Building capacity for a wildlife ecotourism company using non-invasive research techniques

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Applied conservation research to develop current knowledge on wildlife populations has importantimplications for industry as well as managers and biologists. The ecotourism industry relies heavily onecological knowledge of economically valuable focal species to inform business planning, with success directlylinked to the abundance and persistence of local wildlife populations. Grizzly Bear Ranch is a bear-viewingecotourism business that provides clients with unique access to view and learn about grizzly bears in theSelkirk-Purcell Mountains of south-eastern British Columbia. Following wildlife management changes in thearea, the company needs information on grizzly bear activity patterns in order to establish new viewing sites inthe summer/fall seasons. In small density bear populations, the presence of specific individual bears can affectviewing success, therefore identification of specific resident bears is also required. This extended knowledgewill allow for increased client numbers, thus directly increasing revenue. Non-invasive remote trail cameraswill monitor bear activity in a variety of habitats and techniques will be developed to capture the optimalimages required for visual recognition of bears. As technology advances, it is important to develop novelmethodologies to facilitate the use of non-invasive field techniques. This research project will provide feedbackto the company in the form of a technical report, detailing the spatial and temporal knowledge gained of thelocal grizzly bear population, as well as a catalogue of images of different bears that can be used for continuedmonitoring by company personnel. Additionally, this project will develop methodologies and establishrelationships required for a large research collaboration between multiple ecotourism companies. Through thisNSERC grant, Grizzly Bear Ranch will use the scientific knowledge generated to expand their business,solidifying their business position but also contributing to the local economy. Ecological knowledge of lowdensity grizzly bear populations can also have implications for their appropriate management and conservationin Canada.