Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Oct 14: The wildlife experts have raised alarm bells over common sightings of brown bears in the human habitations across Kashmir as according to them such happenings occur due to rapid urbanisation.
The spotting of critically endangered Himalayan brown bears in parts of Kashmir in the human habitations has delighted wildlife experts who say it indicates the rising population of the rare species. However, they blamed the rapid development and increased tourism activities in high altitudes for the presence of brown bears in the human habitations.
The brown bear is the biggest animal in Kashmir and an adult weighs more than 2.5 quintals. It is found at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,500 metres mostly above the tree line. Its species are found across the world, but its Himalayan counterpart in the northern mountainous areas of India and Pakistan, is critically endangered.
Wildlife conservationists in Kashmir have noted increasing sightings and spread of the brown bear in the last two to three years in a few of its habitats including the hills of Sonamarg, Drass, Kupwara, Pahalgam, Pir-Panjal range and Gurez area of Bandipora district.
A wildlife official said that such animals have been found in large numbers in the human habitation for many years, which is an alarming situation.
“Last year, two such animals were sighted in Dumail area of Baltal near Amarnath cave shrine, besides three were sighted in Drass sector of the Ladakh region,” he said.
He added that earlier, two bears were sighted in Pahalgam while reports about the presence of the animal are also being received from other areas as well.
“The number of these animals was very good even before, but the presence of the animal in human habitation was rarely observed.”
Recently, the official said that the bear was also spotted in Shahgund village of the Bandipora district. However, the wildlife department successfully managed to catch the animal. Also, several critically-endangered Himalayan Brown Bears were sighted in Gurez Tehsil.
He said brown bears were sighted in Khandyal village of Gurez while another similar bear was seen crossing the Kishanganga dam site.
The wildlife official believes that the latest sighting indicates the population of the endangered animal is increasing in J&K.
He said that his team had to trek a difficult border terrain for three hours to spot these animals but now they are also commonly found near the human habitations.
Aaliya Mir, Project Head, Wildlife SOS, said that the rapid development of the area and increased tourism has significantly disrupted the habitat of the Himalayan brown bear, forcing the animal to venture close to the human habitation for survival.
“Numerous bears started relying on trash and food waste generated by humans at campsites, hotels, and restaurants for sustenance,” she said.
Aliya, while citing destruction of its habitat due to massive construction, increased military and nomad footprint, besides trekking destinations, said that such animals have been seen in residential areas for the last few years now.
She said that there have been frequent sightings of the brown bears in the cropland, market places, hotel premises, security camps, and residential areas.
Mir further said that “the more we interfere with the habitat of these animals, the more it will come down to the residential areas. The survival of the brown bear depends on the availability of suitable habitat, food, and water in the sanctuary.”
