Which of the following factors is identified as a primary driver for the increased frequency of human-bear encounters in Japan?

Rural depopulation and the loss of managed buffer zones

Strict government bans on all forms of wildlife management

Increased hunting of bears by local communities

The introduction of invasive species into forest ecosystems

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3 September 2026

Bear management in Japan

The topic provides a useful international case study on human-wildlife conflict and coexistence models that can be used as context for environmental conservation answers, but it lacks a direct Indian dimension or specific policy relevance for the UPSC exam.

Notes

Japan is experiencing a rise in human-bear encounters, with a record 13 fatal attacks in the previous fiscal year and 6 deaths since April 1.
The Japanese Environment Ministry reported a record 14,000 bears culled in the last fiscal year, averaging nearly 40 per day.
Nagano prefecture utilizes a coexistence model involving trapping, tagging, and releasing bears, combined with the use of Karelian Bear Dogs and 3,000 km of fencing.
Drivers of increased bear-human conflict include climate change affecting food sources (e.g., acorns), rural depopulation, and urbanisation leading to unmanaged buffer zones.
The coexistence model in Nagano has shown stability in annual sightings (approx. 1,400) compared to sharp increases in other northern prefectures.
The national government's current strategy focuses primarily on culling, including bears that enter buffer zones near human settlements.

Questions

Examine the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the context of rapid urbanisation and climate change. Discuss the efficacy of non-lethal management strategies in maintaining ecological balance. 150 words

Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min

0 / 150 words 8:00
The conflict between human expansion and wildlife habitats is a growing concern for biodiversity conservation. Critically analyse the shift from traditional culling methods to community-based coexistence models, citing global examples and their applicability to Indian forest-fringe areas. 250 words

Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min

0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

Which of the following factors is identified as a primary driver for the increased frequency of human-bear encounters in Japan?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

An alternative emerges to check Japan’sbear troubles

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