Srinagar, Aug 31: A three-month camera-trapping study undertaken by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department has generated new insights into the behaviour, habitat use and hibernation patterns of Himalayan brown bears across the Kashmir region.
As part of the study conducted during the winter months of 2025, Wildlife SOS deployed 17 camera traps at identified Himalayan brown bear dens located at elevations exceeding 4,000 metres across the Sonamarg landscape. The cameras remained deployed for three months, capturing valuable footage that will aid in assessing and understanding brown bear behaviour during the winter period.
The initiative builds on India’s first radio-collaring and telemetry-based research project on Himalayan brown bears, launched by Wildlife SOS and the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department in 2023. Six bears were fitted with GPS-enabled radio collars to study their movements, habitat use and seasonal behaviour.
Building on the findings from this study, Wildlife SOS and the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department are also planning a second phase of research focused specifically on Himalayan brown bear denning behaviour. During the earlier radio-collaring study, researchers identified both denning and resting locations used by the bears. The planned Phase 2 study will deploy camera traps at these identified sites to further understand denning behaviour and the characteristics of habitats selected for denning. As an important stage in the annual life cycle of Himalayan brown bears, understanding denning behaviour and protecting these critical habitats will be important for the species’ long-term conservation.
While radio telemetry helps researchers understand where bears move, the 2025 camera-trapping study provided an opportunity to observe activity at remote, high-altitude den sites without repeatedly approaching or disturbing the animals.
“Hibernation remains one of the least visible phases in the life of a Himalayan brown bear. By combining GPS telemetry with camera trapping, we hope to better understand their denning behaviour and the habitats they depend on. These insights can help strengthen conservation planning for the species,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO, Wildlife SOS.
Preliminary findings from the radio-collaring study have shown that Himalayan brown bears in the Sonamarg landscape frequently use garbage dumps and areas close to human habitation for foraging. A 2021 Wildlife SOS study found that nearly 75% of the diet of brown bears frequenting garbage dumps consisted of plastic, chocolates and other food waste, highlighting the impact of improper waste management on their natural foraging behaviour.
Alongside radio telemetry and camera trapping, occupancy surveys are also being conducted to map bear distribution and habitat use across the landscape. Together, these efforts are generating multiple data points to better understand the species and the pressures it faces.
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary, Wildlife SOS, said, “Himalayan brown bears are an irreplaceable part of Kashmir’s natural heritage, and protecting them requires us to understand the changing landscapes they navigate. Research of this kind gives us the evidence needed to identify the pressures affecting these animals and strengthen long-term conservation efforts. By deepening our understanding of their ecology, we can work towards protecting both critical wildlife habitats and the delicate balance between communities and wildlife.”
Aaliya Mir, Education Officer & Programme Head – J&K, Wildlife SOS, said, “The success of conservation ultimately depends on how well people and wildlife are able to share the same landscape. Understanding what brings Himalayan brown bears closer to human settlements can help us develop practical measures to reduce conflict, while engaging local communities and young people can foster greater awareness and respect for wildlife. Together, science and community participation can help create safer coexistence between people and bears.”
The study is particularly significant in the context of increasing human–bear interactions in areas where natural food resources overlap with human activity and tourism. Understanding seasonal bear movements can help identify important habitats and movement corridors and support better management of human–wildlife interactions. The GPS-collar data will continue to be analysed to document bear movements before, during and after the denning period. Together with the camera-trap observations and occupancy surveys, these findings will contribute to a better understanding of Himalayan brown bear ecology in the Kashmir landscape and help inform evidence-based conservation and conflict-mitigation strategies. Wildlife SOS will continue working with the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department and local communities to strengthen scientific monitoring, promote coexistence and support the conservation of Kashmir’s Himalayan brown bear population. [KNT]
