In mid-2022, Nepal Police seized bear gall bladders and musk pods, which were destined for China for their use in Traditional Chinese Medicines. Poaching bears for their gall bladder is a huge conservation challenge but often under the shadow of welfare and bear-human conflict issues. There is anecdotal evidence of the use and trade of bear bile in Nepal. There are also cases of bear bile seizures along with other wildlife. The lack of a baseline on the trade of bear and their parts such as bile, and meat, makes it difficult to prioritize enforcement, research, and conservation actions. With this in mind, the project aims to explore the prospects of bear conservation in Nepal from the lens of illegal wildlife trade. It will generate first-hand baseline data on illegal trade and necessary responses to control it.

Partner: Bears in Mind

Duration: 2023 to 2024