The Himalayan brown bear, scientifically known as Ursus arctos isabellinus, is grappling with an array of problems in Kashmir that are jeopardizing not only its existence but also human security. Instances of bears invading residential areas and desecrating graveyards have sparked worries among the local populace. These occurrences underline the urgent requirement to tackle the root causes of such behaviors and preserve the habitat of this critically endangered species.
Understanding the Himalayan Brown Bears
Himalayan brown bears represent a subspecies of brown bears dwelling in the high-altitude zones of the Himalayas, stretching from Pakistan to Bhutan. They possess thick fur, which is predominantly sandy or reddish-brown. These creatures can grow up to 2.2 meters long and weigh a whopping 250 kilograms.
Despite being a subspecies of brown bears (Ursus arctos), which is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, the Himalayan brown bear is considered Critically Endangered. The species also features on CITES – Appendix I for populations in Bhutan, China, Mexico, and Mongolia; whereas all other populations fall under Appendix II. Furthermore, India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 slots them under Schedule 1.
These bears have an omnivorous diet and are primarily nocturnal, with an outstandingly developed sense of smell believed to be their primary means of finding food. Their lives are fraught with threats like human-animal conflicts, rapid habitat loss, being hunted for their fur, claws, and organs, as well as rare instances of bear baiting. Their range is limited to north-western and central Himalaya, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, and Bhutan.
The Challenges to Bear Survival
The bears’ bizarre behavior of excavating graves and wandering into residential premises could be tied to insufficient food in their natural habitats. A study by Wildlife SOS revealed that a substantial part of the bears’ diet in Kashmir consists of scavenged rubbish, including plastic bags, chocolate wrappers, and other edible waste. This disturbing natural foraging pattern modification and behavioral morphing lead to human conflicts.
Kitchen waste disposal carelessness from locals and hoteliers near bear habitats provides easy food access, leading to regular interactions between humans and bears. This shifted behavior, along with laxity in hunting for food, has spawned dependency on human-generated waste, thereby intensifying conflicts.
The Shrinking Population and Diminishing Distribution
The Himalayan brown bear’s limited distribution across the alpine meadows of the Himalayas complicates comprehensive data gathering on the species for researchers. Habitat destruction caused by reasons such as habitat encroachment, tourism, and grazing pressure has contributed to their declining population count. With just an estimated 500-750 bears remaining in India, pressing conservation efforts are needed to safeguard their existence.
Future Concerns and Conservation Recommendations
The future for the Himalayan brown bear looks grim, with a study anticipating about 73% of their habitat in the western Himalayas would shrink by 2050. Global warming presents a formidable risk, prompting the urgent need for preemptive spatial planning of protected areas to ensure species viability in the long term.
Conservation strategies should concentrate on habitat conservation, forging biological corridors, and fostering responsible waste management to minimize human-bear conflicts. Legal protection and enforcement should be bolstered by applying the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 2022 and CITES regulations.
Trivia: Nocturnal Animals
For a trivia note: among the lion-tailed macaque, Malabar civet, and sambar deer, only the latter two are nocturnal or most active after sunset. The lion-tailed macaque is not nocturnal, but an arboreal, diurnal creature. On the other hand, Malabar civet and sambar deer are known for their nocturnal activities.
