The adorable Formosan black bear was once voted Taiwan¡¦s most popular animal, and also served as the mascot in the World Series baseball games. It is also the ambassador for the fire prevention initiative in Yushan. Unfortunately, its survival is threatened in the wild.

Yet we know precious little about the Formosan black bear. Its habits are still mysteries to researchers. Population size remains unclear; currently it is estimated that there are only about 300 left.

Is it be possible that the Formosan black bear would disappear from our island before we can get to understand it?

Fortunately for us, this might not be the case. A research team has been working hard to keep this grim possibility from happening. Wu Yuhui, a researcher in her 30s, is one of the team members. Tracking bears require field researchers to spend long perionds of time in the mountains, not to mention the more than 10 kilograms of load they have to lug around while hiking. ¡§It is tough, but I am very happy when I get a sighting.¡¨ Wu said.

The Formosan black bear research project is initiated by Yushan National Park. It is directed by Dr. Huang Meisiou, assistant professor at the Institute of Wildlife Conservation of National Pingtung University. She learned professional trapping and researching techniques of bears from her graduate studies in the States, and was the first researcher to capture and radio-track a live bear successfully in Taiwan. Field research was passed on to Wu in 2001.

According to Wu, many factors have to be taken into consideration before the trapping of bears, including the safety of both handlers and bears, type of baits, season, region, and trap location etc. The entire process involves the setting up of the trap, anaesthesia of the captured bear, measurement of the bear including its height, head and paw sizes, and weight etc. The radio-tracking device is attached around the neck, and helps researchers to pinpoint its location without affecting the natural behavior of the bear. After a couple of years, the device will drop off due to wear and tear.

It all sounds simple, but the researchers have a hard time at it. Taiwan¡¦s moutain terrains are extremely rugged, especially in the deep wilderness where the bears are. Equipment usually weighs from 15 to even 30 kilograms, and it takes 3 days to reach the research cabin. Landslides and typhoons are unpredictable hazards.

And of course, patience is important as well. ¡§Bears are very smart and oftern see through our traps. ¡¨ Wu said. She once waited for 2 whole months before a bear got trapped. Baits are often stolen by other carnivores such as mongooses. The most exciting moment is when a bear is trapped. It takes a firm hand and heart to sedate the furious animal.

Once the tracking device is in place, researchers work round the clock to monitor the bear¡¦s movements. Bears roam far and wide, and its signals are lost easily. Once the bear moves to the other side of a mountain, researchers simply have to pack up and follow.
What if there are no bears to be seen? ¡§Picking up faeces¡¨ is a regular job. The droppings of a bear can reveal a wealth of information. Diet and physical information, including sex and individual identification, can be gleamed from the droppings.

Wu¡¦s greatest wish is that we would be able to conserve the bears¡¦ habitats. You might not be part of the research team, but you can help the bears by refusing to buy bear bile and bear paws related products. And most important of all, help to spread the message by telling everyone you know about the bears and the crisis they face.