In central Taiwan, a poignant scene unfolded as conservationists, dressed in traditional attire, set a young Formosan black bear named Ziman free into the mountains. The bear had recently recovered from a severe injury caused by a hunter’s steel noose, which led to the amputation of one of its paws. The hope was that Ziman would now be able to live a safer life, away from the dangers of human traps.
The Formosan black bear, a vulnerable species native to Taiwan, is facing severe threats from outdated hunting practices. Despite being a symbol of Taiwanese identity and a part of the island’s cultural heritage, these bears have increasingly fallen victim to traditional hunting traps set for other wildlife. Since 2014, 18 bears have been caught in traps, with six having died due to injuries sustained from metal snares. These snares, which can break bones or sever paws, have caused significant suffering to the bears, including Ziman, who had a necrotic paw as a result.
In response to the growing concern, Taiwanese hunters and conservationists have joined forces to mitigate the harm caused by these traps. The new initiative involves the development of safer snare designs that are intended to prevent severe injuries or fatalities. Unlike traditional snares, which tighten uncontrollably and can cause serious damage, the new traps are designed to ensnare only smaller prey and are less likely to cause harm to larger animals such as bears.
The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency has been proactive in distributing over 5,600 of these new traps to hunters and farmers across Taiwan’s mountainous regions. Additionally, monetary rewards are offered to those who report incidents involving bears caught in traps. The new snares are intended to reduce the risk of injury while still allowing local hunters to pursue traditional prey.
Despite these efforts, the struggle to protect the Formosan black bear continues. Ziman’s tragic death just weeks after his release highlights the ongoing challenges in safeguarding these endangered animals. Conservationists remain determined to improve the situation and continue their efforts to save the bears. Lai Chiao Ling, one of Ziman’s caretakers, emphasized that their mission is far from over, with the aim of ensuring a safer future for the remaining bears in the wild.
