The IIECCO team have been studying this geographically important population of Andean bears using trail cameras since 2022. It is suggested that this may be the southernmost western population in Peru, and possibly one of the last connections to the central Andean population.
To learn more, IIECCO work to three main aims:
1. Determine the presence of bears across the landscape, looking at environmental and human-influenced factors.
2. Use camera trapping data to monitor activity patterns.
3. Provide camera trap training to wildlife rangers through workshops and fieldwork.
With 90 cameras spread across more than 3,000 metres in elevation, they have captured a total of 57 bear observations as well as images of 14 other mammal species; including guanaco, coastal desert fox, white tailed deer and pampas cats.
Moving into their final season of monitoring before analysing the data, key project objectives are already being achieved, with the Andean bear population in Calipuy National Reserve being added to the new official species range map - a first step in recognising this important population for protection.
To deepen their knowledge, the team at IIECCO will be strengthening their research by testing population genetics via hair samples and diet studies, in collaboration with San Diego Zoo, all whilst continuing to raise awareness of the species.
The information gathered across the project will contribute to the development of the Peruvian Andean Bear National Conservation Plan and more specifically, conservation management plans tailored to coastal bear populations. This will help accurately map population distribution, identify human conflicts and provide training to authorities.
