Download Spectacled Bear Conservation

Conservation Through Coexistence: Using Solar
Powered Electric Fencing to Prevent Andean Bear –
Human Conflicts in Venezuela
World over there is a long history of conflicts between humans and
natural resources. Notably, human-bear conflicts are a common
focus at the intersection of conservation and regional economics.
The complex threats to the South American Andean bear
(Tremarctos ornatus) are closely linked to peoples’ everyday
activities and cultural philosophies. Undisturbed habitat has been
reduced and fragmented causing bear populations to come into
contact with humans with increasing frequency, resulting in
numerous conflicts. One such conflict was identified in early 2003
between Audelino DelGado, a Venezuelan cattle rancher, and a
suspected “cattle killer” inhabiting his property and the neighboring
Sierra de la Culata National Park.
The use of electric fences to seclude livestock and preclude
predators has long been practiced, but has otherwise been
unavailable in remote and economically challenged applications.
The transference of electric fencing as a ranching tool and
combining it with the success experienced in the zoological setting
(particularly in bear exhibits) it is hypothesized this project will bring
a practical and viable solution
to curtail human-bear
conflicts. In turn, conflict
avoidance will modify the
human response and influence
attitudes, building the
foundation for successful
conservation
.
Upon arrival to Merida,
Venezuela, the first objective was to cement partnerships. These
partnerships extended between ourselves, Denis Torres (Foundation
AndigenA) a long time Andean bear researcher, Audelino DelGado
(the rancher), and Inparques (the national park service). Denis
Torres served as the project’s language interpreter and negotiated
the support of the rancher and local officials. The support of
Inparques proved to be invaluable as they provided a vehicle and
driver for the duration of the project.
All of the specialty fence materials were transported from the US
(i.e. solar fence charger, corner insulators, gate handles, wire
tension pulleys, camera traps, etc...). Locating fence posts, high
tensile wire, in-line insulators, and grounding rods proved to be
more of a challenge than even anticipated. After visiting five
different “hardware” dealers, 90 metal t-posts were purchased (all
available), 40 schedule 40 PVC posts (to supplement the lack of
metal posts), 30 meters of schedule 20 PVC pipe (to be cut into
collars for the in-line insulators), 1 bundle of 14 gauge high tensile
wire, 2 copper grounding rods (5/8" x 2.4 meters), and
miscellaneous hand tools were purchased.
Although the straight line distance between Merida and the fence
site is a mere 32 miles, the driving time involved approximately four
hours. The drive took us in a north easterly direction on paved and
dirt roads into the Andes mountains. We reached a peak altitude of
approximately 4300 meters (12,900 feet) and concluded at 3533
meters (10,600 feet).
Fence construction began with setting the first
wooden corner post that was cut on site by the
rancher’s laborers he allocated to us for the
project. From that first post, two metal tposts were set and then a PVC post at 4 meter
(12 feet) increments. That pattern was repeated until the desired
length of the first leg was achieved. The length was determined by
the maximum number of available posts per side, assuming a
square. After establishing the perimeter, insulators were installed
on the metal posts, and three strands of wire were strung and
stretched. Next, a gate with insulated handles was constructed.
Finally, the solar fence charger and the ground rods were installed
and tested. With an incomplete charge, the fence tested at a
satisfactory 2,000 volts. As determined by GPS (Global Positioning
System), the linear distance of the fence was 1616.9 feet (approx.
1/3 mile) and enclosed an area of about 3.75 acres.
The second aspect of the project centered around the installation of
four camera traps in strategic locations. These 35mm cameras are
motion activated and can be programed to shoot 1-6 frames per
disturbance. These cameras were incorporated to provide tangible
evidence as to what is (or is not) being precluded from the site. The
site proved to be in prime Andean bear habitat as evidenced by the
discovery of a bear nest high in a tree at one of the four corners. To
our surprise a cow’s skull was found in this nest.
In conclusion, if comparing other bear species, it is arguable some
individual bears do predate on cattle. But as a whole Andean bears,
like other bear species, do not associate cattle as food. During my
time in the field, I hypothesize that two other issues are at hand
contributing to the cattle killing reputation of Andean bears. First,
on frequent occasions feral dogs were observed. Stray dogs, it
appears, is quite a problem in these rural areas and undoubtedly
contributes to cattle deaths. Secondly, veterinary care and general
animal management is not distinguishable, particularly disposal of
cattle carcasses. In either case, it is easily foreseeable how Andean
bears could be blamed for these deaths. Whether Andean bears are
true predators or not (rather than opportunistic carrion feeders) has
not been satisfactorily demonstrated by in-country researchers.
Being able to resolve this “predation question”, either supporting or
negating the role of bears as predators, is a key piece of information
for any successful management plan that aims to conserve both
Andean bears and the livelihood of Andean settlers