Jalil Sarhangzadeh; Ahad Sotoudeh
Abstract
Brown bear (Ursus arctos) is classified as a Least Concern (LC) species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but its distribution have decreased as the largest carnivore in the country during last decades, and hence it is important to protect its habitats. In this research, the ...
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Brown bear (Ursus arctos) is classified as a Least Concern (LC) species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but its distribution have decreased as the largest carnivore in the country during last decades, and hence it is important to protect its habitats. In this research, the habitat suitability of brown bear in Arasbaran biosphere reserve, as one of the most important habitats of this species in the northwest of Iran, was considered. For the habitat suitability modeling of this species, Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) method and ENFA software were used. Results showed that 23.6% (20245ha) of Arasbaran biosphere reserve were suitable for species. The suitable habitats were recognized to be in areas with elevation range of 900 to 2400 meters above sea level, 30 to 70 percent of slope. In addition, the variables of forest with 75-100% canopy cover, semi-humid climate, elevation range of 1500-2000 meters above sea level, Northern hillsides, 45 to 70 percent of slope, humid climate, permanent rivers, forest with 50-75% canopy cover have the most effect on the selection of the species habitat. The suitable habitats for brown bear are generally distributed in the Oskuloo, Makidi, Hejrandost, Aliabad, Naposhteh, Balasang, Ilankesh, Abasabad and Khril. Prevention of development (Tourism) in the suitable habitats of brown bear, and, determination of corridors and movement routs of the species outside of the Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve in future studies were suggested in the route of this research.
Ali Gholamhosseini; Mehdi Ansari; Mehregan Ebrahimi; Hamid Reza Esmaeili
Abstract
Brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the largest carnivore of Iran with a holarctic distribution in Europe, Asia, and North America. In Iran, its distribution is restricted to the mountain forest areas of Alborz and Zagros and Fars province is on the southernmost distribution boundary for this species worldwide. ...
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Brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the largest carnivore of Iran with a holarctic distribution in Europe, Asia, and North America. In Iran, its distribution is restricted to the mountain forest areas of Alborz and Zagros and Fars province is on the southernmost distribution boundary for this species worldwide. Iran's brown bears recognized as U. a. syriacus, which has discrete populations at high risk, and there is a critical lack of knowledge concerning different aspects of its biology. This research was carried out in order to identify its distribution pattern and conservation planning for four years in Fars province. As direct observation of brown bears is difficult due to its nocturnal activity, signs are usually used in such researches. A total of 170 signs of this species were recorded in Fars province. The most signs are traces (about 48%) and scat (about 20%). Investigation of the signs and the mapping of the species in Fars province using ArcGIS 10.3 showed that the highest presence of this species belongs to Mountains areas of Marvdasht (32.54%) and Sepidan (31.95%) in the northern parts of the province with a height range of 1600 to more than 2800 meters above sea level. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that brown bear faces conflict with humans by attack on humans, domestic livestock, honey hives, fish farms and agricultural products in the province.
