Assessing the spatial-temporal patterns of conflicts between humans and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) around the Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve, China

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.

Evaluating dynamics in human‐bear interactions within social‐ecological system

“…The human-bear interface can also significantly influence Additionally, the diminishing proximity between human settlements and the human-bear interface has intensified the potential for human-bear interactions. This trend aligns with previous studies (Harris et al, 2023) and 2020 (Ji, Wei, Liu, Li, Li, Huang, et al, 2022). Our interview surveys have indicated that most respondents perceive a discernible rise in human-bear interactions over the past two decades.…”

“…Bear poaching activities in the Mt. Gaoligong area have significantly decreased from 2000 to 2020 (Ji, Zhang, et al, 2022).…”

“…Bear poaching activities in the Mt. Gaoligong area have significantly decreased from 2000 to 2020 (Ji, Zhang, et al., 2022). The direct decreases in human persecution significantly promoted bear recovery, with interviewees noting that hunting prohibition is a key factor driving the population increase.…”

“…We conducted semi‐structured interviews in 60 villages around Gaoligongshan Nature Reserve in 2022 and 2023 (Figure S1), where severe human‐bear interactions have occurred over the past two decades (Ji, Wei, Liu, Li, Li, Huang, et al., 2022). The interviews focused on the local residents' perceptions of the bear population, human‐bear interaction, conservation policies, and their experiences with human‐bear conflict.…”

“…This concept is inherently species‐specific, as each species has distinct habitat requirements and tolerance to humans (Koen et al., 2014). While bears typically avoid human settlements and activities, they occasionally venture into human landscapes for food (Ji, Wei, Liu, Li, Li, Huang, et al., 2022). In such situations, bears can adapt their behaviour, balancing the benefits and risks as they approach areas with human presence.…”