| |
The Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian Far East is home to some of the world’s largest brown bears (Ursus arctos, a.k.a., “grizzlies”), as well as many other endangered and threatened species. The peninsula is increasingly under threat from resource exploitation and human incursion. Bear and salmon poaching is increasingly common and protected areas are poorly funded. Minnesota Zoo is helping fund efforts by the Wildlife Conservation Society to census and monitor the Kamchatka bear population and research bear ecology. These data will be important for developing effective management strategies for this unique wilderness area. It is also hoped that bear research and conservation will draw attention to the most critical aspects of biodiversity conservation in this region. Staff champion for this project is Christine McKnight, Animal Enrichment Coordinator.
|