Investigation of biological and socio-economic roles of brown bear (Ursus arctos syriacus) in forest stands of northern Iran

The study of ecological roles of animals that live in forest stands is always considered as a missing link in studies related to forest science and ecology. The aim of current study is to investigate the ecological and socio-economic roles of brown bear (Ursus arctos syriacus) in the forests stands of northern Iran. This study uses library documents that include books on forest ecology, forestry, wildlife science, history, anthropology, environmental sociology, natural resource law and biography, as well as research reviews and sources including related articles and reports, exploration and searches throw internet and obtained relevant information, along with conducting unstructured interviews. Unstructured qualitative content analysis interviews were conducted with experts in the field of forest and wildlife ecology and individuals from indigenous communities who are in conflict with brown bears such as gardeners, beekeepers and ranchers. By releasing informants so that they can explore the issue quite freely from a variety of perspectives, and they can comment in any way they wish on the ecological and socio-economic roles of the brown bear in the forests of northern Iran. The studied documents show that biologically brown bears control populations of insects, invertebrates and small vertebrates, facilitate decomposition and decay of forest dead woods, perform natural pruning, accelerate the natural regeneration of forest trees, playing a scorching role in carnivores and reduce the risk of forest fires. Affects the forest. Socio-economically, it also damages livelihood activities such as beekeeping, horticulture and animal husbandry, thereby creating some beliefs about the animal. Awareness of ecological maps of forest animals such as brown bears in the movement and establishment of seeds of forest trees, soil fertility, natural habitat, etc. leads to the knowledge and awareness of decision makers and indigenous communities of animals and thus helps significantly in wildlife protection.