Reforestation provides a foraging habitat for brown bears (Ursus arctos) by increasing cicada Lyristes bihamatus density in the Shiretoko World Heritage site

Reforestation efforts in the Shiretoko World Heritage site, northern Japan, have been found to create a foraging habitat for brown bears by significantly increasing the density of cicada nymphs. The study observed that brown bears were exclusively digging for Lyristes bihamatus nymphs in restored conifer forests, not in natural forests, suggesting that reforestation enhances the availability of this food source. This discovery highlights the ecological benefits of reforestation, particularly in areas where brown bear populations are dense.

Tomita, K., & Hiura, T. (2021). Reforestation provides a foraging habitat for brown bears (Ursus arctos) by increasing cicada Lyristes bihamatus density in the Shiretoko World Heritage site. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 99(3), 205–212. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2020-0222