Introduction of new techniques for reducing conflicts between humans and brown bears in Albania

Background

The project aims to investigate the situation of human-brown bear interactions in several regions of Albania, uncovering existing conflicts and taking action through promoting initiatives of conflict reduction between local inhabitants and brown bears.

Activities

The activities conducted during this first phase of the project, included identification of hotspots for conflict between brown bears and humans in Albania. The main results can be summarised in the following:

• The brown bear seems to be considered to be the second most damaging animal in the country – the first being the wolf. This is in line with the findings of a previous survey conducted by PPNEA during 2006-07 (Trajce et al. in prep.).
• Bear attacks are more conspicuous on beehives and to a less extent on livestock. Beehives attacks seem to be present throughout their distribution area in Albania. Most of the attacks occur during spring-summer.
• People see the need for a compensation system. To date, the Albanian wildlife authorities have not set up such a system.
• Illegal bear killings and/or keeping in captivity seem to be related with instances of damage.
• People seem to have a consolidated system of response/protection from bear attacks. For livestock breeders and shepherds, a combination of guarding dogs, constant observation of the flock and keeping the sheep/goats in a pen at night seems to be the most effective against bear attacks.
• There is a need for education on the biology/ecology of bears as people seem to have wrong perceptions or attitudes towards their way of living.
• People seem to be unfamiliar with new protection measures such as electric fencing or the use of repellents.

Future work

The second phase of the project will focus on the following topics:

• Continue systematic field-trips and uncover the complexities of human-bears conflicts and relationships.
• Investigation of feasible and acceptable methods for the reduction of conflict. Original plans for electric fencing of beehives needs to be properly evaluated according to the conditions observed in the field. Many remote villages have lack of electricity and/or frequent electricity failures which could jeopardise the application of such a method.
• Produce better educational material for local inhabitants.