Encounters and tensions in the French Pyrenees: New herding practices and predatory behavior of the returned brown bear

This research analyzes the interaction between herding practices and bear predatory behavior in the Ariège Pyrenees (France). The LIFE program was launched in 1996 by the European Union (EU) to establish a permanent bear population in the Pyrenees through the introduction of Slovenian sub-species. As a direct response to this policy, shepherds have introduced new techniques of ‘regrouping’ sheep herds for safety, new shepherds have been hired, livestock-guarding dogs were reintroduced and fenced sheepfolds were installed with EU funds to prevent livestock loss. This research aims at bringing together environmental anthropology and behavioral ecology to conduct the first study in the Pyrenees regarding what environmental and social factors are conditioning predation and whether existent means of protection are effective to prevent bear attacks. It will contribute towards improving livestock protection policy outcomes, as well as informing regional policy debates in the EU regarding how land and livestock managerial institutions are emerging as tools to reshape the politics of the commons.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ismael Vaccaro

Student:

Partner:

Université Toulouse (Jean Jaurès)

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

McGill University

Program: