Title
Marking activity of brown bear (ursus arctos) in the Sikhote-Alin mountains
Author(s)
Seryodkin, I. V.;Kostyria, A. V.;Goodrich, J. M.
Published
2014
Publisher
ZOOLOGICHESKY ZHURNAL
Abstract
The marking activity of brown bear as a mean for intrapopulation communication was investigated in the Sikhote-Alin Range (1998-2011). Eighteen species of marking trees were found. Abies nephrolepis, Larix cajanderi, Betula platyphylla, and Picea ajanensis are the most important species for bears. Among the marked trees, conifers predominated (71.4%). Trees with thick trunks were preferred to a greater extent. Tree scratching prevailed over other marking elements. The marking activity became more intensive in rutting season. The majority of the marking trees were located along paths in river valleys. The total linear frequency of marking trees by bears on routes amounted to 2.9 trees per 1 km. The results of the authors' investigations at the Kronotsky Nature Reserve (Kamchatka) in 2002-2006 were used during the discussion on the marking behavior of brown bear. The frequency and allocation of the marking objects, characteristics of ursine marks can be used as indicators for the state of the brown bear population.

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PUB15341