Over the years, the bear population has increased while damage has decreased or
remained at similar levels. The damage caused by each bear has therefore decreased
significantly (Fig. 10.4). In France, the number of attacks, victims and the cost is
higher than in Catalonia (Bautista et al. 2016).
10.10 Protective Measures Implemented in Catalonia
The goal of the Catalan government is to reduce the damage caused by these
animals effectively. Small flocks were first grouped into big ones (>1000 head), and
shepherds and assistants were hired to manage them. Flocks and beehives were
enclosed in electrified enclosures. Protection dogs were donated to livestock owners
and shepherds. The living conditions of shepherds in the mountains were improved
through the construction and remodelling of cabins and shelters. The Bear Support
and Conservation Teams carry out monitoring of the brown bear population. They
also help in managing livestock and apiculture and provide information to stockbreeders, shepherds, hunters, tourists and town councils. All these actions entailed
considerable expenditure, as well as a great deal of time and human and material
resources.
Fig. 10.3 Evolution by year
of brown bear attacks
(number of attacks and
victims) in Catalonia:
1996–2015
Fig. 10.4 Evolution of
attacks (number of victims)
on domestic livestock and
beehives by one brown bear
in Catalonia by year:
1996–2015
240
S. Palazón
remained at similar levels. The damage caused by each bear has therefore decreased
significantly (Fig. 10.4). In France, the number of attacks, victims and the cost is
higher than in Catalonia (Bautista et al. 2016).
10.10 Protective Measures Implemented in Catalonia
The goal of the Catalan government is to reduce the damage caused by these
animals effectively. Small flocks were first grouped into big ones (>1000 head), and
shepherds and assistants were hired to manage them. Flocks and beehives were
enclosed in electrified enclosures. Protection dogs were donated to livestock owners
and shepherds. The living conditions of shepherds in the mountains were improved
through the construction and remodelling of cabins and shelters. The Bear Support
and Conservation Teams carry out monitoring of the brown bear population. They
also help in managing livestock and apiculture and provide information to stockbreeders, shepherds, hunters, tourists and town councils. All these actions entailed
considerable expenditure, as well as a great deal of time and human and material
resources.
Fig. 10.3 Evolution by year
of brown bear attacks
(number of attacks and
victims) in Catalonia:
1996–2015
Fig. 10.4 Evolution of
attacks (number of victims)
on domestic livestock and
beehives by one brown bear
in Catalonia by year:
1996–2015
240
S. Palazón