The numeric designation, often followed by the species name “brown bear,” typically refers to a specific individual, study, or management tag within a wildlife conservation or research program. This practice allows researchers and managers to track individual animals, monitor populations, and gather crucial data related to behavior, movement, and overall health. For instance, it might represent a specific bear tagged with the number 308 within a larger study on brown bear habitat usage in a particular region.
Individual identification is critical for effective wildlife management and conservation. It enables researchers to understand the dynamics of specific populations, including population size, distribution, and genetic diversity. Longitudinal data collected on tagged individuals provides valuable insights into lifespan, reproductive rates, and responses to environmental changes. This information contributes significantly to informed decision-making in conservation efforts, aiding in the development of strategies for habitat protection, conflict mitigation, and sustainable management practices. The historical context for such tagging programs often stems from recognized needs for more precise data to address specific conservation challenges.