Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan

Abstract Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetation’s i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.

reconstruct muscle physique and maintenance of lactation in females (McLellan, 2011;Pires and Moreto, 2016). Generally, females occupy very clear home ranges between 12 to 50 km 2 (Amstrup and Beecham, 1976;Young and Ruff, 1982). Sub-adult males live in very larger home ranges sometime more than 50 km 2 depend upon availability of food sources and den selection (Howe et al., 2010). An adult male may occupy five times larger home range than that of mature female. Females and their descendant's individuals share home ranges with one another (Servheen, 1990;Myers, 2016). Differences in home ranges depend upon variability in habitat, availability of food like production and distribution of oaks and suitability of den sites (Hazumi, 1993). Maximum number of bear species ware declined due to habitat destruction, increased human activities, grazing of livestock in bear habitat (Servheen, 1990).
The current study aimed at assessing suitable habitat of Asiatic black bear in both valleys, population of different plant species such as trees, shrubs and herbs were determined on the bases of bear sign observations. This type of research point out potential sites, habitat strength, availability of food and shelter which promoted diversity and status of black bear.

Study area
The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran valleys located in north-east of District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan (34.234° to 35.184°N and 72.817° to 74.134°E) . Geographical location of both valleys is bordered with District Battagram, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) (Figure 1). Kaghan valley is very important site for wildlife. It contains protected areas including national parks (Saif
Asiatic black bear occurs in variety of habitats including broad-leaved and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to the elevation of 4300m (Garshelis and Steinmetz, 2016). They prefer shrubs and dense forest, occupying different habitats that include wetlands, meadows, planes and burn areas (Liley and Walker, 2015). The species is known to change its habitat for food purpose seasonally (Kumar and Viswanath, 2003;Garshelis and Steinmetz, 2016), seasonal migration of black bear depends upon their diet activity, denning positions, reproductive foraging, and breeding (Roger's). These movements follow well developed corridors like human trails, game trails, open creek beds, edges, shorelines, logging roads and sandbars or rivers (Stevens et al., 1988).
It is very interesting to study the feeding habits of black bear before and after the hibernation period (Howe et al., 2010;Mclellan, 2011;Garshelis and Steinmetz, 2016). Before the hibernation black bear try to take much food to increase their body weight, at least double. Shortage of ideal food can stop a female to produce cubs and no chances to cross harsh winter season (Howe et al., 2010;Myers, 2016). In spring season food provide nutrients to Ul Malook and Lulusar-Dodipat) and a Wildlife Sanctuary (Manshi). Various animals and bird species are found in tourist spots (Shugran, Seri Paya, Nadi Bangla, Manshi Top and Sharran). Siran Valley located at the east of Kaghan valley is very famous spot for tourist hiking especially to elevated Mountain "Mossa Musalla" (4000m) . Both valleys are composed of diverse ecosystems including moist temperate coniferous forest, sub-alpine forest and subtropical woodland.

Methods
Sign survey and transect methods were selected for collection of bear signs. Habitat plots were set up for recording important plants species and their numbers in each transect. A total of 33 long transects (500m long and 20m width) were drawn in both valleys. Selection of the transect area was based on bear sign observations. Twelve (12) meter circular radius plots were selected for relevant vegetation study i.e. Trees, Shrubs and Herbs ( Figure 2). Approximately three to six plots were made along each transect. Those sites were selected for plots set up where most of the bear signs were observed. Plots were set up by the help of three members of the survey team where two persons draw the radius length, and one person collected plant species and recorded their numbers for habitat assessment. The collected data was primarily recorded on data sheets and pictures. Number of plots selection was based on bear signs observed in different part of transect (Waseem and Ali, 2011).

Sign survey
At the result of sign survey techniques, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded, these are: pug marks, claw marks, scat samples, bark off, plants uprooting, dig marks, stone replacing, place of livestock's killing, hair samples, crop damages, coarse wood damages, place of temporary setting and bees nest damaging. Each sign was recorded by taking the GPS reading and photography. Encounter rate was calculated for each sign from all transects. Encounter rate (ER) was calculated by following this equation, number of each sign divided by length of transect (No of sign/transect length) (Waseem and Ali, 2011;Khan et al., 2021;Rahat et al., 2020;Ullah et al., 2021;Ahmad et al., 2021).
Each sign was observed from different transects, these signs represent behavior of black bears. Total of 1858 bear signs were observed during field survey, among these the highest number of sign was dig marks (1213) observed.

Habitat analysis
Habitat analysis was carried out within each transect to collect all necessary information's about vegetation. Vegetation of study area was divided into three major categories; trees, shrubs and herbs. Among trees, generally two types were observed; coniferous trees and broad leave trees. Percentage of each plant species and their abundance were recoded from each transect (Table 1 and 2) for habitat assessment of the black bear.

Discussion
According to Waseem and Ali, 2011, black bear prefer to coniferous plants with support of broad leaves species, 86% conifers were present in Malakandi reserve forest while remaining was broad leaves plant species. Similarly 90% conifers were found in Punjul reserve forest. Other plants like cherry, viburnum and other species were also conformed as black bear food. Trees with large diameter provide excellent shelter for black bear. The present study revealed that habitat of Asiatic black bear consists of 81% conifers and 19% broad leaves in both valleys. Among all shrubs Viburnum spp was recorded with the highest percentage. During habitat analysis herbs species were also found, Aristida Spp and Ferns Spp were recorded the main herbs from both valleys.
Both studies were conducted in the same areas for habitat analysis of black bear. The upper mention study was conducted only in two forests (Malakandi and Punjul) of both valleys while our study was conducted in all forests (9 in Kaghan and 5 in Siran) of both valleys. On other hand this study was also focused on shrubs and herbs species which make 60% contribution of remarkable habitat and perfect shelter. It is determined that, this study represent updated and detailed information's about black bear habitat in district Mansehra.

Conclusion
It is concluded that black bear prefer those areas where conifers viburnum and herbs species are abundantly present as they provide food and shelter for bear population. Among both valleys we point out that Siran valley is the best habitat of black bear as compare to Kaghan because of dense vegetation and low rate of human interruption. Total (81%) coniferous species/trees, (60.29%) Viburnum Spp /shrubs and (45.01%) Aristida Spp/herbs were recorded for habitat assessment of black bear in both valleys. More than 80% of habitat of the black bear is composed of the three major species (Conifers spp), (Viburnum spp) and (Ferns spp).

Recommendations
Very high levels of conservation effort are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat in District Mansehra. For this purpose we recommend that Kaghan and Siran valleys must be converted to a protected national park where wild animals can live freely without human interference.

Acknowledgements
The present study was carried out under the sustainable forest management project (SFM) in the said area. We are thankful to all members of SFM and wildlife staff Fig (Ficus spp), Acer Caesium spp and Rhododendron spp (Figure 3).

Shrubs
According to analysis of this study, Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was recorded with the highest number of shrub species from both valleys. Signs of the black bear were mostly found from shrubby area where high number of Viburnum Spp species found. Among 33 transects Viburnum Spp species was found from 31 transect. Barriers and leaves of Viburnum Spp are the best food of black bear. Study area represents the high number of Viburnum Spp among shrubs, and approximately 50% of habitat is composed of viburnum plants. Second and third highest number of shrub species recorded was Berberis Spp (15.48%) and Indigofera Spp (14.07%). Other shrubs species were also recorded from the study area, like Rubus spp, Lonicera Spp, Skimmia Spp, and Rosa indica Spp are 10.09% (Figure 4).

Herbs
Habitat of black bear was also consisting of different herbs species. Herbs species evaluation is very difficult task during field survey because it required keen observation and careful data collection. Among herbs Aristida Spp was found (45.01%), Ferns Spp (22.02%) and Viola Spp (12.11%). While remaining (20.75%) herbs species were Rumex Spp, Asarum Spp, Valeriana Spp, and Poisonous Plants Spp. Habitat analysis point out that black bear of Kaghan and Siran valleys are mostly found in combination with trees, shrubs and herbs. Mostly black bear prefers a blend of coniferous trees, viburnum shrubs and ferns species of herbs, because these plants species provide enough food, well protection, and meticulous shelter for black bear. More