Non-invasive genetic sampling of Marsican brown bearsfor biomolecular analyses and population size estimation

Objective of the Project:

The project aims to produce the first population size and geographic distribution estimates of the Marsican brown bear throughout its entire range, which spans the regions of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise. The Marsican bear is an endemic subspecies found only in central Apennines, with a very small population (about 50 individuals), severely threatened by extinction risk. Effectively monitoring this species over time is a crucial aspect of its conservation efforts.

To this end, within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE), with technical consultation by ISPRA, has commissioned the Istituto di Ecologia Applicata, through a public selection process, to carry out a non-invasive genetic sampling of Marsican brown bear hair across the species' known distribution, identified over the past twenty years by the bear monitoring networks. The project was prepared during summer 2024 and will be implemented from June to September 2025.

Sampling design:
The genetic sampling will be conducted over a total area of about 6,000 km², divided into four geographic regions (illustrated in the figure):

1. The species' central distribution area, consisting of the territory of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park, its contiguous area, the territory of the Monte Genzana Regional Nature Reserve, and the Roveto Valley with the Zompo Lo Schioppo Regional Reserve;
2. The area of the Simbruini Mountains Regional Natural Park and the surrounding areas;
3. The area of the Maiella National Park and the surrounding territories within the provinces of Chieti, Pescara, L’Aquila, and Isernia;
4. The area that includes the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park, the Duchessa Mountains Regional Nature Reserve, and the Cicolano mountains in the province of Rieti.

This represents the largest effort ever made for the demographic monitoring of the Marsican bear.

Data Collection Techniques:

The collection of hair samples for genetic analysis will be carried out using three different techniques:

1. Hair-snag traps, consisting of a barbed wire enclosure anchored to the trunks of trees in the forest, with a pile of wood in the center where a scent lure will be poured to attract the bear and induce it to leave hair tufts on the barbed wire. This technique will be applied in all four regions.
2. Rub trees, consisting of pieces of barbed wire attached to the bark of known trees where bears have the habit of scratching as a form of communication and marking. This technique will be applied only in the species' central distribution area.
3. Buckthorn aggregation traps, consisting of barbed wire enclosures placed in high-altitude open areas around buckthorn plants (Atadinus alpinus), which bears feed on in late summer. This technique will also be applied only in the species' central distribution area.

Data Reporting:

The genetic samples will be sent to ISPRA's Conservation Genetics Laboratory for biomolecular analyses aimed at individually identifying the sampled bears. Field data will be compiled into an Access database and accompanied by a series of descriptive reports. Data will also be uploaded to a dedicated online platform.

Duration of activities:

The activities began at the end of June 2024 and will last for 17 consecutive months, until the end of November 2025.

Outputs:

• The collection of hair samples and fresh scats collected using all techniques during the project's activities;
• Field data compiled into an Access database and on a dedicated online portal;
• Descriptive reports of all field activities, of the effort produced, and of the results of the sampling activities.

Publication and Open Access to Data:

The data will be published and made accessible through the technical infrastructure of the National Biodiversity Network (NNB) available on the Network's website.