STATUS OF WILD ANDEAN BEARS AND POLICIES FOR THEIR MANAGEMENT

Abstract

No reliable estimates exist for populations of Andean bears (Tremarctos omatus). They occupy >260,000 km2 in 5 Andean countries, and if their densities are comparable to those of North American black bears (Ursus americanus), the total population may be >20,000. Unbroken tracts of the Andes stretching more than 200 km and extending over 3000 m of elevation exist for this species in Peri and Bolivia, where over2/3 of the bear's range occurs. Approximately 18.5% of the range is contained within 58 protected areas. Although the species probably is not on the brink of extinction in the wild, serious threats exist. Hunting may now be as important a factor in bear population decline as habitat destruction. Lack of land ownership and credit combined with increased road access has precipitated the spread of informal economic activities (e.g., shifting agriculture, grazing, mining, narcotic production and trafficking, timber harvest, and hunting for animal parts) in bear strongholds. Drug traffickers have infiltrated 16 parks occupied by bears; this number is triple what it was 15 years ago. International trade in bear gall bladders has been confirmed in Ecuador. The future existence of wild Andean bears depends on linking conservation with benefits that have meaning to local communities. The potential roles of government, communities, and private organizations in managing natural resources for both bears and human prosperity are discussed.