Implementing a comprehensive approach to study the causes of human-bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus) conflicts in the Sanjiangyuan region, China.

摘要: Abstract Personal injury and property loss caused by wildlife often deteriorates the relationship between humans animals, prompting retaliatory killings that threaten species survival. Conflicts Tibetan brown bears (Ursus arctos pruinosus) (Human-Bear Conflicts, HBC) in Sanjiangyuan region have recently dramatically increased, seriously affecting community enthusiasm for conservation of other species. In order to understand driving mechanisms HBC, we proposed six potential drivers leading increased occurrences HBC. We conducted field research Zhiduo County from 2017 2019 test hypotheses through semi-constructed interviews, marmot (Marmota himalayana) density surveys bear diet analysis based on metagenomic sequencing. Analysis herder perceptions revealed factors HBC were related changes their settlement practice living habits, foraging behavior recovery population. Since establishment winter homes, gradually learned utilize food unattended homes. Although 91.4% (n = 285) respondents no longer store reported still frequently approach homes due improper disposal dead livestock household garbage. The frequency abundance marmots found be high diet, indicating bears' primary food. However, had significant effect utilizing human (P = 0.329), appears not natural shortages. Distance rocky outcrops (P = 0.022) (P = 0.040) key linked pursuing number has over past decade, is likely its population recovery. Our findings will provide scientific basis formulating effective mitigation measures protection countermeasures bears.