Full Classification

Class – Mammalia (Mammals)

Order – Carnivora (Carnivores)

Family – Ursidae (Bears)

Genus – Ursus (Bears)

Species – Ursus arctos isabellinus

General Information

The Tian Shan brown bear is a subspecies of the brown bear found in the northern mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, western China, and Nepal. It inhabits large open valleys and alpine pastures. During the summer months, these bears may climb to elevations close to the snow line, reaching approximately 5,500 metres above sea level, while in autumn they descend to lower valleys.

This is a large bear with a dense coat, which is most commonly sandy, golden-brown, or reddish-brown in colour. Males are larger than females, with a body length of 150–230 cm, compared with 137–183 cm in females. Body weight ranges from approximately 90 to 250 kg. These bears are omnivorous, feeding mainly on plants, insects, and small mammals. They are primarily diurnal and generally lead solitary lives.

The breeding season occurs in May–June, while cubs are born in winter dens in December–January. The gestation period lasts approximately 6–8 months, and females usually give birth to 1–2 cubs. The lifespan is approximately 20–35 years.

What are the main threats to Tian Shan brown bears?

• Degradation and loss of natural habitats;
• Illegal trophy hunting;
• Human–bear conflict, particularly conflicts between bears and livestock herders.

The Tian Shan brown bear is protected under:

• Appendix I of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora);
• Appendix I of the Bonn Convention (the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals).

The species Ursus arctos is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. However, the conservation status of populations of the subspecies Ursus arctos isabellinus, particularly in Pakistan, has been assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Interesting Facts

1. Small, isolated populations occur in the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Pamirs, and Tian Shan, making exchange of individuals between populations difficult and increasing their vulnerability.
2. Unlike many other brown bears, Ursus arctos isabellinus often has pale sandy, golden-brown, or reddish-brown fur. This distinctive light colouration is one of the characteristics used to distinguish this subspecies from other mountain populations of the brown bear.
3. The Himalayan brown bear is adapted to life at high elevations. It inhabits alpine and subalpine landscapes and, in some areas, can occur at elevations of more than 5,000 metres above sea level.