PLANNING THE BROWN BEAR URSUS ARCTOS REINTRODUCTION IN THE ADAMELLO BRENTA NATURAL PARK. A TOOL TO ESTABLISH A METAPOPULATION IN THE CENTRAL-EASTERN ALPS

摘要: In the 17 th century, increased access to previously remote wilderness areas of prealpine and alpine mountains, where direct persecution by farmers hunters caused extinction local bear populations. The last remnant population that occupied Adamello-Brenta Alps was considered biolo- gically extinct since 1989 (only three, non-reproducing bears). Here we present an analysis reintroduction process as most suitable tool for brown recovery in Italian Alps, taking into account both benefits reinstating a viable risks coexistence between man could cause. is dis- cussed aiming at evaluation its contribution global future efforts conservation region. A GIS-based habitat suitability implemented test good-quality habi- tat vast mountainous area around Natural Park (6500 km 2 ), release site bears. model based on presence/absence data, gathered over 20 years, parameters 25 ha cells core-area popula- tion (645 study area). Other human disturbance livestock densities, were scale municipality. Bears positively selected deciduous forest but seemed avoid with intensive pasture activity, mainly horses sheep, despi- te latter being potential prey. Habitats containing large amounts bare rock, farmland urbanised avoided. There no significant differences munici- palities without bears density intensity tourism.