Project Results

The data obtained from this study is vital for a better understanding of the behavior, environmental requirements and ecological role of this species. The data should help environmental authorities and NGOs make appropriate decisions in relation to programs of environmental education, handling of bear-related problems in local communities, and the creation and design of protected natural areas and wildlife corridors.

Home Ranges

These are preliminary results from a radio-telemetry study of this species in a fragmented landscape in the Intag region, northwestern Ecuador. The results presented refer to the preliminary study of six bears (4 females and 2 males) that were captured using “Iznachi” traps and outfitted with motion-sensitive transmitter collars. The bears were radio tracked between September 2001 and July 2004.

The Home ranges of 4 female Andean Bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in Intag, Ecuador, obtained via radiotelemetry.

Bears	Home range / Km² / 100% MCP	Tracking dates (start and finish)	# of Locations
Marjory	20,7	09/2001 - 03/2003	249
Porraca	43,8	01/2002 - 07/2004	388
Dolores	23,9	10/2002 - 07/2004	308
Amanda	27,4	05/2003 - 07/2004	157
Average	27,4		275,5

The Home ranges of 4 male Andean Bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in Intag, Ecuador, obtained via radiotelemetry.

Bears	Home range / Km² / 100% MCP	Tracking dates (start and finish)	# of Locations
Ezequiel	54,3	03/2003 - 10/2003	101
Pancho	163,02	05/2003 - 06/2004	133
Jaime*	35,2	04/2004 - 07/2004	33
Juanito*	16,4	04/2004 - 06/2004	26
Average	108,66		117

* Not included in average

Home range sizes were estimated from 1336 locations, using 100% minimum convex polygon estimate. Preliminary results show that the females have small and “established” home ranges. The average home range for females (n=4) was 28.95 km2. Conversely, male bears moved widely and rapidly over large, often inaccessible areas. The average home range for males (n=2) was 108.6 km2. Much intraspecific tolerance was indicated among bears in this study due to extensive home range overlap

Activity Patterns

The activity patterns were calculated from 3923 readings. The bears were more active during the day than at night. Activity was highest throughout daylight hours (06H00 to 18H30), declined after sunset, and was lowest between O2H00 and 05H00. The bears did not appear to have long periods of deep sleep during the nocturnal period, requiring short naps during the day (usually between 10H00 and 15H00).

Use of Nature Corridors

Male bears use movement corridors, especially along ravines (two males traveled an average of 18.75 km from their capture sites). These movements allow males to link bear populations that are isolated by large distances, but may bring them into conflict with local farming communities.