Alt CampAlt EmpordàAlt PenedèsAlt UrgellAlta RibagorçaAnoiaAranBagesBaix CampBaix EbreBaix EmpordàBaix LlobregatBaix PenedèsBarcelonèsBerguedàCerdanyaConca de BarberàGarrafGarriguesGarrotxaGironèsLluçanèsMaresmeMoianèsMontsiàNogueraOsonaPallars JussàPallars SobiràPla d'UrgellPla de l'EstanyPrioratRibera d'EbreRipollèsSegarraSegriàSelvaSolsonèsTarragonèsTerra AltaUrgellVallès OccidentalVallès OrientalAlt CampAlt EmpordàAlt PenedèsAlt UrgellAlta RibagorçaAnoiaAranBagesBaix CampBaix EbreBaix EmpordàBaix LlobregatBaix PenedèsBarcelonèsBerguedàCerdanyaConca de BarberàGarrafGarriguesGarrotxaGironèsLluçanèsMaresmeMoianèsMontsiàNogueraOsonaPallars JussàPallars SobiràPla d'UrgellPla de l'EstanyPrioratRibera d'EbreRipollèsSegarraSegriàSelvaSolsonèsTarragonèsTerra AltaUrgellVallès OccidentalVallès Oriental
CA|ES|EN

Diari de Catalunya

Pyrenean Bear Population Grows, But Cub Births Decline

The Conselh Generau d'Aran joins a European project to improve monitoring and coexistence with large carnivores.

Image of a brown bear in its natural habitat in the Pyrenees.
IA

Image of a brown bear in its natural habitat in the Pyrenees.

The brown bear population in the Pyrenees maintains a positive trend, with an estimated 130 specimens for 2025, despite a notable decrease in the number of cubs born last year.

The results of cross-border monitoring coordinated by the Trans-Pyrenean Bear Monitoring Group (GSTOP) confirm an almost uninterrupted growth of the bear population since 2008. The estimate for 2025, based on the Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR) model, stands at 130 specimens, exceeding the 108 individuals directly identified.
In Catalonia, 54 specimens were identified in 2025. However, the number of births has significantly decreased compared to the previous year, with only 8 cubs across the entire Pyrenees (3 in Catalonia), compared to 24 in 2024. The breeding population is estimated between 29 and 31 females available for 2026.
The Conselh Generau d'Aran participates as an associated partner in the cross-border European project LoupO Coexistence (2026–2028), promoted by the Interreg VI-A Spain-France-Andorra Program (POCTEFA 2021–2027). This three-year project involves 12 partners from France, Spain, and Andorra, including the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), and the Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB).
The project is structured around three main axes: monitoring and localization of specimens, damage prevention, and promotion of coexistence. The Conselh Generau d'Aran will deploy new remote monitoring systems, such as photo cameras, LoRaWAN antennas, and GPS collars for livestock, which will provide near real-time information on bear presence. Artificial intelligence will also be applied for individual identification of specimens from images.
Furthermore, support from the MITECO will enable the Conselh Generau d'Aran to carry out its own initiatives, such as the deployment and updating of population monitoring instruments, damage prevention in beekeeping and livestock farming, and the monitoring and digitalization of extensive livestock farming. Studies on the social perception of brown bears and wolves among the population of the Val d'Aran and the wider Pyrenees will also be conducted.

Related News