Status of range expansion of Asian black bears into Abukuma mountains, Japan

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  • Yamazaki Koji
    Department of Forest Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture
  • Suzuki Ayako
    Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture
  • Nemoto Yui
    Okutama Practice Forest, Tokyo University of Agriculture Fukushima Prefectural Centre for Environmental Creation
  • Itoh Tetsuji
    Department of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Rakuno Gakuen University

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Other Title
  • 阿武隈山地でのツキノワグマの分布状況
  • アブクマ サンチ デ ノ ツキノワグマ ノ ブンプ ジョウキョウ

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<p>In recent years, the range of Asian black bears (Ursus thibetanus) has expanded into the Abukuma Mountains. Consequently, the area has been specified as a surveillance zone by the Ministry of Environment and Fukushima Prefecture. However, its actual status is not well documented. Therefore, we set sensor camera traps for individual identification of bears and hair-snagging traps for genetic analysis in northern Abukuma Mountains (800 km2) to understand the population density and genetic characteristics of the bears and to assess the effects of the evacuation zone by the Fukushima 1st nuclear power plant explosion. The study period was 31 months, but the bear visited the trap sites only four times. Hence, we could not determine the density and effect of the existence of the evacuation zone; however, the population density of the bears might still be low. Genetic analysis with supplemental samples that were obtained from surrounding areas suggested the presence of haplotypes that are distinctive in Ouu Mountains. This indicates that the bears found in the Abukuma Mountains came from the west. The identified individuals were all male; however, females might be already occurred. Hence, further monitoring for adequate management are essential.</p>

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