Our Research

The Scandinavian Brown Bear Research Project studies and monitors brown bears closely in the heart of the brown bear's distribution zone in Scandinavia using GPS/VHF-collaring, den surveys, scat sampling, habitat surveys, berry monitoring as well as studies cases of infanticide and human-bear interactions. That close studies enable us to document changes in demography, life history, individual brown bear densities and composition and to follow developments along with changes in climate and environment, management, and land use. The SBP also receives relevant and updated data for population models and can thus develop and quality-assure monitoring and inventory systems, such as for e.g., population size estimation. Due to its effective set-up, we can relatively quickly implement or start studies of importance for the wildlife management authorities, e.g., as done previously on the effects of different hunting methods such as dog hunting and culling or study interactions with wolves and predation on reindeer and moose.

 

Interdisciplinarity, such as the strong combination of medical and ecological research at the SBP also contributed to greater human health and animal welfare. The SBP utilizes synergy effects, such as human medical and veterinary medical research such as conducting studies on the occurrence and environmental effects of trace elements such as heavy metals. Studies on the effects of capture, immobilization and use of tracking devices contributed to the emerging field of research ethics. Since the beginning we have been closely communicating and cooperating with administrative authorities, hunting associations and its members as well as Sami people and locals. Throughout the years we have provided mentorship to students and volunteers, educating new generations of wildlife professionals. This uniquely long time series provides data that becomes more valuable every year and despite 38 years of research, this corresponds to a bit less than 4 generations in the brown bear.