Habitat selection by brown bears in Deosai National Park, Pakistan and implications for park management [Sélection de l'habitat de l'ours brun dans le Parc National de Deosai, Pakistan et les implications pour sa gestion].

Résumé

The Himalayan brown bear is a threatened species with a fragmented range in the Himalayas, yet its habit requirements are not known. We investigated habitat selection of brown bears and the impact of human disturbance factors in Deosai National Park, Pakistan. An Ecological Niche Factor Analysis indicated that bears avoided higher elevations and steeper slopes, and showed a higher preference for more productive parts of the park (marshy, grassy, and stony vegetation types). Only 65% area of the park was vegetatively productive, with a standing crop of about 900 kg dry matter/km2. The marshy vegetation was the most preferred habitat, probably due to its highest forage production and highest density of golden marmots. Brown bears tolerated human structures like roads and camps, but strongly avoided grazing areas with high livestock density. The habitat suitability map generally followed the biomass productivity patterns of the park. It indicated the central part as suitable, and classified half of the park, mainly peripheral areas, as not suitable for brown bears. The vegetation and habitat suitability maps provide an objective criterion for evaluating present and future developments in the park. Until recently, the park seems to have sustained resource use by communities without significantly affecting the brown bear population or other park resources. However a large influx of livestock by nomad grazers in the last two years has become a major challenge, which needs urgent attention to continue the present brown bear population recover and to secure its habitat. We recommend monitoring of the livestock and a detailed inventory of the rangeland to understand grazing dynamics in the park and to maintain sustainable stocking rates.