NEW PAPER OUT: New insights into the geographical distribution of brown bears Ursus arctos in Nepal

Uncovering New Bear Territory in Nepal!

We’re very excited to unveil an incredible discovery from one of the remotest corners of the globe! We have recorded brown bears in unexpected locations of Limi Valley in Upper Humla of north-western Nepal. Careful checking of the camera trap images revealed fascinating new insights into their seasonal behaviour and habitat use! And these new records expand the distribution range of the brown bear in Nepal and extend its global range to the southwest. 

Check the online version of the full article in the link below. Happy reading!🌿📚 

https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605324000796

Mongabay News: New brown bear ‘stronghold’ in Nepal redraws species’ range map

Abstract

In the current IUCN Red List assessment, the south-western distribution range of the brown bear Ursus arctos in Nepal ends in Upper Mustang, in the central Himalaya, and extends northwards into the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. Although brown bears have been recorded further west of Upper Mustang, details of these findings have not been published previously. Using camera traps, we present new evidence of brown bears in Limi Valley, Upper Humla, north-western Nepal. Covering a study area of 336 km2, we deployed 61 camera traps for 3,145 trap-nights during July–October 2021 and 10,748 trap-nights during June 2022–October 2023. In 2021 we recorded a single independent image of a brown bear, followed by 23 independent images during 2022–2023. The images were captured during spring and autumn but not in summer and winter. These new records increase the distribution range of the brown bear in Nepal, extending its global range south-westwards. Our results indicate the significance of Limi Valley as a stronghold for brown bears in Nepal and underscore the importance of formally protecting the currently unprotected wildlife habitats in Limi Valley. Our study emphasizes the need for further research into the ecology and population status of brown bears in Nepal.