Brown Bear \ Ayyu / Brown Bear

Brown Bear

Status: VII category, Lower Risk/least concerned, LR/lc. A rare subspecies of bear Ursus arctos isabellinus Horsfeld, 1826 inhabits the territory of the republic.

Distribution general and in the country. Inhabits Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan [4,5]. Almost the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan, except for valleys developed for agriculture. Known locations: the Terkei and Kungei Ala-Too ranges, Naryn, Atbashi, Kyrgyz, Talas, Chatkal, Fergana, Alai, and Zaalai [3].
Habitat. Mainly high mountain areas.

Population. There is a tendency for decline. In the 1970s, the population was quite high in the nut-fruit forests along the Chatkal range. In these areas, the species density reached up to 0.6-0.8 animals per 1,000 ha of suitable habitats. In the Sary-Chelek reserve, there were 26 individuals in an area of 10-12 thousand ha. On the eastern slopes of the Fergana range, according to hunting surveys from 1964, the total number of animals was 200-250 heads over an area of about 200 thousand ha. The bear was common throughout the rest of the Fergana range, as well as in the Babashatin, Chandalash, Pskem, and Talas ranges. In the Terkei Ala-Too, Kyrgyz range, and Inner Tien Shan, there were 1-2 bears over an area of 40 thousand ha [4]. Over the last decade, the population has significantly decreased everywhere [6].

Way of life (life cycles). There is no clear distinction in daily activity. It feeds more often in the morning and evening hours. It does not make constant seasonal movements, mainly sticking to certain places, but there are cases when animals temporarily move to other areas in search of food or when being pursued. One of the most interesting features of its life is hibernation, which is characterized by a shallow winter stupor that gradually increases in the second half of winter, when the animal sleeps more soundly. Winter shelters are usually made in rock crevices. The mating season occurs in June-July, during which time, with several males courting a female, fierce fights often occur, sometimes resulting in the death of one of the opponents. Sexual maturity is reached at the age of three [3]. At the end of December - beginning of January, the female gives birth to two, rarely three blind cubs in the den, weighing no more than 500 g. The gestation period lasts 6 months.

Limiting factors. Poaching, reduction of suitable habitats.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). There are known cases of breeding in captivity.

Existing conservation measures. Included in the Red Data Book of the Kyrgyz SSR and the USSR [7]. Hunting has been banned since 1986. It is protected in reserves and sanctuaries in Kyrgyzstan.

Recommended conservation measures. Creation of new reserves and sanctuaries for animal concentration, tightening the fight against poaching. Conducting educational work among the population. Studying the biology of this subspecies.

Аюу

Brown Bear
Ursus arctos Linnaeus, 1758
Status: VII category, Lower Risk/least concerned, LR/lc. Dwells in highlands of over 3,000 m (9,800 feet), almost across the whole Kyrgyzstan. Occurs in Teskei, Kungei, Naryn-Too, At-Bashi, Kyrgyz, Chatkal, Fergana, Alai and Zaalai Mountainous Ridges. Information about numbers is quite out-dated. In the 70s of the last century, the species density was 0.6-0.8 individuals per 1,000 ha of suitable habitats. There were 26 bears in Sary-Chelek zapovednik (protected area). There are 1-2 animals per 40,000 ha of suitable habitats in Teskei and Kyrgyz Mountainous Ridges and in Inner Tien Shan. The numbers have reduced over the last decade. Feeds in the mornings and evenings, resident, rarely roams after feeding. Hibernates in winter. The mating season starts in June-July, males fight against each other, sometimes killing an opponent. Pregnancy lasts 6 months. Females deliver 2-3 bear cubs in February in the den. Bears become mature at 3 years. Limiting factors are poaching and transformation of suitable habitats. There are cases of breeding in captivity. Included in the USSR and Kyrgyz SSR Red Books. It is recommended to establish new protected areas and reservations and improve public awareness.