The present study aimed to investigate the nutritional aspects of bear diet quantitatively, in order understand plant food selection spring. Bears were observed directly from April July 2013 and 2014, visually recognize species consumed by bears, describe foraging period Ashio-Nikko Mountains, central Japan. Leaves collected eight dominant tree species, regardless whether bears fed on them spring, their key components analyzed: crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total energy....

Very little is known about the cementum annuli of Asian black bears (Ursus thibetanus). We collected first premolar tooth from adult female in central Japan to investigate whether reproductive history was reflected width; previous studies have indicated that this possible other bear species. calculated proportional width index (PWI) value as an annular growth, and we confirmed status by direct field observations (females with cubs, yearlings, or without offspring). compared both PWI among 10...

Abstract Scavenging is a common feeding behavior by many species that plays an important role in ecosystem stability and function while also providing services. Despite its importance, facultative scavenging on large animal carcasses has generally been overlooked Asian temperate forest ecosystems. The aim of this study was to determine the composition scavenger guild as it relates sika deer ( Cervus nippon ) Japanese forests. There are no obligate scavengers or predators kill adult...

Abstract Previous studies on the mating system of Asian black bear ( Ursus thibetanus ) have been limited to observations captive populations and estimations multiple paternities. Hence, wild bears remains poorly understood. Animal‐borne camera systems (i.e., cameras mounted animals) provide novel tools study behavior elusive animals. Here, we used an animal‐borne video record activities during season. Video collars were attached four adult (male “A” “B,” female “B”) captured in Tokyo,...

Dispersal has important implications for population ecology and genetics of a species through redistribution individuals. In most mammals, males leave their natal area before they reach sexual maturity, whereas females are commonly philopatric. Here, we investigate the patterns dispersal in Asian black bear (Ursus thibetanus) based on data from 550 bears (378 males, 172 females) captured or removed Gunma Tochigi prefectures central Honshu Island, Japan 2003-2018. We used genetic parentage...

Abstract Energy balance (i.e., energy intake minus expenditure) is an essential factor when evaluating animal's nutritional state. We aimed to identify periods of the year that are most important for Asian black bears ( Ursus thibetanus ) in terms balance. estimated bears’ daily by estimating based on content (kcal/g) major food items, their average ingestion rate (g/min), and feeding time (min) expenditure using equation costs resting, traveling, behavioral data 34 fitted with GPS collars...

Abstract Scavenging is a common feeding behavior that provides ecosystem services by removing potentially infectious waste from the landscape. The importance of facultative scavenging often overlooked, but likely becomes especially important in ecosystems without obligate scavengers. Here, we investigated ecological function vertebrate scavengers ungulate carcasses Japanese forests lack We found mammals detected first more than birds, and raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides ) were most...

Hyperphagia is a critical part of the yearly cycle bears when they gain fat reserves before entering hibernation. We used heart rate as proxy to compare metabolic between Asian black bear ( Ursus thibetanus) in Japan and Eurasian brown arctos) Sweden from summer into In hyperphagic period, feed on fat- carbohydrate-rich hard masts whereas sugar-rich berries. Availability has quantitative spatial annual fluctuations, which might require increased activity result intraspecific stress. Using...

In endozoochorous seed dispersal, the ecological characteristics of each disperser determine quantitative and qualitative aspects dispersal mechanism. To understand role different frugivores in multispecies networks, it is necessary to focus on community structure investigate where landscape deposition occurs. The aim this research was assess a mammalian network temperate forest ecosystem identify seasonal niche member assemblage. We hypothesized that differences among dispersers seasons...

In 2020, a lockdown was implemented in many cities around the world to contain COVID-19 pandemic, resulting significant cessation of human activity which have had variety impacts on wildlife. But cases, due limited pre-lockdown information, and there are studies how lockdowns specifically affected behaviors. Foraging behavior is inherently linked fitness survival, particularly by changes temporal activity, influence disturbance foraging can be assessed quantitatively based duration quantity....

In the context of reducing human–bear conflict, understanding potential foraging variation within a bear population yields insights into differences in strategy according to an individual's sex and age. Stable isotope analyses reveal information regarding assimilated dietary components. To confirm Asian black bears assess its underlying factors, we conducted stable analysis hair samples. We constructed linear mixed-effect models examine effects sex, age, hard mast abundance on diet....

ABSTRACT Vertical seed dispersal toward higher or lower altitudes has been recognized as one of the critical processes for plants to escape from climate change. Studies exploring vertical are scarce, preventing prediction future vegetation dynamics. In present study, we show that timing fruiting, rather than topography, determines direction by mammals and birds across mountains in central Japan. We found strong uphill summer fruiting cherry weak downhill summer-to-autumn cherry, irrespective...

Currently, fundamental demographic data for wild Asian black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Japan are lacking. As a first step toward science-based management, we must improve our understanding of life history characteristics such as reproduction and mortality. This study aimed to quantify the parameters central Japan. (1) By measuring cementum annuli width teeth females, age at was estimated be 5.44 ± 0.22 (mean SE) years reproductive interval 2.38 0.48 years. (2) counting placental scars...

The recovery of apex consumers increases the need for coexistence efforts, and it is important to understand how respond human-modified landscapes. Roads can restrict movement gene flow as well increase mortality risk, however, also provide attractive food resources along roadside enhance efficiency consumer. To investigate selectivity (preference/avoidance) patterns an consumer in relation roads, we carried our intergrated step selection analysis GPS data from Asiatic black bears (Ursus...

In recent years, animal-borne video cameras have been used to identify the food habits of many species. However, usefulness and difficulties identifying from not sufficiently discussed in terrestrial mammals, especially large omnivores. The aim this study is compare analysis foraging behavior by Asian black bears (Ursus thibetanus) acquired camera collars with estimates fecal analysis. We attached GPS equipped four adult Okutama mountains central Japan May July 2018 analyzed clips for...

The distribution of the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) has recently expanded to low-elevation areas. However, there is little ecological information available for this species in such This study aimed elucidate feeding habits Ome Hills, central Japan, a area characterized by dominance evergreen broad-leaved trees shrub layer. Through analysis 115 fecal samples collected between 2019 and 2020, our findings revealed that consistently foraged on monocot leaves dicot stems throughout year....

Rationale Hair is known to preserve diet history and other physiological information during its growth period often used in chemical analyses. However, the patterns turnover of hair vary according animal species or habitat, so understanding these target necessary for interpreting results In this study, we aimed elucidate pattern dietary winter coat captive sika deer ( Cervus nippon ). Methods Experiments involving hair‐staining shaving were conducted hair. A diet‐switching experiment was...

Abstract Tree rubbing by bears is a well-known behavior, but the behavior has not been investigated systematically in Asian black bears. We installed automatic cameras at trees planted conifer forests to visually document and compare findings with results of earlier studies. All bear hair attached had bark damaged from antler sharpening deer secreted resin. Between 2011 2015, tree was observed five 16 which installed, total 22 visits multiple Rubbing May October. In visits, several...