A recent report has raised fresh concerns among wildlife conservationists and experts about the future of brown bears in Jammu and Kashmir. The study highlights several threats to the bear population, including habitat loss and changes in their food sources. It explores the ecology of these brown bears, emphasizing their shrinking habitats, increasing conflicts with humans, and their troubling reliance on garbage dumps for food.
Specifically, brown bears have been frequently observed scavenging at the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) garbage dump at Sarbal, as well as at the garbage sites near army camps and the Amarnath camp. Contributing factors to these issues include the growing human population, habitat destruction, tourism-related construction, the planting of non-native trees, the collection of medicinal plants, and other human activities.
To gain a deeper understanding of these concerns, their underlying causes, and the steps being taken to address them, Indian Masterminds spoke with officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department. We interacted with Pradeepchandra P. Wahule, a 2009-batch IFS officer and Conservator of Forests in Jammu, as well as Mr. Rashid Yahya Naqash, the Regional Wildlife Warden at the J&K headquarters, to gather valuable insights into the situation.
THE REPORT
The NGO Wildlife SOS, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Conservation Department, launched a research project aimed at studying the Himalayan brown bears and understanding the causes of human-bear conflicts. Based on this research, they compiled a comprehensive report, which was submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on November 11, 2024. As part of the study, a total of 20,627 camera trap videos were analyzed to observe the activities and daily behaviors of the brown bears. In 9,131 of these videos, the bears were seen actively searching for food. Additionally, researchers examined the bears’ feces to gain insights into their diet in the Himalayan region.
The analysis of the bears’ feces revealed that brown bears are ingesting items that are indigestible and unsuitable for their diet. In 86 out of 408 samples examined, researchers found plastic bags, milk powder packets, chocolate wrappers, glass fragments, and high-calorie food. The report showed that food from garbage (75.03%) was much more common in brown bear feces than wild plants (15.48%), plastic bags (8.77%), crops (0.41%), and sheep (0.31%), suggesting that wild bears are increasingly relying on garbage for food.
While, Mr Rashid said, “The distribution range of brown bears spans the entire Himalayan region, including Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Kashmir. This is a landscape-level distribution. On a global scale, the brown bear population in Kashmir is improving, and they are not considered endangered.” The exact population of these bears has not been disclosed by the department, but it is estimated to be around 130 to 150 in Kashmir.
REASONS
This issue extends beyond just the brown bears to include all Himalayan bears. Mr Wahule explains that the land use patterns in the region have changed significantly, with the development of horticultural crops and orchards, which have, in turn, attracted bears. Historically, these bears thrived in the forests, feeding on natural resources like berries and fruits. However, due to the encroachment of human settlements, bears have started venturing into human habitats, particularly fruit orchards. These orchards, often situated on the outskirts of cities, act as buffer zones between the bears’ natural habitat and human habitation.
Mr Wahule said, “The problem arises when the bears are drawn to the abundance of fruit during the fruiting seasons. As the orchards are located near human settlements, this proximity creates a conflict zone. The bears’ repeated visits to the orchards inevitably lead to human-bear encounters, often resulting in sudden attacks or other forms of conflict.”
Every animal, including bears, instinctively seeks to minimize energy expenditure while securing ample food within a limited area. Consequently, food sources that are easily accessible, such as those from unnatural sources like human settlements, become particularly attractive.
Rashid acknowledges that there is a problem, but he believes it is not as widespread as it might seem. He explains that, in Kashmir, the issue is primarily concentrated in one area—Sonamarg. As a popular tourist destination, Sonamarg attracts large crowds, and the waste disposal system in the area has not been managed scientifically. As a result, bears have become accustomed to the area due to the easy access to food. This reliance on unnatural feeding sources has contributed to the problem.
GARBAGE BINS
Another contributing factor is the improper disposal of garbage. As a result, bears are drawn to garbage bins in search of food, as it provides an easy and readily available source of nourishment. Unlike in the wild, where they would have to expend energy searching for food, garbage bins offer a more convenient option. Similarly, the fruit orchards also present an easy food source for the bears, making these areas particularly attractive to them.
This behavior, however, poses harm to the bears, as their stomachs are not designed to digest cooked or processed foods. Despite this, they are gradually becoming accustomed to these unnatural food sources. This shift in their diet is changing the dynamics of how bears survive, and it highlights the growing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
FOOD HABIT
There is a growing concern that if brown bears continue to rely on garbage for food, future generations may come to view this behavior as normal, rather than foraging in natural ways. This could lead to significant changes in the feeding behavior of young bears, making them more dependent on unnatural food sources. Mr Rashid said, “If not addressed properly, this shift could result in some bears becoming permanently reliant on human-provided food, potentially leading them to stay in human-dominated areas. However, this behavior is unlikely to affect the entire bear population.”
SOLUTIONS
The solution lies in raising awareness within society about the proper management of garbage. Both officers believe that, in addition, there needs to be a policy-level change in land use to help reduce human-wildlife conflict. Public awareness initiatives should also focus on preventing these conflicts. Ultimately, the responsibility of managing wildlife should not fall solely on the Forest Department; the entire society must play a role in protecting and coexisting with wildlife.
Mr Rashid stated that the brown bear population can be better protected and recovered if the SDA and other stakeholders implement effective measures. Proper waste disposal must be carried out scientifically, and the trash management system needs improvement, including the use of covered bins. Additionally, public awareness is crucial to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The Forest Department is actively working on these issues, and the SDA has informed the NGT that they are taking several steps to address these concerns.
HABITAT LOSE
Is habitat loss a concern? In the case of Jammu and Kashmir, bears have very large territories, so habitat loss is not a significant issue overall. However, there are specific areas where it could be a concern. According to Rashid, when bears are tracked with collars, their movements cover a territory of about 1,100 square kilometers. If there were significant habitat loss, such extensive movement and monitoring would not be possible.
ABOUT BROWN BEARS
The brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus), which roams the high mountains of northern India, is one of the rarest and least known subspecies of brown bear in the world. Despite its large size, many people mistakenly believe that bears are slow and cumbersome, but they are actually incredibly fast. “When provoked, their attacks are ferocious and can be deadly. A single strike from their claws is powerful enough to crack a man’s skull. This immense strength is one of the reasons why bear attacks can result in horrific fatalities,” Mr Wahule added.
