What does this research mean for the field?

Threats to terrestrial bears vary significantly by species and geography—with habitat loss being the universal primary threat—and global conservation effectiveness is heavily constrained by regional resources and capacity, particularly in Asia. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aimed to assess perceived threats to bear species and conservation actions taken by the IUCN Bear Specialist Group members.

July 2, 2026Integrative ConservationOpen Access

Threats to the World's Bears and Efforts to Conserve Them: Perspectives and Actions of IUCN Bear Specialist Group Members

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Authors

DGDavid L. Garshelis KPKarine E. Pigeon LKLydia Kolter

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Survey reveals perceptions of threats and conservation actions among IUCN Bear Specialist Group members, indicating regional variations.

Key Points

This research aimed to assess perceived threats to bear species and conservation actions taken by the IUCN Bear Specialist Group members.
Surveyed IUCN Bear Specialist Group members regarding threats and actions taken for local bear conservation.
Analyzed responses related to the severity of threats, actions taken, and perceived effectiveness.
Documented regional differences in conservation actions and challenges encountered.
Habitat loss was identified as the highest threat across all bear species, particularly severe for sloth bears.
Illegal hunting was the most critical threat for sun and Asiatic black bears in Southeast Asia.
Two-thirds of members did not self-identify as bear specialists, impacting targeted conservation efforts.

Cite This Study

Garshelis et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a4600709ed1343031310a4a https://doi.org/10.1002/inc3.70085

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July 2, 2026Integrative ConservationOpen Access

Threats to the World's Bears and Efforts to Conserve Them: Perspectives and Actions of IUCN Bear Specialist Group Members

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

DGDavid L. Garshelis KPKarine E. Pigeon LKLydia Kolter

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Survey reveals perceptions of threats and conservation actions among IUCN Bear Specialist Group members, indicating regional variations.

Key Points

This research aimed to assess perceived threats to bear species and conservation actions taken by the IUCN Bear Specialist Group members.
Surveyed IUCN Bear Specialist Group members regarding threats and actions taken for local bear conservation.
Analyzed responses related to the severity of threats, actions taken, and perceived effectiveness.
Documented regional differences in conservation actions and challenges encountered.
Habitat loss was identified as the highest threat across all bear species, particularly severe for sloth bears.
Illegal hunting was the most critical threat for sun and Asiatic black bears in Southeast Asia.
Two-thirds of members did not self-identify as bear specialists, impacting targeted conservation efforts.

Cite This Study

Garshelis et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a4600709ed1343031310a4a https://doi.org/10.1002/inc3.70085

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark