Collaboration between hunters and conservationists to safeguard Formosan black bears | Global News

Conservationists and hunters in Taiwan are working together to protect the endangered Formosan black bear, with efforts focused on preventing bears from getting caught in traps designed for other prey. The collaboration aims to reduce the number of bears injured or killed by outdated hunting tools like steel snares, which can cause severe damage to the animals’ limbs when triggered. New traps have been distributed to hunters and farmers for free, with rewards offered for reporting instances of bears getting caught. Despite these efforts, a young bear named Ziman, who had his paw amputated due to a trap, was found dead in the mountains shortly after being released back into the wild. The loss underscores the ongoing challenges in preserving the rare species, which is considered a symbol of Taiwanese identity and cultural diversity. Conservationists remain committed to their mission, determined to continue protecting the remaining population of Formosan black bears. The collaboration between hunters, conservationists, and indigenous communities reflects a shared goal of safeguarding the bears and their natural habitat in Taiwan’s forested mountains.

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