Pelister National Park hosted the inaugural workshop on brown bear (Ursus arctos) genetic monitoring, marking a major milestone toward gathering precise population and distribution data in North Macedonia.
Non-Invasive Methodology and Field Training
Park staff and ranger services participated in specialized training focused on non-invasive sampling techniques:
- Non-Invasive Sampling: Field collection of scats without disturbing or capturing individual bears.
- Standard Operating Procedures: The workshop detailed strict guidelines for proper sample collection, labeling, preservation, and spatial logging. Dedicated field kits were provided to facilitate systematic monitoring.
- Unique Genetic Fingerprinting: Since every bear possesses a unique DNA profile, laboratory analysis of the collected samples will enable individual identification, population estimation, mapping of home ranges, and assessment of genetic diversity.
Conservation and Management Impact
The resulting data will serve as an essential foundation for designing evidence-based conservation strategies and long-term population management plans. Park staff, who maintain a daily field presence, will play a central role in executing the monitoring program.
Project Framework and Institutional Partners
This initiative is implemented as part of the LIFE DinPin Bear project (LIFE24-NAT-DE-LIFE DinPin Bear/101214048), co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. The activity is executed in partnership with the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.
