Movements and Habitat Use of Japanese Black Bears in Nikko

The Japanese black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) population has declined throughout Japan. Intensive land uses such as forestry, agriculture, and energy development have destroyed their habitat in many areas. More than 2,000 bears are harvested annually, including nuisance kills and sport hunting; however, no bear management policy has been developed or implemented. Sound ecological information is needed so we can develop such a policy. Since 1978 we have studied the ecology of Japanese black bears in Nikko, central Honshu, and reported on home range size and structure (Hazumi and Maruyama, in press). In this paper we show their movement pattern and habitat use, especially in relation to oak (Quercus mongolica var. grosserrata) acorn crops, the most important food for these bears.