engleski

Brown bear habitat quality in Gorski kotar, Croatia

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) population in Croatia is a possible source of bears for reintroducing and augmenting disappearing European brown bear populations in western Europe. For successful reintroduction, knowledge about bear habitat qualities of both source and target areas is necessary. A habitat suitability index (HSI) model was developed to assess habitat quality of European brown bear in Gorski kotar, Croatia. We identified natural components of bear habitat, most of which had been deteriorated by human activities. Food sources were available year-round. Human influence was manifested through a relatively high density of roads (1.91 km/km2), including forest roads. Habitat fragmentation did not occur within the study area, but a highway under construction was a possible threat. Habitat in Gorski kotar can be improved with changes in management practice. Changes that could have an immediate effect include closing forest roads, seasonally avoiding of logging in denning areas, and changing laws that prevent small-scale bear management. Proposed measures with long-term effects include modifying forest management to improve natural forest cover and educating residents about garbage management.

Croatia; European brown bear; habitat; suitability; index; HSI; quality; Ursus arctos

nije evidentirano