01

Status

Category III. A rare bird with declining numbers. Listed in the Red Book of the USSR.

02

Taxonomic significance

One of two subspecies of brown bear in Kazakhstan and seven subspecies in the CIS countries.

03

Distribution

Inhabits the mountains of Central Asia, including the Tien Shan and Dzungarian Alatau. In Kazakhstan, its range includes the Dzungarian Alatau and the Tien Shan mountains.

04

Habitat

Mountainous coniferous and deciduous forests, subalpine and alpine meadows, rocky areas.

05

Population

In the 19th - early 20th century, it was common in the Dzungarian Alatau and Tien Shan, but its numbers have significantly decreased. In the 1970s, there were about 300 bears in the Dzungarian Alatau and about 200 in the Kazakhstan part of the Tien Shan.

06

Main threats

Poaching, forest reduction due to fires and logging, disturbance factor.

07

Biology

Makes vertical migrations within mountain belts. Feeds on plants, berries, fruits, and rarely on animals. Hibernates for 5-7 months. Mating occurs in May-June, cubs are born in January-February.

08

Conservation measures

Listed in Appendix I of CITES. Protected in several reserves and national parks in Kazakhstan.

09

Necessary actions

Strengthening protection in the Dzungarian Alatau, protecting from poachers, preserving forests.