Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) Abundance, Habitat Occupany Patterns, and Conflicts with Humans in and around Dachigam National Park, Kashmir.

Abstract

The present study focused on the abundance estimation, habitat use patterns and human - bear interactions in Dachigam National Park and Dachigam Landscape, Jammu and Kashmir, India during the period 2007-2010. The abundance estimation is the basic information needed for any species. In this study abundance estimation of black bears was tried out through various methods: sign surveys, camera trapping and non- invasive genetic method. Sign surveys were carried out to understand the encounter rates of black bears within Dachigam National Park.