Targeted Conservation of High-Altitude Grasslands Critical for Andean Bear Survival

New research highlights the bears’ selective foraging behavior and the importance of protecting habitats from livestock impacts.

Andean bears, also known as spectacled bears, are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change, and human conflict.
A study in Peru’s Manu National Park found that the bears forage selectively, preferring young bromeliads in steep, east-facing grasslands at forest edges.
Trail cameras revealed that the bears only foraged in 16.7% of available bromeliad patches, primarily during the dry season when plants were more nutritious.
The bears avoid areas with livestock but show flexibility by foraging in areas previously grazed by livestock, suggesting potential for habitat recovery.
Researchers emphasize the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect high-altitude grasslands, which are vital for the bears’ nutrition and safety.