A study to reduce the impact of human-bear conflicts in the World Heritage Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex

Currently, the World Heritage Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex (DPKY) is known for its relatively high levels of human-bear conflict due to an apparent increase in agricultural fields. Human deaths due to bear attacks are very rare but they have been reported in the area. We propose to monitor nuisance bears which move out of the protected area probably in response to seasonal and yearly changes in fruit abundance. Bears will be equipped with satellite neck collars to monitor their movements. DPKY is also subjected to fragmentation and isolation. To prevent bears from developing genetic problems and becoming at risk for local extinction, population connectivity will be used to predict their long-term survival, and to assess their chances of population recovery. We will use remote cameras to also assess bear movement between Khao Yai and Dong Phayayen. This project will establish a monitoring system by which the effects of conservation management can be assessed into the future. Moreover, the population demographics of wild bears are unknown, particularly survival and reproduction rates. We propose to obtain demographic information for bear conservation and to estimate the future carrying capacity of the DPKY. The field study will focus on estimating apparent survival and recruitment (reproduction). The project will provide information on the ecology and conservation of two sympatric species, the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and sun bear (Ursus malayanus). The scientific information gained from this study will also be used to prevent local bear extinction. This initial work is aimed at both immediate conservation recommendations as well as future improvement regarding managing vulnerable species generally. Capacity building of park staff is another key approach of our proposal.