An interim report on the Abruzzo brown bear survey in Italy (to which the FPSWWF Revolving Fund contributed) estimates a density of one bear for each five square kilometres in an area (Monti della Difesa, near Pescasseroli) that is believed to provide the optimum bear habitat. In the 360 square kms under observation there were at least 70 bears, from which it was calculated that, as the bears' range covers at least 520 square kms, the total population may be not less than 100 animals. The report recommends that both refuge and feeding areas be made strict reserves, with an absolute prohibition against cutting plants favoured by bears (66 per cent of their food was found to be herbaceous or fruit); a planting programme of suitable food plants; indemnity payments for damage to domestic stock (which was done in 1965 and 1970 by the Italian WWF, and is now being done by the National Park authorities for the first time in its history), and the reintroduction of herbivores.