Relationship between the number of black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) witnessed in the surrounding villiages and fruit bearing of Fagus crenata and Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata in Mt. Hyonosen Hyogo prefecture

Abstract

The fluctuation of not production of Fagus crenata and Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata in Hyonosen, Hyogo prefecture, was examined in relation to the number of black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) witnessed in the surrounding villages. The number of black bears decreased in the year with abundant or good fruit crops of either F. crenata or Q. mongolica or both, but decreased contrary in the year with poor fruit crop of both tree species. The amount of fruit produced by these two tree species in the mountainous area may influence the appearance of the black bears to find food in the village.