Pub Date : 2021-12-16DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00017.2
M. N. Awan, M. Awan, M. Nawaz, Shoab Hameed, M. Kabir, D. C. Lee
Abstract: The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is threatened throughout its range and assessed as nationally vulnerable in Pakistan. Habitat degradation and loss, illegal exploitation, and human–bear conflict are key threats to the species, but there is a lack of empirical knowledge regarding its occurrence in Pakistan. In 2012, we conducted a sign survey study to classify Asiatic black bear presence in a little studied and isolated region of the Kashmiri Mountains in Azad, Jammu and Kashmir, northern Pakistan. We compared bear presence in 5 habitat types (agriculture, forest, pasture, plantation, and scrubland) across an elevational range of 910 to 2,990 m. We used hierarchical logistic regression analysis to identify whether elevation, habitat and/or the interaction between the two explained bear presence in the region. Type of bear sign was significantly associated with some habitats, although claw marks were not associated with any habitat type. The strongest positive predictor of bear presence was the interaction between elevation and forest habitat, with greater presence (37.5%) in forest habitat at higher elevations between 1,890 and 2,855 m. The predicted likelihood of bears occurring in agriculture, plantation, and scrubland habitats was always <10%, regardless of elevation, and >30% in forest habitat. Our findings contribute to the national understanding of black bear presence and we provide recommendations for actions that support effective conservation management of the species in Pakistan.
{"title":"Landscape associations of Asiatic black bears in Kashmir Himalaya, Pakistan","authors":"M. N. Awan, M. Awan, M. Nawaz, Shoab Hameed, M. Kabir, D. C. Lee","doi":"10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00017.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00017.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is threatened throughout its range and assessed as nationally vulnerable in Pakistan. Habitat degradation and loss, illegal exploitation, and human–bear conflict are key threats to the species, but there is a lack of empirical knowledge regarding its occurrence in Pakistan. In 2012, we conducted a sign survey study to classify Asiatic black bear presence in a little studied and isolated region of the Kashmiri Mountains in Azad, Jammu and Kashmir, northern Pakistan. We compared bear presence in 5 habitat types (agriculture, forest, pasture, plantation, and scrubland) across an elevational range of 910 to 2,990 m. We used hierarchical logistic regression analysis to identify whether elevation, habitat and/or the interaction between the two explained bear presence in the region. Type of bear sign was significantly associated with some habitats, although claw marks were not associated with any habitat type. The strongest positive predictor of bear presence was the interaction between elevation and forest habitat, with greater presence (37.5%) in forest habitat at higher elevations between 1,890 and 2,855 m. The predicted likelihood of bears occurring in agriculture, plantation, and scrubland habitats was always <10%, regardless of elevation, and >30% in forest habitat. Our findings contribute to the national understanding of black bear presence and we provide recommendations for actions that support effective conservation management of the species in Pakistan.","PeriodicalId":49393,"journal":{"name":"Ursus","volume":"17 1","pages":"1 - 10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80584733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-12-16DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-19-00028.2
Jernej Javornik, M. Šturm, K. Jerina
Abstract: Isotope diet-tissue discrimination factors can significantly influence dietary proportions estimated with stable isotope mixing models. For bears, for which discrimination factors from controlled dietary experiments are currently lacking for most tissues and diets, literature reports 3 approaches have so far been used to compile carbon and nitrogen discrimination factors, and recently one additional approach has been proposed. We used these 4 approaches to compile carbon and nitrogen discrimination factors for the brown bear (Ursus arctos) population in Slovenia (southeastern Europe). By performing a sensitivity analysis of the stable isotope mixing models, we then tested how these different discrimination factors affected dietary estimates for bears. We found substantial differences in the dietary estimates among the applied approaches, with the approach that uses discrimination factors from different species producing most distinct results. Our results suggested that these differences were more pronounced among approaches with larger differences in discrimination factors and for isotopically less distinct food sources. We show that the 4 approaches can lead to contrasting conclusions about bear diets, which can have important ecological and management consequences. Therefore, when using stable isotope mixing models without experimentally obtained species-, diet-, and tissue-specific discrimination factors, the choice of the discrimination-factor compilation approach is vital. All 4 approaches have limitations that must be considered because they can result in erroneous discrimination factors when certain species, diets, and tissues are used. We review these limitations and provide recommendations about the use of these approaches in stable isotope dietary studies for bears.
{"title":"Four approaches for estimating isotope discrimination factors produce contrasting dietary estimates for bears","authors":"Jernej Javornik, M. Šturm, K. Jerina","doi":"10.2192/URSUS-D-19-00028.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-19-00028.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Isotope diet-tissue discrimination factors can significantly influence dietary proportions estimated with stable isotope mixing models. For bears, for which discrimination factors from controlled dietary experiments are currently lacking for most tissues and diets, literature reports 3 approaches have so far been used to compile carbon and nitrogen discrimination factors, and recently one additional approach has been proposed. We used these 4 approaches to compile carbon and nitrogen discrimination factors for the brown bear (Ursus arctos) population in Slovenia (southeastern Europe). By performing a sensitivity analysis of the stable isotope mixing models, we then tested how these different discrimination factors affected dietary estimates for bears. We found substantial differences in the dietary estimates among the applied approaches, with the approach that uses discrimination factors from different species producing most distinct results. Our results suggested that these differences were more pronounced among approaches with larger differences in discrimination factors and for isotopically less distinct food sources. We show that the 4 approaches can lead to contrasting conclusions about bear diets, which can have important ecological and management consequences. Therefore, when using stable isotope mixing models without experimentally obtained species-, diet-, and tissue-specific discrimination factors, the choice of the discrimination-factor compilation approach is vital. All 4 approaches have limitations that must be considered because they can result in erroneous discrimination factors when certain species, diets, and tissues are used. We review these limitations and provide recommendations about the use of these approaches in stable isotope dietary studies for bears.","PeriodicalId":49393,"journal":{"name":"Ursus","volume":"172 1","pages":"1 - 15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73280737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-25DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00021.2
Anna Bernátková, Adéla Paříková, Rodrigo Cisneros, S. Čupić, F. Ceacero
Abstract: Previous studies have recognized bromeliads as a key food resource for Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) throughout their range. However, it is still not clear how abundance and especially the nutritional value of bromeliads influence habitat and diet selection. Understanding this is essential because conflicts such as crop damage occur when available natural resources cannot offer an adequate nutritional supply. During June and July 2017, we studied 6 forest and páramo areas in southern Ecuador for signs of bear presence, the abundance and nutritional value of bromeliads, and diet selection by fecal microhistology. The nutritional composition of bromeliads was affected by flowering and recent fire events but we found greater variability across species and ecosystems, with higher protein and lower fiber in páramo. However, bears were more often present in the forest ecosystem, and moreover, their presence was not affected by abundance nor composition of bromeliads. Further similar studies must focus on other key resources, such as temporary fruits.
{"title":"Ecological effects on the nutritional value of bromeliads, and its influence on Andean bears' diet selection","authors":"Anna Bernátková, Adéla Paříková, Rodrigo Cisneros, S. Čupić, F. Ceacero","doi":"10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00021.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00021.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Previous studies have recognized bromeliads as a key food resource for Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) throughout their range. However, it is still not clear how abundance and especially the nutritional value of bromeliads influence habitat and diet selection. Understanding this is essential because conflicts such as crop damage occur when available natural resources cannot offer an adequate nutritional supply. During June and July 2017, we studied 6 forest and páramo areas in southern Ecuador for signs of bear presence, the abundance and nutritional value of bromeliads, and diet selection by fecal microhistology. The nutritional composition of bromeliads was affected by flowering and recent fire events but we found greater variability across species and ecosystems, with higher protein and lower fiber in páramo. However, bears were more often present in the forest ecosystem, and moreover, their presence was not affected by abundance nor composition of bromeliads. Further similar studies must focus on other key resources, such as temporary fruits.","PeriodicalId":49393,"journal":{"name":"Ursus","volume":"19 1","pages":"1 - 8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81877723","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-22DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00029.2
Emily E. Puckett, Isis S. Davis
Abstract: Many of the 8 extant bear species have large ranges, yet range-wide studies of genetic diversity are often impractical because of logistic challenges or focus on local questions. However, understanding the levels of diversity among populations of a species can be useful for conservation and management. Bear researchers were at the forefront of using microsatellites to study the demographics and diversity of populations, such that 3 species have complete sampling and 3 others are represented across their range breadth. Yet there has not been a synthesis of these data within or among species because of difficulties comparing microsatellites. We extracted microsatellite summary statistics from 104 papers that sampled 284 populations of any species within Ursidae, then yardstick-transformed the data for direct comparison. Studies had a median of 2 geographic sites, 30 individuals sampled per site, and 12 loci genotyped. We identified 193 loci genotyped in bears and argue this is a limitation within and among species comparisons. Tremarctos ornatus had the lowest average range-wide genetic diversity (Ar = 2.5; He = 0.43), although ascertainment bias may affect the results, whereas Ursus arctos had the highest diversity (Ar = 6.4; He = 0.69). We argue that at the spatial scale of a species' range, variation due to phylogeography and anthropogenically influenced diversity will overwhelm accuracy issues between studies and reveal broad spatial patterns. Further, by comparing allelic richness to heterozygosity across the range of a species, managers may identify populations in need of genetic management. We end by summarizing what is known about within-species lineages and genetic diversity and identify priority areas for future studies.
{"title":"Spatial patterns of genetic diversity in eight bear (Ursidae) species","authors":"Emily E. Puckett, Isis S. Davis","doi":"10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00029.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00029.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Many of the 8 extant bear species have large ranges, yet range-wide studies of genetic diversity are often impractical because of logistic challenges or focus on local questions. However, understanding the levels of diversity among populations of a species can be useful for conservation and management. Bear researchers were at the forefront of using microsatellites to study the demographics and diversity of populations, such that 3 species have complete sampling and 3 others are represented across their range breadth. Yet there has not been a synthesis of these data within or among species because of difficulties comparing microsatellites. We extracted microsatellite summary statistics from 104 papers that sampled 284 populations of any species within Ursidae, then yardstick-transformed the data for direct comparison. Studies had a median of 2 geographic sites, 30 individuals sampled per site, and 12 loci genotyped. We identified 193 loci genotyped in bears and argue this is a limitation within and among species comparisons. Tremarctos ornatus had the lowest average range-wide genetic diversity (Ar = 2.5; He = 0.43), although ascertainment bias may affect the results, whereas Ursus arctos had the highest diversity (Ar = 6.4; He = 0.69). We argue that at the spatial scale of a species' range, variation due to phylogeography and anthropogenically influenced diversity will overwhelm accuracy issues between studies and reveal broad spatial patterns. Further, by comparing allelic richness to heterozygosity across the range of a species, managers may identify populations in need of genetic management. We end by summarizing what is known about within-species lineages and genetic diversity and identify priority areas for future studies.","PeriodicalId":49393,"journal":{"name":"Ursus","volume":"80 1","pages":"1 - 21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-11-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74816228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-11-10DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00032.1
Wai-Ling Lai, S. Ratnayeke, C. Austin, S. Rahman, Q. Ayub, Noor Azleen Mohd Kulaimi, Sagathevan Kuppusamy, Jactty Chew
Abstract: Whole mitochondrial genome sequences have important applications for phylogenetic inference, population evolution, and population structure. In this study, we sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of a sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) from Peninsular (West) Malaysia using Illumina Miseq technology and used 26 additional mitochondrial genomes from the Ursidae, including 5 sun bears, to generate a phylogeny. The complete mitochondrial genome of the sun bear consisted of 16,770 base pairs (bp), including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal subunit genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and a noncoding, adenine–thymine (AT) -rich control region. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic trees revealed topologies identical to trees previously published using whole mitochondrial genomes. Sun bears formed 2 distinct mitochondrial lineages, with the peninsular genome occupying a clade separate from the clade including a sun bear from Yunnan, China. Within the control region, all 5 sun bear genomes differed at a microsatellite repeat region and all 5 genomes consistently lacked a 6-bp imperfect repeat, which is found in some bear species. Ursine phylogenies constructed with whole mitochondrial genomes conflict with recent well-resolved coalescent trees employing whole genome data. However, both phylogenies suggest a historical split in the sun bear lineage. Furthermore, the inclusion of the peninsular sun bear mitochondrial genome suggests that this split does not conform to the current subspecies delineation in sun bears. Genomic data from multiple individuals of known geographic origin will help to resolve this question.
{"title":"Complete mitochondrial genome of a sun bear from Malaysia and its position in the phylogeny of Ursidae","authors":"Wai-Ling Lai, S. Ratnayeke, C. Austin, S. Rahman, Q. Ayub, Noor Azleen Mohd Kulaimi, Sagathevan Kuppusamy, Jactty Chew","doi":"10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00032.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00032.1","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Whole mitochondrial genome sequences have important applications for phylogenetic inference, population evolution, and population structure. In this study, we sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome of a sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) from Peninsular (West) Malaysia using Illumina Miseq technology and used 26 additional mitochondrial genomes from the Ursidae, including 5 sun bears, to generate a phylogeny. The complete mitochondrial genome of the sun bear consisted of 16,770 base pairs (bp), including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal subunit genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and a noncoding, adenine–thymine (AT) -rich control region. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic trees revealed topologies identical to trees previously published using whole mitochondrial genomes. Sun bears formed 2 distinct mitochondrial lineages, with the peninsular genome occupying a clade separate from the clade including a sun bear from Yunnan, China. Within the control region, all 5 sun bear genomes differed at a microsatellite repeat region and all 5 genomes consistently lacked a 6-bp imperfect repeat, which is found in some bear species. Ursine phylogenies constructed with whole mitochondrial genomes conflict with recent well-resolved coalescent trees employing whole genome data. However, both phylogenies suggest a historical split in the sun bear lineage. Furthermore, the inclusion of the peninsular sun bear mitochondrial genome suggests that this split does not conform to the current subspecies delineation in sun bears. Genomic data from multiple individuals of known geographic origin will help to resolve this question.","PeriodicalId":49393,"journal":{"name":"Ursus","volume":"69 1","pages":"1 - 10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74772517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-26DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00012.2
John M. Nettles, M. Brownlee, D. Jachowski, R. Sharp, J. Hallo
Abstract: The popularity of viewing wildlife, specifically brown bears (Ursus arctos), is increasing rapidly throughout North America. In addition, population distributions of both humans and brown bears are expanding, creating larger areas of overlap and increased possibility of human–bear interactions. Unfortunately, many who encounter brown bears may have never received any form of bear safety training or education. As a result, it is important for wildlife and park managers to understand the general level of bear safety knowledge and identify potential areas of improvement. To do so, this study employed a quantitative self-assessment questionnaire, distributed online to a representative sample of the American public in October of 2019. The questionnaires asked respondents about their experience viewing bears and then asked them to rate the likelihood of performing several actions as well as the perceived appropriateness of each behavior for 12 different bear viewing scenarios. Of 511 complete responses, 40% reported seeing a wild brown bear but the majority struggled to identify brown versus American black bears (U. americanus) in photographs, suggesting species-specific behavioral recommendations may be ineffective. Further, several factors were significant predictors of an individual's perceived appropriateness of the listed human behaviors, including age, gender identity, source of bear safety information, and experience with bears. Results were then used to develop a set of meaningful recommendations to improve the efficacy of current bear management and safety education. Primary recommendations include the following: 1) Increase the focus on appropriate rather than inappropriate behaviors, explaining the reasoning behind such suggestions; 2) Pay special attention to overly confident individuals or those with more experience; and 3) Use photographs, videos, and virtual reality experiences to better prepare visitors for a range of potential encounter scenarios.
{"title":"American residents' knowledge of brown bear safety and appropriate human behavior","authors":"John M. Nettles, M. Brownlee, D. Jachowski, R. Sharp, J. Hallo","doi":"10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00012.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00012.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: The popularity of viewing wildlife, specifically brown bears (Ursus arctos), is increasing rapidly throughout North America. In addition, population distributions of both humans and brown bears are expanding, creating larger areas of overlap and increased possibility of human–bear interactions. Unfortunately, many who encounter brown bears may have never received any form of bear safety training or education. As a result, it is important for wildlife and park managers to understand the general level of bear safety knowledge and identify potential areas of improvement. To do so, this study employed a quantitative self-assessment questionnaire, distributed online to a representative sample of the American public in October of 2019. The questionnaires asked respondents about their experience viewing bears and then asked them to rate the likelihood of performing several actions as well as the perceived appropriateness of each behavior for 12 different bear viewing scenarios. Of 511 complete responses, 40% reported seeing a wild brown bear but the majority struggled to identify brown versus American black bears (U. americanus) in photographs, suggesting species-specific behavioral recommendations may be ineffective. Further, several factors were significant predictors of an individual's perceived appropriateness of the listed human behaviors, including age, gender identity, source of bear safety information, and experience with bears. Results were then used to develop a set of meaningful recommendations to improve the efficacy of current bear management and safety education. Primary recommendations include the following: 1) Increase the focus on appropriate rather than inappropriate behaviors, explaining the reasoning behind such suggestions; 2) Pay special attention to overly confident individuals or those with more experience; and 3) Use photographs, videos, and virtual reality experiences to better prepare visitors for a range of potential encounter scenarios.","PeriodicalId":49393,"journal":{"name":"Ursus","volume":"32 1","pages":"1 - 16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82273451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-10-06DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00011.2
Alexandra Chávez, C. Díaz, Jessica Amanzo
Abstract: Characterizing a species' feeding habits has proved key to delimiting critical areas for species conservation. The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), a species of conservation concern, inhabits the montane cloud forest and montane grasslands (jalca) of Amazonas, northeastern Peru. Knowledge of the bear's diet there is limited. Thus, we aimed to determine whether contents of Andean bear scat there differed between the rainy and dry seasons of 2016. Microhistological analysis of scats, with reviews on its feeding sites, showed a mainly herbivorous generalist diet dominated by Bromeliaceae, Ericaceae, and Lauraceae. Scat contents differed between seasons, possibly associated with the phenology of consumed vegetation. Persea sp. aff. areolatocostae was a key species in the seasonal changes. Our results suggested that the bears at this site may be opportunistically frugivorous, changing their diets in response to food availability.
{"title":"Seasonality of Andean Bear Scat Contents in Amazonas, Northeastern Peru","authors":"Alexandra Chávez, C. Díaz, Jessica Amanzo","doi":"10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00011.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00011.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Characterizing a species' feeding habits has proved key to delimiting critical areas for species conservation. The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), a species of conservation concern, inhabits the montane cloud forest and montane grasslands (jalca) of Amazonas, northeastern Peru. Knowledge of the bear's diet there is limited. Thus, we aimed to determine whether contents of Andean bear scat there differed between the rainy and dry seasons of 2016. Microhistological analysis of scats, with reviews on its feeding sites, showed a mainly herbivorous generalist diet dominated by Bromeliaceae, Ericaceae, and Lauraceae. Scat contents differed between seasons, possibly associated with the phenology of consumed vegetation. Persea sp. aff. areolatocostae was a key species in the seasonal changes. Our results suggested that the bears at this site may be opportunistically frugivorous, changing their diets in response to food availability.","PeriodicalId":49393,"journal":{"name":"Ursus","volume":"44 1","pages":"1 - 9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86817619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-16DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00019.2
Hiroo Tamatani, Amelia Hiorns, Toshiaki Yamamoto
Abstract: Despite being well-researched in several other bear species, the act of infanticide has yet to be documented in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus). We captured video footage of an apparent infanticide event in May 2016 using sensor cameras placed outside the winter den of a known female in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. We observed the presence of a known male outside the den, interacting with the female and her offspring. The female ultimately died and her body did not appear to have been consumed by the male bear. From our observations we considered both sexually selected infanticide and nutritional demand as possible motives behind the male's attack.
{"title":"An apparent case of infanticide in the Asiatic black bear in Japan","authors":"Hiroo Tamatani, Amelia Hiorns, Toshiaki Yamamoto","doi":"10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00019.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00019.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Despite being well-researched in several other bear species, the act of infanticide has yet to be documented in Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus). We captured video footage of an apparent infanticide event in May 2016 using sensor cameras placed outside the winter den of a known female in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. We observed the presence of a known male outside the den, interacting with the female and her offspring. The female ultimately died and her body did not appear to have been consumed by the male bear. From our observations we considered both sexually selected infanticide and nutritional demand as possible motives behind the male's attack.","PeriodicalId":49393,"journal":{"name":"Ursus","volume":"3 1","pages":"1 - 6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89790350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-06DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00025.2
Michael N. Gillikin, R. E. Urbanek, Colleen Olfenbuttel, Casey G. Dukes
Abstract: Analyses of postrelease movements and behaviors may indicate the propensity of rehabilitated American black bears (Ursus americanus) to be involved in human–bear conflicts. We assessed various linear and Euclidean distances and constructed collar duration and seasonal home-range estimates using Dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models to determine whether 28 rehabilitated yearling bears released in North Carolina, USA, between 2015 and 2018 established a home range or remained transient. Male bears typically moved farther than females, and Mountain region bears typically moved farther than Coastal Plain region bears. All bears showed equally tortuous movement patterns across regions and sexes. Seven bears traveled greater distances than the average of all bears in this study and 2 bears did not establish a home range; these results indicate transient behavior. No bears exhibiting transient behavior were involved with human–bear conflicts, but the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission received calls concerning 4 resident bears, 2 of which exhibited behaviors that would potentially lead to human–bear conflicts. Knowledge of postrelease bear movements will inform management decisions by improving understanding of how movements may affect human–bear interactions.
{"title":"Spatial analysis of rehabilitated American black bears to assess conflict potential","authors":"Michael N. Gillikin, R. E. Urbanek, Colleen Olfenbuttel, Casey G. Dukes","doi":"10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00025.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00025.2","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract: Analyses of postrelease movements and behaviors may indicate the propensity of rehabilitated American black bears (Ursus americanus) to be involved in human–bear conflicts. We assessed various linear and Euclidean distances and constructed collar duration and seasonal home-range estimates using Dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Models to determine whether 28 rehabilitated yearling bears released in North Carolina, USA, between 2015 and 2018 established a home range or remained transient. Male bears typically moved farther than females, and Mountain region bears typically moved farther than Coastal Plain region bears. All bears showed equally tortuous movement patterns across regions and sexes. Seven bears traveled greater distances than the average of all bears in this study and 2 bears did not establish a home range; these results indicate transient behavior. No bears exhibiting transient behavior were involved with human–bear conflicts, but the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission received calls concerning 4 resident bears, 2 of which exhibited behaviors that would potentially lead to human–bear conflicts. Knowledge of postrelease bear movements will inform management decisions by improving understanding of how movements may affect human–bear interactions.","PeriodicalId":49393,"journal":{"name":"Ursus","volume":"5 1","pages":"1 - 11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2021-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90206536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2021-09-03DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00027.1
Genevieve Pugesek, Matthew A. Mumma, S. Mahoney, L. Waits
Abstract: Although diversionary feeding has been used as a management strategy to limit problem bear behaviors or reduce human–wildlife conflict, the underlying mechanisms determining the success or failure of diversionary feeding programs are infrequently assessed. Further, molecular methods, commonly applied in wildlife research, have not been used to examine diet composition of target species in response to diversionary feeding. Here, we used molecular methods to evaluate the consumption of ungulates by American black bears (Ursus americanus) as influenced by the composition of supplemental foods during a diversionary feeding program originally implemented to reduce predation on woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) calves in Newfoundland, Canada. We used a previously developed mitochondrial DNA prey identification test to determine the proportion of American black bear scats containing caribou and moose (Alces alces) DNA in 2010 and 2011 at a study site where supplemental foods were provided. The composition of supplemental foods varied between years: bakery waste was provided in 2010, whereas both bakery waste and beaver (Castor canadensis) carcasses were provided in 2011. We also evaluated differences in the consumption of caribou and moose between male and female American black bears at the experimental site and an additional site where diversionary feeding was not implemented. We anticipated that male bears' larger body size and greater nutritional requirements would lead them to more frequently consume caribou and moose. In contrast to our predictions, the proportion of scats found to contain caribou and moose did not differ between years at the site where diversionary feeding was implemented, and there were no differences in the consumption of caribou and moose by male and female bears. This research demonstrates the utility of noninvasive molecular methods to reveal a mechanistic understanding of the effectiveness, or in this case ineffectiveness, of diversionary feeding.
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