himalayana) density surveys and brown bear diet analysis based on metagenomic sequencing. Analysis of herder perceptions revealed that the driving factors of HBC were related to changes in their settlement practice and living habits, changes in foraging behavior of brown bears and recovery of the brown bear population. Since the establishment of winter homes, brown bears have gradually learned to utilize the food in unattended homes. Although 91.4% (n = 285) of the respondents no longer store food in unattended homes, brown bears were reported to still frequently approach winter homes for food due to improper disposal of dead livestock and household garbage. The frequency and abundance of marmots were found to be high in brown bear diet, indicating that marmots were the bears' primary food. However, marmot density had no significant effect on brown bears utilizing human food (P = 0.329), and HBC appears to not be caused by natural food shortages. Distance to rocky outcrops (P = 0.022) and winter homes (P = 0.040) were the key factors linked to brown bears pursuing human food. The number of brown bears has increased over the past decade, and HBC is likely linked to its population recovery. Our findings will provide scientific basis for formulating effective mitigation measures and protection countermeasures for brown bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunchuan Dai
- Institute for Ecology and Environmental Resources, Chongqing Academy of Social Sciences, Chongqing 400020, China; Research Center for Ecological Security and Green Development, Chongqing Academy of Social Sciences, Chongqing 400020, China; Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Charlotte E Hacker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Yu Cao
- School of Public Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400000, China
| | - Hanning Cao
- The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yadong Xue
- Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Research and Development Center for Grass and Environment, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 10097, China
| | - Haodong Liu
- Research Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Babar Zahoor
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yuguang Zhang
- Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China.
| | - Diqiang Li
- Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China.
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24
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Loy A, Ciucci P, Guidarelli G, Roccotelli E, Colangelo P. Developmental instability and phenotypic evolution in a small and isolated bear population. Biol Lett 2021; 17:20200729. [PMID: 33878275 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2020.0729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and morphological integration (MI) in the skull of the small, highly inbred and divergent Apennine bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus), to explore its uniqueness and investigate any potential effects of inbreeding depression. We used 3D geometric morphometrics contrasting Apennine bears with other two large outbred bear populations from Scandinavia and Kamchatka as controls. Shape divergence and variability were explored by a principal component analysis on aligned coordinates of 39 landmarks. Procrustes ANOVA, morphological disparity and the global integration index were used to explore FA, shape variance and MI. By remarking Apennine bears as a highly divergent phenotype, we recorded the highest FA and deviation from self-similarity compared with the other two control populations. We conclude that Apennine bears are likely facing developmental instability as a consequence of inbreeding depression, whereas the divergent trait covariance pattern may represent a potential source of evolutionary novelties. We discuss the implications for the conservation and management of this imperiled taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Loy
- Envix Lab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy
| | - P Ciucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - G Guidarelli
- Envix Lab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy
| | - E Roccotelli
- Envix Lab, Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche (IS), Italy
| | - P Colangelo
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems, National Research Council, 00015 Montelibretti, Rome, Italy
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25
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Are Large Carnivores the Real Issue? Solutions for Improving Conflict Management through Stakeholder Participation. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13084482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Social conflicts around large carnivores are increasing in Europe, often associated to the species expansion into human-modified and agricultural landscapes. Large carnivores can be seen as an added value by some but as a source of difficulties by others, depending on different values, attitudes, livelihoods, and everyday activities. Therefore, the effective involvement of the different interest groups is important to identify and shape tailored solutions that can potentially be implemented, complementing top-down approaches that might, on their own, result in lack of implementation and buy-in. To improve dialogue in conflictual situations, as part of a European project promoted by the European Parliament, we assessed the practical implementation of participatory processes in three sample areas in Europe where wolves and bears have recently been increasingly impacting human activities. Our results demonstrate that collaboration among different and generally contrasting groups is possible. Even in situations where large-carnivore impacts were seen as unsatisfactorily managed for many years, people were still willing and eager to be involved in alternative discussion processes hoping this would lead to concrete solutions. An important and common highlight among the three study areas was that all the management interventions agreed upon shared the general scope of improving the conditions of the groups most impacted by large carnivores. The process showed the importance of building trust and supporting dialogue for knowledge co-production and mitigation of conflicts between stakeholders and that controversial environmental issues have the potential to trigger a meaningful dialogue about broader societal issues. The direct involvement and support of competent authorities, as well as the upscaling of this process at larger administrative and social scales, remain important challenges.
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26
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Does genetic variation on the shy–bold continuum influence carnivore attacks on people? Evidence from the brown bear. ORYX 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605320000824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLittle is known about the heritable behavioural traits of attacks by large carnivores on people. During the last 30 years attacks by brown bears Ursus arctos on people in the Cantabrian Mountains of Spain have been disproportionately concentrated in the eastern subpopulation. Excluding factors such as the existence of a single unusually bold bear, a higher human population density, particular human activities promoting encounters, or clear habitat differences in the area of this subpopulation, we propose that a plausible explanation for the unbalanced geographical attack pattern is that this subpopulation, separated a century earlier from the western subpopulation, may harbour a higher proportion of bolder bears. In the absence of genetic analyses this explanation remains speculative, but supports the hypothesis that genetic variation on the shy–bold continuum may influence attacks of large carnivores on people.
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Bombieri G, Penteriani V, Delgado MDM, Groff C, Pedrotti L, Jerina K. Towards understanding bold behaviour of large carnivores: the case of brown bears in human‐modified landscapes. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Bombieri
- MUSE ‐ Museo delle Scienze Sezione Zoologia dei Vertebrati Trento Italy
| | - V Penteriani
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB, CSIC‐UO‐PA) Oviedo University ‐ Campus Mieres Mieres Spain
| | - M. del Mar Delgado
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (UMIB, CSIC‐UO‐PA) Oviedo University ‐ Campus Mieres Mieres Spain
| | - C. Groff
- Forest and Wildlife Service Provincia Autonoma di Trento Trento Italy
| | - L. Pedrotti
- Forest and Wildlife Service Provincia Autonoma di Trento Trento Italy
| | - K. Jerina
- University of Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty Ljubljana Slovenia
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28
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A dispersing bear in Białowieża Forest raises important ecological and conservation management questions for the central European lowlands. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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29
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Abstract
The persistence of large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes will become increasingly challenging as the human footprint expands. Here, we bring together long-term demographic and behavioral data on one of the worlds’ most conflict-prone species, the brown bear, to quantify the mechanisms facilitating human–carnivore coexistence. We found that human-dominated landscapes are highly lethal, especially to young bears, until they learn to adapt to people. As bears age, they avoid times when people are most active but do not strongly avoid where people live. To sustain human–carnivore coexistence under high rates of mortality requires the influx of animals from areas with low human presence (i.e., demographic rescue). Paradoxically, our work demonstrates that connectivity leads to both coexistence and conflict. With a shrinking supply of wilderness and growing recognition that top predators can have a profound influence on ecosystems, the persistence of large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes has emerged as one of the greatest conservation challenges of our time. Carnivores fascinate society, yet these animals pose threats to people living near them, resulting in high rates of carnivore death near human settlements. We used 41 y of demographic data for more than 2,500 brown bears—one of the world’s most widely distributed and conflict-prone carnivores—to understand the behavioral and demographic mechanisms promoting carnivore coexistence in human-dominated landscapes. Bear mortality was high and unsustainable near people, but a human-induced shift to nocturnality facilitated lower risks of bear mortality and rates of conflict with people. Despite these behavioral shifts, projected population growth rates for bears in human-dominated areas revealed a source-sink dynamic. Despite some female bears successfully reproducing in the sink areas, bear persistence was reliant on a supply of immigrants from areas with minimal human influence (i.e., wilderness). Such mechanisms of coexistence reveal a striking paradox: Connectivity to wilderness areas supplies bears that likely will die from people, but these bears are essential to avert local extirpation. These insights suggest carnivores contribute to human–carnivore coexistence through behavioral and demographic mechanisms, and that connected wilderness is critical to sustain coexistence landscapes.
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Salvatori V, Balian E, Blanco JC, Ciucci P, Demeter L, Hartel T, Marsden K, Redpath SM, von Korff Y, Young JC. Applying Participatory Processes to Address Conflicts Over the Conservation of Large Carnivores: Understanding Conditions for Successful Management. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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31
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Conflicts of human with the Tibetan brown bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus) in the Sanjiangyuan region, China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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32
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Abstract
Natural areas are now known to be important resources for the health and wellbeing of urban dwellers, through, for example, the opportunities they provide for cognitive and emotional restoration. However, urban populations have also been found not to engage with these spaces and to display some form of biophobia which may hinder them from perceiving any of these benefits. This concept of biophobia is thought to entail both our innate physiological responses to the perceived danger from non-human threats such as spiders and snakes and our cultural attachment to material comfort. The word is often used with derogatory connotations, even if it is part of an evolutionary mechanism honed over thousands of years to keep humans alive. This review presents the current state of knowledge on urban biophobia as well as evidence of instances in which built and mixed urban environments were found to be more restorative than natural ones for the urban population, in order to assess any connection within the two. A series of recommendations for further research but also for the practical implementation of natural areas in cities capable of attracting a wide variety of people regardless of their fears or preferences are also formulated. Only by investigating the psychological and physiological responses of urban dwellers to their daily environments can we hope to design interventions which will remain relevant for the modern world.
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Abstract
The direct interactions between people and nature are critically important in many ways, with growing attention particularly on their impacts on human health and wellbeing (both positive and negative), on people's attitudes and behaviour towards nature, and on the benefits and hazards to wildlife. A growing evidence base is accelerating the understanding of different forms that these direct human-nature interactions take, novel analyses are revealing the importance of the opportunity and orientation of individual people as key drivers of these interactions, and methodological developments are increasingly making apparent their spatial, temporal and socio-economic dynamics. Here, we provide a roadmap of these advances and identify key, often interdisciplinary, research challenges that remain to be met. We identified several key challenges, including the need to characterize individual people's nature interactions through their life course, to determine in a comparable fashion how these interactions vary across much more diverse geographical, cultural and socio-economic contexts that have been explored to date, and to quantify how the relative contributions of people's opportunity and orientation vary in shaping their nature interactions. A robust research effort, guided by a focus on such unanswered questions, has the potential to yield high-impact insights into the fundamental nature of human-nature interactions and contribute to developing strategies for their appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Soga
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kevin J Gaston
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
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