Distribution, diel activity patterns and human-bear interactions of the Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) in the Deosai National Park, Pakistan

Abstract

The Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) has been listed as a critically endangered species in Pakistan due to unfavorable interactions with local populations resulting in agricultural losses and livestock assaults. We investigated the current distribution, activity pattern, and human-bear interaction in Deosai National Park and the surrounding areas in 2021. We used infrared camera traps in 89 locations for 1,272 trap nights to determine the presence and monitor the activity pattern of Himalayan brown bears. We also conducted an in-person survey with 235 respondents living in the study area to understand their perspectives on the human-bear interaction. We placed 89 camera trap stations and collected 103 independent detections, yielding a rate of 8.09 independent detections per 100 trap nights. The bear diel activity showed a bimodal pattern with peaks during mid-day and sunset, and their activity was 11 h during a 24 h. From local communities, we detected that the main concern was livestock depredation and crop loss due to U. arctos isabellinus presence. Our study provides important baseline data for Himalayan brown bears in Deosai National Park, from which we can contribute to the development of conservation plans that resonate with the needs of bears and the people who live with them.