Using beech tree flowers to predict bear invasion

The male inflorescences of beech collected by researchers in June 2011
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Image source: Hideyuki Ida/Shinshu University, Japan

In recent years, black bears have repeatedly encountered humans in rural and suburban Japan, causing casualties to residents near mountainous areas

Hideyuki Ida, a professor at the School of Education at Shinshu University in Japan, conducted a 15-year study to see if beech nuts can predict whether bears venture to human-inhabited areas to find food
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In order to predict the harvest of beech nuts, he collected the male and female reproductive organs of the beech tree

Beech forests are the main food source for black bears
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Researchers analyzed the female flowers, male inflorescences and stuffing rods of beech and the number of harmful black bears that people have eliminated over the years

In areas with many beech trees, by observing the degree of beech blossoms before early summer, researchers can predict to a certain extent whether bears will come down from the mountains after summer
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In other words, as the number of flowers decreases, the risk of bear invasion tends to increase

Ida said: "I am very happy that the scientific data collected in the area where I live can be used to help people
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The researchers said that the results of the study help reduce direct conflicts between humans and bears and promote more harmonious coexistence
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"Without the cooperation of the local community, we would not be able to enter the survey site

Related paper information: https://doi.