The death of a bear that is found in the xarea of the Hunting Organization “Borčići” in Šiprage (the three borderlands of Kotor Varoš, Kneževo and Čelinac) occurred naturally due to the age of the individual. This was confirmed to the Center for the Environment by the Bear intervention team of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republic of Srpska on the basis of an on-site investigation, and after a request for additional clarification on the causes of death of this individual.
After the media first published news that indicated poaching, and shortly afterwards this news was denied, we approached an intervention team established by the competent ministry to deal with unwanted situations when it comes to large carnivores (bear, wolf, lynx). They respond with clarification that after they became acquainted with this case a re-examination of the bear was carried out which confirmed that there had no visible mechanical injuries that could indicate a gunshot wound. It was a mature bear and nothing suspicious has discovered on it or around it. It has been evaluated that bear died five to six days before being found, “said Aleksandra Anja Dragomirović from the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Program within of the Center for the Environment.
She reminds that the Center, through its work, with the aim of improving the protection and research of biodiversity, is implementing the project “Protection of brown bears in Dinarides”, and one of its important segments is the development of a Brown bear Management plan. In order to prepare this planning document, cooperation has been established with the relevant ministries in both entities.
“The cause of animals death is being further investigated to monitor the status of populations. Recording the causes of death of individuals of certain species should also be defined in management plans, through recording mortality, collecting and analyzing the bodies of dead animals, which can determine the causes of death, the possible existence of disease in the population. Analyzing the collected data we can identify the limiting factors for the existence of optimal living conditions of the species. We appeal to the general public to actively participate in the monitoring of the situation on the ground and to inform the competent institutions about the phenomena observed. Involving the general public in the mechanisms of reporting observed phenomena from the field and collecting data increases public awareness of the importance of wild species as part of our common ecosystem and the natural wealth of our country. Proper management of large carnivores, as well as of all plant and animal species, is of great importance for their conservation and harmonious coexistence with human”, said Alekandra Anja Dragomirović.