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| Armando Castellanos |
| Use of Habitat, Activity Patterns and Home Range of the Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) in the Intag Region, North-Western Ecuador |
| Location: Andean Region, Ecuador |
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| Abstract: Obtaining
direct information about habitat use, activities patterns and
the home range of the wild Andean bear in its natural habitat
must be given utmost priority in order to develop better conservation
strategies for the species. Available knowledge is rudimentary
due to the limitations of the investigations performed in the
bear distribution range. To date, these investigations have
been based mainly on indirect sampling methods. This project
has succeeded in catching and radio collaring eight wild Andean
bears. Preliminary results show that the females have small
and established home ranges compared to the males. Males occupy
more remnants of forest using dispersal routes to avoid populated
areas, thereby showing the potential areas to be conserved and
restored as wildlife corridors. Due to this new and surprising
data we must track the males for a longer time and collar more
males. Since males cannot be tracked on foot, we have to move
teams of volunteers and equipment to remote areas frequently,
necessitating a vehicle. The data we obtain will create a better
understanding of the behavior and environmental requirements
of the Andean bear. This will help environmental authorities
make informed decisions regarding handling of bear problems,
and creation and design of protected natural areas. In this
way we will conserve and protect the Andean bear and its habitats,
guaranteeing the survival of a greater number of species dependent
on wild habitat, with smaller ecological demands, consequently
protecting the biodiversity of the region. |
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