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

The NGO “Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania” (PPNEA) has made several surveys concerning wildlife in Albania, some of them aiming at the evaluation of existing and potential conflicts between humans and large carnivores. There are plenty of recordings that confirm damages caused by brown bear to agriculture and livestock. Brown bear is mainly reported to be responsible for damages on crops (corn, maize), fruit trees, vegetable gardens, beehives and, to a lesser extent, livestock (Trajçe et al. 2008).These sources of conflict are a permanent obstacle when it comes to species conservation and management measures. Currently, Albania does not apply any kind of compensation or prevention system related to damages from large carnivores, therefore the farmers have to suffer the economical damage. On the other hand, bear hunting and shooting is forbidden by law, and any kind of lethal method toward bears is to be considered as illegal. This situation leaves the problem open and obviously not in the advantage of the bears and illegal killings of bears have been increasing. Over the past years, there has also been an increase of bears kept in cages, stuffed or prepared skins.

Through the activities of the current proposal we will aim to reduce the existing humans-bears conflict, through promotion of some innovative solutions. Given the fact that most of the damages caused by bears are on agricultural crops, the aim will be to fulfil the bear’s food requirement outside farmlands and cultivated land through plantations of experimental crops and native wild fruit trees. These plantations will occur within bear habitat and will increase the food availability for the animals there, which will then not feel the need to wander in lowland farmlands and increase the risk of being shot or trapped by people. Furthermore, the well known practice of electro-fencing the beehives will be promoted within selected beekeepers. The latest will be properly trained on the usage of the equipment and will be encouraged to expand this solution to other farmers.

Project aims and objectives

Objectives