INVITED SPEECH THE CHALLENGE OF SAVING URSUS ARCTOS MARSICANUS

• Main Authors: Riva Del, Garda Trentino Italy, The Abruzzo, Brown Bear, Boitani L, Ciucci P, Sammarone L, Sulli C
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Ursus arctos
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.116.3965; http://www.carnivoreconservation.org/files/meetings/iba_2005_trentino.pdf

about 100 km east of Rome, a small population of Abruzzo brown bear (Ursus arctos marsicanus) is still present. It has been separated from the Alpine population for at least 4-600 years and it shares a unique mtDNA haplotype. Its extent of occurrence is estimated to be 1,500 – 2,500 km 2 with occasional sightings in a larger area. In spite of being one of the most endangered Italian mammal species and inhabiting one of the oldest Italian National Park, there are no reliable population estimates for the Abruzzo brown bear. In the last 30 years, population estimates based on miscellaneous approaches, from expert opinions to direct observations on sample areas, ranged from 25-100 bears, the lower number being the most likely current estimate. Currently, several indirect signs seem to confirm the continuing negative demographic trend of the population. From 1980-1988 bear attacks on livestock in Abruzzo decreased 84 % and, accordingly, bear sightings by the Abruzzo National Park wardens were less frequently reported. The species is fully protected, but illegal killing (including accidental killing by hunters) appears to be the single most important threat to the population. A minimum of 53 bears have been found dead from 1971-1997 and 84 % of known bear mortalities (n=37) were from illegal or accidental killing by humans.