Sustainable Ursidae Conservation

Dear Colleagues,

The subject of the proposed special edition refers to a mammalian taxon (the bears) which is highly emblematic and consisting of species which are considered as “umbrella”/”flagship” and apex. Bears ecological requirements and functions are related to a large variety of ecosystems and landscapes which in many cases and contexts integrate the human factor thus assigning an outstanding interest in terms of species conservation needs. Bears are generally characterized by a large scope of habitat requirements, as well as by a high behavioral and ecological plasticity. This plasticity combined to a population and range recovery for some among the eight bears species has generated a new reality in terms of co-existence with humans as conflict issues especially in human – dominated landscapes and ecosystems are becoming increasingly apparent urging wildlife managers and conservationists to the elaboration and adoption of appropriate and updated conservation strategies. Moreover, the fate of some bear species is closely related to environmental problems of global scale (i.e. global warming, natural resources loss) and on which the survival of the humankind depends as well.

This special edition aims at investigating a scope of components dealing with the taxon’s conservation needs and necessary strategies from the ecosystem approach, to the social dimension aspect and through this process to achieve an outcome that shows how all involved components such as: ecology, biology and the human factor are intrinsically linked, thus demanding a multidisciplinary approach and analysis in order to address the major challenges for this taxon’s conservation needs and survival perspectives

Dr. Yorgos Mertzanis
Guest Editor

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• large carnivores
• Ursus
• bears
• conservation
• sustainable management
• ecosystem services
• ecological requirements
• bear-human interactions
• environmental change
• biodiversity
• flagship species
• umbrella species