Brown bears (Ursus arctos) were extinct in Portugal by 1843. In the spring
of 2019, a male bear was officially confirmed in northern Portugal, and
more bears will likely reach the country shortly. We surveyed participants in a
workshop held in Bragança in October 2021 to understand the perceptions and
attitudes of different stakeholder groups (Administration, Research, Nongovernmental
Organizations, and Local Stakeholders) regarding the return of
brown bears to Portugal. Results indicate that, generally, participants would
feel safe in areas where bears are present, are positive toward the return of
brown bears, and see it as an opportunity for local development rather than a
threat. Results also indicate a high level of consensus among groups of stakeholders
concerning the issues analyzed. These preliminary results provide a
baseline for perceptions and attitudes to consider when planning the conservation
of brown bears returning to Portugal.
We acknowledge all respondents to the questionnaire.
We acknowledge also the members of the committees of
the workshop on the return of brown bears to Portugal
for their contributions to the questionnaire and definition
of topics to address, namely Alberto Fernandez Gil,
Armando Loureiro, Javier Naves, José Luis Rosas, and
Miguel Novoa. Foundation for Science and Technology
(FCT, Portugal) provided financial support through
national funds FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) to CIMO
(UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC
(LA/P/0007/2020). Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process
funded the workshop in Portugal.
