A 樱桃视频woman with a passion for bears has recently returned from an extensive study in Peru where she spent eight months researching Andean bear ecology.
Robyn Appleton wrapped up her Masters at Simon Fraser University last year with a thesis on black bears.
She decided to target South America as a doctoral focus after falling in love with the culture as a Rotary exchange student in Argentina.
"I think the day after I graduated from SFU I was on the phone planning my trip to South America to study Andean bears," she said.
Though worlds apart, the Andean bear faces similar problems as the bears of British Columbia. Hunting, poaching and encroaching development are problems.
"Habitat fragmentation is having detrimental impact on bear populations. Much of the land has become fragmented by roads, sugar cane and rice fields," she said. "The other largest threat is mining. And until recently it was also common to see a bear parts for sale in the markets for medicinal purposes."
Appleton spent four months in the La Reserve Ecologico de Chaparri and another four in the surrounding area. "It's an incredible place and I still cannot believe there are bears there."
The locals in this Northern Peruvian area are very poor, but most are willing to protect the remaining wildlife habitat. "They are eager to conserve what they have without questioning the benefits to themselves," said Appleton. "I am hoping to work with the government and local people to protect Andean bears in Peru. I hope to see important areas for the Andean Bear become protected by private reserves or National Parks."
Upon return to Canada, Appleton and her husband Ian brought her Peruvian guide, Javier, and his son, Jose, to 樱桃视频for the summer to learn English and about local bears.
"They had never left their town before, they live in house made from mud without electricity and running water," said Appleton. "It's been amazing watching them."
