Distribution and diet of brown bears in the upper Mustang Region, Nepal

We investigated the distribution and diet of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the Upper Mustang Region (UMR) of the Annapurna Conservation Area (CA) in Nepal by interviewing local residents (n = 166) and collecting bear sign (n = 109). Residents reported that brown bears predominantly used the Dhalung and Chungjung pastures and the Damodar Kunda Valley of the UMR from May to November, as well as the unprotected area between this region and Shey-Phoksundo National Park. We conducted dietary analyses on 56 bear scats; bears were predominately carnivorous in the UMR. Plant matter comprised 8% of fecal volume in scats. Small mammal hair was the most commonly identified item (75%), with marmots (Marmota himalayana; 46%) being the largest contributor. In addition, hair from ungulates (14%) and livestock (10%) were identified in scats. Few bear depredations occurred between 2003-10 in the UMR.