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 / Km˛ / 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 / Km˛ / 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.