Get reliable rangeland science

The Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) is a critically endangered species, with its primary habitat in the Deosai National Park of Pakistan as their last stronghold for survival. This high-altitude plateau, situated between 4,000 and 6,000 meters above sea level, is crucial for the persistence of the species. The park lies within the Himalayan, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges, bordering Afghanistan, China, and India, where political and environmental challenges complicate conservation efforts. The harsh conditions in Deosai, such as extreme cold temperatures reaching -20°C, thick snow and reduced oxygen levels (30% less than sea level), make it a challenging environment for both the bears and the researchers observing them. GPS collaring is an effective method to track these bears’ movements and provide valuable data on their behavior and habitat use. The grazing impact and pressure is predominantly from livestock that should not be there. This study aims to understand the movement patterns of the Himalayan brown bear in the face of mounting threats, including habitat degradation, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict.