Date of Graduation

Spring 2025

Degree

Master of Science in Biology

Department

Biology

Committee Chair

Giorgia Auteri

Abstract

I explore the relationship between Himalayan black bears (HBBs) and humans by constructing niche models for HBBs considering both natural and human influences. This approach allowed me to assess the net impact of human activities on HBBs, which face challenges like habitat fragmentation, but also reap some benefits (like increased food availability). I examined HBB niche impacts from humans by quantifying and comparing the extent of HBB niche space when including versus excluding anthropogenic influences. Specifically, I estimated the natural HBB niche space by assuming no human alterations of the landscape and compared this natural range to the observed range in habitats heavily altered by human activity. Niche models were based on a total of 475 presence records that I collected from both field surveys and literature reviews. Environmental variables included bioclimatic and anthropogenic factors for species distribution modeling. Four models were developed using Maxent, incorporating relatively pristine and more human-modified habitats. Habitat suitability maps were generated, distinguishing suitable habitat using a tenth-percentile minimum training presence threshold. These maps were overlaid onto Nepal's Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) map and categorized into land cover type (e.g. forest, grassland, anthropogenic) to analyze the interactions and net change between HBB distribution and land use patterns. Overall, the results suggest that current anthropogenic changes have a near net-neutral impact on the range of HBBs. Natural forested regions remain highly suitable habitats, while areas modified by human activity exhibit lower but still notable levels of suitability for HBB. Despite the compensation some bears may reap through crop and livestock raiding, conservation activities to address human-HBB interactions and safeguard vital habitat for the species are necessary.

Keywords

Himalayan Black Bear, habitat suitability, species distribution, MaxEnt, anthropogenic influences

Subject Categories

Biodiversity

Copyright

© Suman Shree Neupane

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