Cascadia Partner Forum Science Plan Appendices: Grizzly bear
Citation
DeWolff, B. 2015. Cascadia Partner Forum Science Plan Appendices: Grizzly bear. Cascadia Partner Forum
Summary
Grizzly bears once had the widest distribution of any bears in the world, including throughout Cascadia (Almack et al. 1993; USFWS 1993, 1997). But due to large scale habitat loss and related human conflict and decades of persecution, grizzly numbers and their range have been reduced by 98% in the continental US (USFWS 1993). This iconic species is culturally and ecologically significant, particularly to indigenous communities in the Cascades and throughout western US and Canada (Rockwell 1991). Grizzly bears feed on a wide variety of plants and animals, and rely on large intact interconnected habitats. Because of their large home ranges and wide variety of habitat needs, grizzly bears are considered an excellent umbrella species, [...]
Summary
Grizzly bears once had the widest distribution of any bears in the world, including throughout Cascadia (Almack et al. 1993; USFWS 1993, 1997). But due to large scale habitat loss and related human conflict and decades of persecution, grizzly numbers and their range have been reduced by 98% in the continental US (USFWS 1993). This iconic species is culturally and ecologically significant, particularly to indigenous communities in the Cascades and throughout western US and Canada (Rockwell 1991).
Grizzly bears feed on a wide variety of plants and animals, and rely on large intact interconnected habitats. Because of their large home ranges and wide variety of habitat needs, grizzly bears are considered an excellent umbrella species, the conservation of which benefits a large number of other species (Noss et al. 1996, Gaines et al. 1999); and an indicator of habitat quality and a range of ecosystem services, like large-intact wild areas.
British Columbia has an estimated half of Canada’s grizzlies, but their range continues to contract in most of southern BC due to ongoing habitat fragmentation and associated human conflict. Washington’s North Cascades and BC’s Manning Provincial Park offer high quality habitat, but likely have only a few grizzly bears remaining (Almack et al. 1993, Gaines et al. In press). Cooperative recovery planning and related actions are needed on both sides of the Washington-BC border in recognition of adjacent habitats and the security needs of grizzly bears.
The Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative recognizes grizzly bears as a conservation target in its Strategic Conservation Framework, and the Cascadia Partner Forum has recognized grizzly bears as a priority issue. This appendix contributes to the Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative Science Plan by providing information on grizzly bears for the Cascadia region.
