Asiatic black bear.

During the research of Human- Himalayan black bear (hereafter black bear) conflict in February, 2017, there were several evidence of activity of black bear near human settlement. Despite being winter, indirect evidences like fresh scat, claw mark and pugmark of black bear were abundantly recorded. Also buffalo and goat herders from Hugu have mentioned the activity of black bear near their winter pastures.

As a result they have expressed their negative attitude toward black bear as they frequently mentioned the financial load due to loss of livestock/crops and human attack. Their negative attitude was observed in scheduled survey during previous research as well.

Use of habitat by black bear in forest area surrounding the human settlement during summer and winter will be observed to understand the activity of black bear. This understanding will provide clear image on seasonal use of habitat by black bear i.e. movement pattern, activity and behavior of black bear. Beside, studying habitat use and activity patterns is potent approach to understand fundamental ecological process of any species. Clear understanding over this can be significant in minimizing human attack by black bear on sudden encounter while entering forest. Also it can be helpful for herders as they can avoid livestock predation while changing their pastoral ground. Understanding seasonal habitat use of black bear will also help Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) to develop safety guidelines for entering forest either for resource collection or for trekking in Sikles and Tangting.

Similarly, awareness camps for forest dependent community will acquaint them with safety caution to prevent any human casualty on encounter with black bear. Moreover, significance of black bear will be realized to herders and NTFPs collector so as to minimize their negative perception on black bear preventing any possible incidence of conflict between human and black bear. Awareness camp organized for this community using posters and flex boards will certainly realize them on safeguarding over any possible bear attack. Installing flex boards with safety information in both Nepali and English language will make both national and international traveler aware on the chances of sudden encounter with black bear. Meanwhile ecological importance of black bear will be sensitized to the community using poster and radio program in local FM to reduce any possible conflict incidence between human and black bear.