Study on Himalayan Brown Bear: Habitats declining

October 24, 2020

The recent study by the Zoological Survey of India on Himalayan Brown Bear says that its suitable habitat in the biological corridors are declining. The Himalayan Brown Bear is one of the largest carnivore in the highlands of Himalayas.

About the Study

The study predicts that a massive habitat decline is to occur in the region. The habitat of Himalayan Brown Bear is to decline from 73.38% to 72.87% by 2050. This will impact 13 protected areas. Of these, eight of them are to become completely uninhabitable by 2050.

Why Himalayan Brown Bear?

The Himalayan Brown Bear has been considered for the study as it is the top carnivore in the Himalayan region. The belts where the brown bears are distributed are getting warmer than the other zones of Himalayas.

Importance of Top Carnivore

The top carnivores are those animals that are in the top of the pyramid. They prey on other organisms and are not preyed on. They are important in maintaining and regulating the ecosystems. They help to balance the ecosystem by making sure, no single creature dominates an ecosystem. If the population of top carnivores decline, the entire ecosystem will collapse soon.

The brown bears prey on grasses, plants, roots, mammals such as goat and sheep. Thus, they help to keep a balance in an ecosystem.

Conservation Status

They are categorised as “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species in Himalayas and Hindukush. In the rest of the world, the brown bear is categorised as “Least Concern” by the IUCN.

International trade of brown bear is prohibited under wildlife Protection Act.