Distribution of Asiatic black bear and its interaction with humans in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Bhutan

• DOI: 10.24189/ncr.2020.004
• Publication Date: 2019-12-31T18:36:47Z
• Authors: Letro Letro; ; Sangay Wangchuk; ; ; Tashi Dhendup
• Keywords: Poaching; Habitat Fragmentation; Human–wildlife conflict

We assessed the human-bear interactions and distribution patterns of Asiatic black bear Ursus thibetanus in Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP) Bhutan through a questionnaire survey park residents by remote camera trapping.Our study revealed 26% (N = 311) respondents experiencing one or another form interaction.Crop damage accounted for highest interaction rate at 65%, followed livestock depredation (25%), between 2012 2016.About 10% involved human mual-bout mualing cases 2006-2016.About 80% expressed support conservation influenced mainly awareness programmes.Observations from 39 trap stations across national indicated wide bears JSWNP, with mean site use probability 0.55 (SE 0.10, N 39).With emerging perceived threats such as habitat fragmentation loss, retaliatory killing, poaching, it is recommended that management adopt measures will enable harmonious coexistence humans bears.Habitat enrichment natural food resources bear, equipping communities conflict preventive measures, advocating local people on are some need to be adopted park.