Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

The brown bear is the largest land mammal in Turkey and these charismatic carnivores are vital to the ecosystem of the North East region, ensuring the health of the Scots pine forests.  Considered "ecosystem engineers", the brown bear digs soil during feeding, aerating the soil and mixing seeds into the soil.  However, this vital piece of the Turkish ecosystem is at risk from habitat loss, illegal hunting and vehicle collisions. 

Brown bears are frequently kept in zoos and circuses where they often suffer tremendously.