Post by Vodmeister on Oct 26, 2014 8:07:35 GMT 5
BROWN BEAR MANAGEMENT IN KAMCHATKA:
Kamchatka is well-known for its brown bears as Kamchatka’s brown bear population has one of the highest densities in the world. Kamchatka brown bears are competing in size with the giant bears of Southern Alaska and Kodiak Island. The weigh of the heaviest Kamchatka bear was above 600 kg.
The bear population on Kamchatka peninsula was estimated at 20,000 animals in the early 1960s (Ostroumov, 1968), but since the late 1970s till 1990s estimates varied between 8,000-10,000 bears. Kamchatka brown bear was and still is one of the major objects of commercial, sport and trophy hunting among large terrestrial mammals. In more recent times, since 1993-1994, the international conservation community and the general public have raised great concern about the status of the Kamchatka brown bear population. This was due to the high level of illegal hunting of bears for their gall bladders and recently - for paws, highly valued in traditional oriental medicine and cookery. Bears are caught with lassoes, killed from helicopters, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. Another cause of concern is foreign hunting for trophy with selective shooting of the largest individuals, particularly in the spring. At the same time, some of the facts were either misinterpreted or simply were not true. For example, The Time magazine (USA) has published an article by Eugene Linden (Tortured Land, 04.09.1995), which stated that recently the bear population in Kamchatka has cut in half and then stabilized at 5,000 individuals. In fact, the reason why the estimated number has “dropped two-fold” is because since 1993 population estimates for Kamchatka region did not include those for the Koryak Autonomous Okrug, which is inhabited by roughly a half of the total peninsula’s bear population.
A preliminary survey carried out in 1994 has shown that the situation with Kamchatka brown bears was far not being as bad and uncontrolled as some rumors would have it. However, although there is management in place apparently it still leaves to be desired. Annual aerial surveys of the bear population conducted since 1991 have never covered the total harvest area, while extrapolations were not sufficiently justified. The potential selectivity of trophy hunting has never been assessed. No economic mechanisms exist to ensure that part of the revenue generated by trophy hunting tourism is used to provide adequate protection and monitoring. Thus, although the brown bear population was not found to be in a desperate situation, management and protection apparently needed significant improvement.
Currently Kamchatka includes two administrative subjects of the Russian Federation (Kamchatka region and the Koryak Autonomous Okrug, KAO), and we will further consider the Kamchatka peninsula as a whole and two districts (Oliutorsky and Penzhinsky). The following are presently the main problems in Kamchatka:
- high level of illegal harvest (poaching).
- extremely selective harvest of brown bears during trophy hunting and as a result decrease in brown bear size.
- limited funding, insufficient to provide adequate protection and continuous monitoring of brown bear populations.
Our main concern is to secure adequate funding that will help ensure brown bears conservation and monitoring.
Main informational gaps
- Brown bear population size and their spatial distribution in Kamchatka.
Large-scale population surveys implemented in 1996-1997 with the financial support of WWF revealed that the population size amounted to 11,600 brown bears, including 6,100 bears in the Kamchatka Oblast and 5,500 brown bears in the Koryak Okrug. In 2001-2002, a regularly scheduled aerial survey was conducted with our own funds and with the financial support provided by WCS and CEF. Since 1997, no brown bear population surveys were conducted in the KAO due to the lack of funds. According to the 2002 survey results, the brown bear population has increased in Kamchatka and amounts to at least 7,000 individuals, and the total number of brown bears in Kamchatka including the KAO is estimated at no less than 12,500. Currently, the main issues are conducting aerial survey in the KAO, developing survey techniques and particularly methods of taking census and data extrapolation.
- One of the informational gaps is the volume of poaching. According to the 1996 questionnaire survey with hunters, it was estimated that poaching amounts to about 100% of the official harvest. The last questionnaire was conducted in 2002. Collected data is being analyzed and will be made public in October 2002.
- Control of sex and age composition and reproduction rates of the population is based on the data obtained during aerial and land surveys, analyses of brown bear harvest and results of the questionnaires. The share of females in the brown bear population amounts to at least 40%. Table 1 shows age composition of the adult population, determined on the basis of the animal’s size.
During 2000-2002 we continued collecting data on sex and age structure of the population and the data will be analyzed by December 2002.
According to the survey of bear families, the share of females with cubs of different age reaches 20-22% (n = 1,109) of the adult population, and the share of cubs of all ages was 25.4%. The average number of newborn cubs per female was 2.3, the average number of yearlings per female was 2.0 and the average number of cubs older than two years per one female was 1.8. Thus, the annual population growth is no less than 15.5%. 87% of newborn cubs survive till 1.5 years; and 78% - till 2.5 years (Chestin et.al., 1996).
Lately experts could not come to an agreement regarding the number of brown bear populations in Kamchatka. Most of them suggest that the peninsula was inhabited by one brown bear population with high level of panmixia. In order to clarify this issue in 2000 -2001 we collected 326 tissue samples for genetic analysis. The samples were examined at the North Carolina University.
The following data is considered when setting an annual harvest quota: population size, actual population growth, hunting success (percentage of actually harvested bears compared with the quota), expected level of illegal harvest, possible negative impact of living conditions on the population (availability of food resources, diseases, changes in habitat size and quality etc.). Under the Russian regulations, bear harvest should not exceed 10% of the population size. Thus, the maximum quota for the whole Kamchatka region is set at 1,250 animals. Actual annual quota is 650-750 bears, including 450-500 in the Kamchatka region and 200-250 in the KAO. The total harvest volume, including legal and illegal harvest is in line with the population size and reproduction rates, yet overharvest of brown bears was recorded in some areas and low rates of hunting occurs in others.
The total area of protected territories in the Kamchatka Oblast (excluding maritime zones) amounts to 48,820 sq. km, and 8,399 sq. km in the Koryak Autonomous Okrug. Brown bear habitats represent 17,414 sq. km in the Kamchatka region and 3, 3320 sq. km in the KAO and are under special protection. It was proposed to set aside 9 additional refuges including 5 in the Kamchatka Oblast and 4 in the KAO is order to conserve key habitats (foraging grounds, wintering and breeding sites, sites of seasonal concentration and etc).
Extremely selective harvest of large animals, particularly during spring and trophy hunting by foreign hunters leads to a decrease in the brown bears size. Harvest selectivity is the most pronounced according to the sex (irrespective of age). Males are subjected to selective harvest and as a result the share of males in spring and autumn hunting seasons amounts to 80%. Males are subjected to selective harvest during all seasons, however in the spring, the volume of selective harvest is much higher. Percentage of large males harvested during the fall was 10% less than in spring (75.5% and 85.5%, respectively). Comparison of hunting selectiveness towards brown bears of various sizes (small-medium-large) among foreign and local hunters showed that selectivity of harvest among foreign hunters was much higher towards large animals (14.5% more) and considerably less (3.3 times lower) towards small animals (Table 2).
The Hunting Management Department is now considering the introduction of measures aimed at reducing and regulating spring hunting season, including an option to completely close spring hunting.
Monitoring of Brown Bear Habitat
Brown bear habitats in Kamchatka occupy 463.2 sq. km or 98% of the whole area of the Kamchatka Oblast and the KAO. Major brown bear habitats threats include dredging works associated with mining, industries, oil fields and power supply development, and associated facilities (mines, gas pipelines, power lines, roads, hydropower stations etc). Habitat quality is graded (maximum 5 grades) according to the quality of shelter, availability of food resources, availability of denning sites, human disturbance. Dwarf pine and alder represent the best habitat (3.7-5 grades); the second best habitat - birch and spruce forests (3.7-2.7 grades). Habitats in woodless mountain areas are graded as below the average quality (2.3 grades). Burn zones, clearcuts and mountainous tundra are considered to be disadvantaged habitats (2.0 grades). Plain tundra is considered to be the worst habitat (1.7 grades). It is crucial to continue work on a more precise evaluation of brown bears habitat quality. In 2002 it is planned to conduct mapping of brown bear habitats in Kamchatka using GIS.
The following information and resources are needed for successful management of brown bear population:
- sustainable funding in the amount of 20,000 – 25,000 USD per year to implement-
- conservation measures and monitoring;
- data on actual illegal harvest of brown bears;
- efficient protection of key habitats within hunting grounds (in addition to existing protected territories).
Currently only federal hunting regulation agencies and environmental protection agencies are involved in the actual conservation of brown bears. The USA can provide assistance in the form of exchange of information and expertise in the field of brown bears conservation in Alaska as well as financial support in the form of grants and joint implementation of environmental programs.
Other sources of financial support include:
- financial support to hunting enterprises to implement brown bear population monitoring;
- implementation of a Russian-American program on brown bear conservation in Kamchatka jointly with the WCS Foundation
The authors of this presentation have the following responsibilities:
- A.S. Valentsev: coordination of work on brown bear monitoring and research, scientific analysis of collected information;
- V. U. Voropanov and V. N. Gordienko: federal control of conservation, regulation of brown bear resources use and monitoring.
Acknowledgements
The authors express their great gratitude to the Northern Forum, Organizational Committee of the Workshop Brown Bear Management in the North and personally to the Project Coordinator Ms. Asida Ivanova and the Executive Director Priscilla Wohl as well as all sponsors of the Northern Forum for support and organization of this Workshop.
Conclusions
Currently brown bear population size, population structure and reproduction rates in Kamchatka are satisfactory.
Total harvest volume, including legal and illegal harvest is in line with the population size and reproduction rates.
Extremely selective harvest of large brown bear males, particularly during spring and foreign trophy hunting leads to an increase of the number of young animals in the population and a decrease in the bears’ size.
High level of brown bears poaching leads to a decrease of the brown bear population size within local areas.
The main problems in the sphere of brown bear population conservation and management are:
- development and realization of strategies for sustainable use and conservation of brown bear resources;
- finding sustainable funding for conservation and monitoring activities in the amount of 20,000 – 25,000 USD per year;
- obtaining data on actual poaching levels.
References
Ostroumov A. G. 1968. Aerial censuses of brown bear population in Kamchatka and some results of observations of their behavior. Bulletin Moskovskogo Obshchestva Ispytateley Prirody, Otdel Biologii, 73(2): 35-49.
Eugene Linden. Tortured Land. Time magazine. 04.09.1995.
Chestin I.E., Gordienko T. A., Gordienko V. N., Nikanorov A. P., Nikolaenko V. A., Ostroumov A. G., Radnaeva E. A., Revenko I. A., Valentsev A. S. 1995-1996. Fundamentals of conservation and management of brown bear population in Kamchatka. WWF Project Report. 91 pp.
Kamchatka is well-known for its brown bears as Kamchatka’s brown bear population has one of the highest densities in the world. Kamchatka brown bears are competing in size with the giant bears of Southern Alaska and Kodiak Island. The weigh of the heaviest Kamchatka bear was above 600 kg.
The bear population on Kamchatka peninsula was estimated at 20,000 animals in the early 1960s (Ostroumov, 1968), but since the late 1970s till 1990s estimates varied between 8,000-10,000 bears. Kamchatka brown bear was and still is one of the major objects of commercial, sport and trophy hunting among large terrestrial mammals. In more recent times, since 1993-1994, the international conservation community and the general public have raised great concern about the status of the Kamchatka brown bear population. This was due to the high level of illegal hunting of bears for their gall bladders and recently - for paws, highly valued in traditional oriental medicine and cookery. Bears are caught with lassoes, killed from helicopters, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. Another cause of concern is foreign hunting for trophy with selective shooting of the largest individuals, particularly in the spring. At the same time, some of the facts were either misinterpreted or simply were not true. For example, The Time magazine (USA) has published an article by Eugene Linden (Tortured Land, 04.09.1995), which stated that recently the bear population in Kamchatka has cut in half and then stabilized at 5,000 individuals. In fact, the reason why the estimated number has “dropped two-fold” is because since 1993 population estimates for Kamchatka region did not include those for the Koryak Autonomous Okrug, which is inhabited by roughly a half of the total peninsula’s bear population.
A preliminary survey carried out in 1994 has shown that the situation with Kamchatka brown bears was far not being as bad and uncontrolled as some rumors would have it. However, although there is management in place apparently it still leaves to be desired. Annual aerial surveys of the bear population conducted since 1991 have never covered the total harvest area, while extrapolations were not sufficiently justified. The potential selectivity of trophy hunting has never been assessed. No economic mechanisms exist to ensure that part of the revenue generated by trophy hunting tourism is used to provide adequate protection and monitoring. Thus, although the brown bear population was not found to be in a desperate situation, management and protection apparently needed significant improvement.
Currently Kamchatka includes two administrative subjects of the Russian Federation (Kamchatka region and the Koryak Autonomous Okrug, KAO), and we will further consider the Kamchatka peninsula as a whole and two districts (Oliutorsky and Penzhinsky). The following are presently the main problems in Kamchatka:
- high level of illegal harvest (poaching).
- extremely selective harvest of brown bears during trophy hunting and as a result decrease in brown bear size.
- limited funding, insufficient to provide adequate protection and continuous monitoring of brown bear populations.
Our main concern is to secure adequate funding that will help ensure brown bears conservation and monitoring.
Main informational gaps
- Brown bear population size and their spatial distribution in Kamchatka.
Large-scale population surveys implemented in 1996-1997 with the financial support of WWF revealed that the population size amounted to 11,600 brown bears, including 6,100 bears in the Kamchatka Oblast and 5,500 brown bears in the Koryak Okrug. In 2001-2002, a regularly scheduled aerial survey was conducted with our own funds and with the financial support provided by WCS and CEF. Since 1997, no brown bear population surveys were conducted in the KAO due to the lack of funds. According to the 2002 survey results, the brown bear population has increased in Kamchatka and amounts to at least 7,000 individuals, and the total number of brown bears in Kamchatka including the KAO is estimated at no less than 12,500. Currently, the main issues are conducting aerial survey in the KAO, developing survey techniques and particularly methods of taking census and data extrapolation.
- One of the informational gaps is the volume of poaching. According to the 1996 questionnaire survey with hunters, it was estimated that poaching amounts to about 100% of the official harvest. The last questionnaire was conducted in 2002. Collected data is being analyzed and will be made public in October 2002.
- Control of sex and age composition and reproduction rates of the population is based on the data obtained during aerial and land surveys, analyses of brown bear harvest and results of the questionnaires. The share of females in the brown bear population amounts to at least 40%. Table 1 shows age composition of the adult population, determined on the basis of the animal’s size.
During 2000-2002 we continued collecting data on sex and age structure of the population and the data will be analyzed by December 2002.
According to the survey of bear families, the share of females with cubs of different age reaches 20-22% (n = 1,109) of the adult population, and the share of cubs of all ages was 25.4%. The average number of newborn cubs per female was 2.3, the average number of yearlings per female was 2.0 and the average number of cubs older than two years per one female was 1.8. Thus, the annual population growth is no less than 15.5%. 87% of newborn cubs survive till 1.5 years; and 78% - till 2.5 years (Chestin et.al., 1996).
Lately experts could not come to an agreement regarding the number of brown bear populations in Kamchatka. Most of them suggest that the peninsula was inhabited by one brown bear population with high level of panmixia. In order to clarify this issue in 2000 -2001 we collected 326 tissue samples for genetic analysis. The samples were examined at the North Carolina University.
The following data is considered when setting an annual harvest quota: population size, actual population growth, hunting success (percentage of actually harvested bears compared with the quota), expected level of illegal harvest, possible negative impact of living conditions on the population (availability of food resources, diseases, changes in habitat size and quality etc.). Under the Russian regulations, bear harvest should not exceed 10% of the population size. Thus, the maximum quota for the whole Kamchatka region is set at 1,250 animals. Actual annual quota is 650-750 bears, including 450-500 in the Kamchatka region and 200-250 in the KAO. The total harvest volume, including legal and illegal harvest is in line with the population size and reproduction rates, yet overharvest of brown bears was recorded in some areas and low rates of hunting occurs in others.
The total area of protected territories in the Kamchatka Oblast (excluding maritime zones) amounts to 48,820 sq. km, and 8,399 sq. km in the Koryak Autonomous Okrug. Brown bear habitats represent 17,414 sq. km in the Kamchatka region and 3, 3320 sq. km in the KAO and are under special protection. It was proposed to set aside 9 additional refuges including 5 in the Kamchatka Oblast and 4 in the KAO is order to conserve key habitats (foraging grounds, wintering and breeding sites, sites of seasonal concentration and etc).
Extremely selective harvest of large animals, particularly during spring and trophy hunting by foreign hunters leads to a decrease in the brown bears size. Harvest selectivity is the most pronounced according to the sex (irrespective of age). Males are subjected to selective harvest and as a result the share of males in spring and autumn hunting seasons amounts to 80%. Males are subjected to selective harvest during all seasons, however in the spring, the volume of selective harvest is much higher. Percentage of large males harvested during the fall was 10% less than in spring (75.5% and 85.5%, respectively). Comparison of hunting selectiveness towards brown bears of various sizes (small-medium-large) among foreign and local hunters showed that selectivity of harvest among foreign hunters was much higher towards large animals (14.5% more) and considerably less (3.3 times lower) towards small animals (Table 2).
The Hunting Management Department is now considering the introduction of measures aimed at reducing and regulating spring hunting season, including an option to completely close spring hunting.
Monitoring of Brown Bear Habitat
Brown bear habitats in Kamchatka occupy 463.2 sq. km or 98% of the whole area of the Kamchatka Oblast and the KAO. Major brown bear habitats threats include dredging works associated with mining, industries, oil fields and power supply development, and associated facilities (mines, gas pipelines, power lines, roads, hydropower stations etc). Habitat quality is graded (maximum 5 grades) according to the quality of shelter, availability of food resources, availability of denning sites, human disturbance. Dwarf pine and alder represent the best habitat (3.7-5 grades); the second best habitat - birch and spruce forests (3.7-2.7 grades). Habitats in woodless mountain areas are graded as below the average quality (2.3 grades). Burn zones, clearcuts and mountainous tundra are considered to be disadvantaged habitats (2.0 grades). Plain tundra is considered to be the worst habitat (1.7 grades). It is crucial to continue work on a more precise evaluation of brown bears habitat quality. In 2002 it is planned to conduct mapping of brown bear habitats in Kamchatka using GIS.
The following information and resources are needed for successful management of brown bear population:
- sustainable funding in the amount of 20,000 – 25,000 USD per year to implement-
- conservation measures and monitoring;
- data on actual illegal harvest of brown bears;
- efficient protection of key habitats within hunting grounds (in addition to existing protected territories).
Currently only federal hunting regulation agencies and environmental protection agencies are involved in the actual conservation of brown bears. The USA can provide assistance in the form of exchange of information and expertise in the field of brown bears conservation in Alaska as well as financial support in the form of grants and joint implementation of environmental programs.
Other sources of financial support include:
- financial support to hunting enterprises to implement brown bear population monitoring;
- implementation of a Russian-American program on brown bear conservation in Kamchatka jointly with the WCS Foundation
The authors of this presentation have the following responsibilities:
- A.S. Valentsev: coordination of work on brown bear monitoring and research, scientific analysis of collected information;
- V. U. Voropanov and V. N. Gordienko: federal control of conservation, regulation of brown bear resources use and monitoring.
Acknowledgements
The authors express their great gratitude to the Northern Forum, Organizational Committee of the Workshop Brown Bear Management in the North and personally to the Project Coordinator Ms. Asida Ivanova and the Executive Director Priscilla Wohl as well as all sponsors of the Northern Forum for support and organization of this Workshop.
Conclusions
Currently brown bear population size, population structure and reproduction rates in Kamchatka are satisfactory.
Total harvest volume, including legal and illegal harvest is in line with the population size and reproduction rates.
Extremely selective harvest of large brown bear males, particularly during spring and foreign trophy hunting leads to an increase of the number of young animals in the population and a decrease in the bears’ size.
High level of brown bears poaching leads to a decrease of the brown bear population size within local areas.
The main problems in the sphere of brown bear population conservation and management are:
- development and realization of strategies for sustainable use and conservation of brown bear resources;
- finding sustainable funding for conservation and monitoring activities in the amount of 20,000 – 25,000 USD per year;
- obtaining data on actual poaching levels.
References
Ostroumov A. G. 1968. Aerial censuses of brown bear population in Kamchatka and some results of observations of their behavior. Bulletin Moskovskogo Obshchestva Ispytateley Prirody, Otdel Biologii, 73(2): 35-49.
Eugene Linden. Tortured Land. Time magazine. 04.09.1995.
Chestin I.E., Gordienko T. A., Gordienko V. N., Nikanorov A. P., Nikolaenko V. A., Ostroumov A. G., Radnaeva E. A., Revenko I. A., Valentsev A. S. 1995-1996. Fundamentals of conservation and management of brown bear population in Kamchatka. WWF Project Report. 91 pp.
