Damages Done by Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Moji Game Reserve and its Surroundings, Leepa Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir ( Pakistan)

The present study was conducted to investigate human-black bear (Ursus thibetanus) conflict in and around Moji Game Reserve (MGR) Leepa valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan. The main cause of human-black bear conflicts was damages in the form of livestock killings, crop raiding and human casualties. Estimated quantity of maize grains and fodder damaged during the years 2013-2015 was 40280 kg and 149300 kg, respectively. The total estimated cost of damages due to crop raiding (grains & fodder) during 2013-2015 was $22042.31. and the crop raiding intensity during 2015 was significantly higher than 2013 and 2014 (chi(2) =376.16; df=2; p <= 0.001). Among livestock (n=304), goats, sheep and cattle were reported killed between 2013 and 2015. The total estimated cost of livestock killings during 2103-2015 was $38260 and estimated cost ($25180) during 2015 was significantly different from 2013 and 2014 (chi(2) =19463.28; df=2: p <= 0.001). During the study period livestock (n=8) and human (n=3) injuries, and one case of human killing by black bear were also reported. People of the area had negative perception about black bear and wanted to eradicate it from the area that poses a severe threat to its conservation in the area.