Project leader: Sanzhar Sakenovich Kantarbayev
Implementation period: 2020–2025
GOAL AND OBJECTIVES
The main goal of the program is to study the biology of the brown bear in order to develop scientifically grounded recommendations and proposals for the rational management of its population in the East Kazakhstan region, taking into account both public safety in bear habitats and the sustainable use of this species as a natural resource.
To achieve this goal, the program sets out a number of specific objectives:
- Assessing the impact of spring hunting on the frequency of human–bear conflicts to improve prevention systems and minimize negative outcomes.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of personal safety measures during encounters with bears and developing rules for human presence and economic activity in bear habitats.
- Studying the complex interactions between humans and brown bears, and determining rational ways of human use of natural food resources with regard to the bear’s dietary needs.
- Investigating key aspects of the brown bear’s ecology and behavior essential for understanding factors that threaten its population.
- Comparing the ecology and behavior of brown bears in areas with varying degrees of human impact to determine the influence of anthropogenic activity on the population.
- Improving and adapting population assessment methodologies for local conditions in the Altai; conducting population counts and monitoring of bear numbers in model territories to enable timely responses to negative population trends.
- Studying the role of the brown bear in the ecosystems of Eastern Kazakhstan and applying conservation measures for this species as part of broader biodiversity preservation efforts in the region.
- Assessing the utilization of brown bear resources in the region and developing recommendations to improve the efficiency of population management.
- Identifying threats to the brown bear population and formulating strategies for its conservation.
- Training, supporting, and motivating young zoologists and ecologists whose future work will influence scientific research and environmental policy in Eastern Kazakhstan.
- Examining the role of the brown bear in the development of ecotourism in Eastern Kazakhstan, and preparing recommendations for local authorities and the tourism industry on the safe and sustainable recreational use of brown bear populations.