Bear Specialist Group
Encyclopedia
The Bear Specialist Group is the bear
taxon expert focal group of the Species Survival Commission
of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In coordination with the International Association for Bear Research and Management, also known as the International Bear Association
(IBA), the group provides information on biodiversity conservation, faunal group function in range countries, and ecosystem health as it pertains to bear habitat. The SSC members provide scientific advice to NGOs, government agencies and other IUCN members and support the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements affecting the eight extant species of bears and their habitat. Members of the specialist group provide guidance to bear conservation projects and initiatives, such as restoration efforts, and the handling of confiscated specimens. The Co-chairs of the Bear Specialist Group are Drs. Dave Garshelis and Bruce McLellan.
Bear
Bears are mammals of the family Ursidae. Bears are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their closest living relatives. Although there are only eight living species of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern...
taxon expert focal group of the Species Survival Commission
IUCN Species Survival Commission
The IUCN Species Survival Commission is a special commission operated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The commission's "major role is to provide information to IUCN on biodiversity conservation, the inherent value of species, their role in ecosystem health and functioning,...
of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In coordination with the International Association for Bear Research and Management, also known as the International Bear Association
International Bear Association
The International Association for Bear Research and Management , also known as the International Bear Association, is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization open to professional biologists, wildlife managers and others dedicated to the conservation of the world’s eight bear species.With over 550...
(IBA), the group provides information on biodiversity conservation, faunal group function in range countries, and ecosystem health as it pertains to bear habitat. The SSC members provide scientific advice to NGOs, government agencies and other IUCN members and support the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements affecting the eight extant species of bears and their habitat. Members of the specialist group provide guidance to bear conservation projects and initiatives, such as restoration efforts, and the handling of confiscated specimens. The Co-chairs of the Bear Specialist Group are Drs. Dave Garshelis and Bruce McLellan.