WH204

With promoting conservation education of Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) as our main goal, we have exhibited strong teamwork to conduct long-term research on this species. Multiple methods have been used to study this species in various aspects such as behavior ecology, population monitoring, physiology, genetics, interspecific interaction, human-bear relationship and conservation education. The methods we used included geographic information system (GIS), distribution prediction model, camera trapping, vegetation classification and analysis, genetic diversity and population estimation, digestive physiology and nutriology, diets analysis using stable isotopes, and voice forensics. One of our team biggest features is to work with experts from several different fields in co-advising postgraduate student.

Studying bears is not an easy task, as collecting data might be challenging due to the inaccessibility to the mountainous habitats of black bears covered in dense vegetation. Also, the wide-ranging nature of bears makes them difficult to be detected. Great patience is needed for students to foster adequate scientific profession and ethics in time-consuming study of this species. Nevertheless, we are always looking forward to cultivating individuals who are hardworking, passionate about nature and wildlife conservation, to work hand in hand with us to conserve the endangered Formosan black bears in Taiwan.

Theses of master degree students

• Lin, Cheng (2018) An Assessment of Environmental Attitudes, Personal Responsibility, Locus of Control, Environmental Knowledge, and Environmental Behavior of 6th Graders towards Taiwan Black Bear and Forests Conservation in Southern Taiwan.
• Lin, Wan-Ching (2017) Movement and activity patterns of Formosan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) by Iridium GPS telemetry in Yushan National Park, Taiwan.
• Lee, Ting-Rong (2017) Hematology and Plasma Biochemistry Profiles, and Vector-borne Pathogens in Wild Formosan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus).
• Tsai, Hui-Wen (2015) Individual Identification and Population Genetic Structure of Formosan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) in Dafen of Yu-Shan National Park
• Ling, Ching-Fen (2015) The Behavioral Pattern and Management of Captive Asiatic Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Taiwan.
• Lee, Choy Yuh (2015) Application of the scat detection dog in the conservation of the leopard cats in Taiwan.
• Zeng, Kuei-Hong (2014) Using Highway Culverts as Corridors for Masked Palm Civets (Paguma larvata taivana) in Taiwan.
• Chen, Shengwei (2014) Establish the Procedure and Application for Individual Identification of Formosan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) Based on Molecular Markers.
• Kao, Chia-Tzu (2013) Removal patterns and conflicts of leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis) at Tongsiao Miaoli, Taiwan.
• Chin, Ting Wei (2013) Fecal Parasite Profile of Formosan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) in Yushan National Park.
• Lin, Rong-An (2013) Population viability analysis of Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus).
• Kuo, Yen Jen (2012) The impact of wildlife on seed and seedling survival of Cyclobalanopsis glauca in Dafen, Yushan National Park, Taiwan.
• He, Guan-Zhu (2012) Preliminary Study of Genetic Diversity of Formosa black bears(Ursus thibetanus formosanus) in Dafen of Yushan National Park.
• Tsai, Shin-Chien (2011) The Relative Abundance and the Distribution Prediction Models of Formosan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus).
• Ye, Jyong-Jhang (2011) Use of Stable Isotopes to Infer Diets of Formosan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus).
• Chen, Ya-Shuan (2009) Apparent Digestibility and Correction Factors of Asiatic Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus).
• Teo Shu De (2009) Habitat Use by Malayan Sun Bears (Helarctos malayanus) in the Lowland Rainforest of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
• Lin, Kuan-Fu (2009) The Effects of Acorn Production on Abundance of Large Mammals in Dafen of Yushan National Park.
• Jhong, Yu-Cen (2008) Effects of Fruit Consumption by Formosan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) on Seed Germination.
• Wu, Yin-Jen (2006) Habitat Use and Distribution Model of Formosan Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus).