First study of black bear population in 30 years identifies need for safer, habitable public land in Alberta

First study of black bear population in 30 years identifies need for safer, habitable public land in Alberta
Scientists analyzed black bear DNA, collected from hair samples left behind after the bears rub against objects like trees and power poles, to identify individuals and get an estimate of overall populations on public and private land. Credit: Ryan Peruniak

A new study by University of Alberta biologists shows black bear populations are lowest on Crown land and most dense on national park land, followed by private land, highlighting issues for management and conservation efforts.

"We might have thought that Crown land would host more black bears," said ecologist Mark Boyce. "However, many bears appear to have been displaced onto private lands, likely due to excessive use of Crown land for recreation, like quadding, camping and motorbiking."

In the study—the first comprehensive analysis of the population in Alberta in more than 30 years—researchers used bear hair samples collected from trees, power poles and fences to identify individuals by DNA and then estimate population size.

"There are a number of possible reasons why density differs by land tenure, such as mortality risk from humans and the availability of foods," said Annie Loosen, who recently completed her master's degree under Boyce's supervision.

"Private lands in our study are mainly , which can also be attractive to black bears, especially stored and standing grain," she added.

"In Alberta, this is particularly problematic because landowners can hunt or give other hunters permission to shoot a black bear on their land at any time of year without restriction."

Supporting policy

The findings support recent decisions limiting off-highway vehicle use in Castle Provincial Park and Castle Wildland Provincial Park, explained Boyce.

"Our results reinforce the decision to protect core habitats in provincial parks. We are keen to learn the response by both and black bears to increased protection on Crown land."

The researchers also recommended ongoing monitoring of black bear populations to document the outcomes of policy changes.

The study, "Land Tenure Shapes Black Bear Density and Abundance on a Multi‐use Landscape," was published in Ecology and Evolution.

More information: Anne E. Loosen et al. Land tenure shapes black bear density and abundance on a multi-use landscape, Ecology and Evolution (2018). DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4617

Journal information: Ecology and Evolution

Citation: First study of black bear population in 30 years identifies need for safer, habitable public land in Alberta (2019, February 7) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2019-02-black-population-years-safer-habitable.html
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