socio-ecological implications on Brown bear (Ursus arctos) population in South Caucasus

Human negative activities such as land-use change and habitat fragmentation, overhunting, invasive species, and pollution, which currently threaten 25% of all mammal species, have a significant influence on ecosystems and wildlife in the modern world. Large-bodied mammalian carnivores, in particular, are often threatened. Causes of population decline vary among different regions of the world, but human-carnivore conflict is one of the most worrisome concerns for carnivores. Similar concerns are widespread in the Caucasus region, which is one of the world's top biodiversity hotspots. The Brown bear (Ursus arctos) is not an exception in this context. Brown bears are classified as Least Concern internationally, however, there are isolated populations that are considered as Threatened, and one of them is the Caucasian subpopulation. Despite brown bears vulnerability in the Caucasus and the potential value of local populations for regional survival, there are little credible data to guide land-use planning and bear conservation activities in the region, especially in Armenia for the last few decades. In this study, we are going to use machine learning algorithms, remote sensing and social surveys methods in order to understand conservation issues related to the Brown bear.