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We lack many quantitative data on the current distributions of several bear species, and hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying those distributions. We raise this point by discussing visual detections of Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in sampling from 14 September 2016 to 24 August 2017 in the Haramba Queros Wachiperi Ecological Reserve Conservation Concession in southeastern Peru, at 811–920 m above sea level, lower in elevation than >90% of known locations for this species on the eastern slope of the Peruvian Andes. Resumo No tenemos muchos datos cuantitativos sobre las distribuciones actuales de varias especies de osos, ni hipótesis sobre los mecanismos detrás de esas distribuciones. Ilustramos esto discutiendo unos registros visuales del oso andino (Tremarctos ornatus) durante foto trampeo del 14 septiembre 2016 al 24 agosto 2017 dentro de la Concesión para la Conservación Reserva Ecológica Haramba Queros Wachiperi, de elevaciones de 820–920 msnm, más bajos que 90% de los lugares conocidos para la especie en las laderas orientales de los Andes peruanos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is one of the most threatened large mammals in Latin America. Using camera traps from 2021 to 2022, we sought to investigate the status of the species in the Serranía de San Lucas (San Lucas), an isolated and unprotected mountain range in northern Colombia. We calculated a relative abundance index of spectacled bears, evaluated spatial overlap between their distribution and gold mining, and estimated deforestation in San Lucas. During 2,749 trap-nights, we recorded 24 detections of spectacled bears at an average elevation of 1,070 m ± 307 standard deviation. Detections were recorded from 8 of the 30 camera-trap locations, corresponding to ≥4 individual adult bears, including 2 females with cubs. Gold mining concessions overlap approximately 21% of the species' range in San Lucas, which experienced a 13.4% decrease in forest cover between 2001 and 2021. Gold extraction poses significant challenges for spectacled bear conservation in northern Colombia. El oso de anteojos (Tremarctos ornatus) es uno de los grandes mamíferos más amenazados de América Latina. Utilizando cámaras trampa en 2021–2022, buscamos investigar el estado de la especie en la Serranía de San Lucas (San Lucas), una formación montañosa aislada y desprotegida en el norte de Colombia. Calculamos un índice de abundancia relativa de osos de anteojos, evaluamos la superposición espacial entre su distribución y la minería de oro, y estimamos la deforestación en San Lucas. Durante 2.749 noches trampas, registramos 24 detecciones de osos de anteojos a una elevación promedio de 1.070 metros ± 307 DE. La especie fue detectada en 8 de las 32 ubicaciones de las cámaras trampa. Estos registros corresponden a al menos 4 individuos adultos, incluidas 2 hembras con cachorros. Las concesiones min-eras de oro cubren aproximadamente el 21% del área de distribución de la especie en San Lucas. Esta última experimentó una disminución del 13,4% en la cobertura forestal entre 2001 y 2021. La extracción de oro plantea importantes desafíos para la conservación del oso de anteojos en el norte de Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we determine the presence of the Andean bear Tremarctos ornatus and its interaction with humans in three communal territories of the La Mar province (Ayacucho). Between September and October 2019, we established a total of 22 transects to identify signs of the species, interviewed the local population about their interactions with the bear, and finally inspected livestock carcasses whose deaths were attributed to attacks by the species. In total, 312 signs of the Andean bear were recorded, with the majority being food remains, primarily found in the high puna areas above the montane forests. Local residents are familiar with and have encounters with the Andean bear in the field, and they identified recurring threats to the bear, including grassland fires, timber extraction, and livestock farming. They also reported that bears cause damage to crops and livestock. However, there were not enough pieces of evidence to confirm that the Andean bear had attacked any of the seven livestock carcasses evaluated. Still, a potential manipulation or consumption was identified in one of these cases. Our results emphasize the importance of combining bear presence surveys with observations from the local population to identify threats and mitigate potential human-bear conflicts based on unconfirmed events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andean bear is the only extant member of the Tremarctine subfamily and the only extant ursid species to inhabit South America. Here, we present an annotated de novo assembly of a nuclear genome from a captive-born female Andean bear, Mischief, generated using a combination of short and long DNA and RNA reads. Our final assembly has a length of 2.23 Gb, and a scaffold N50 of 21.12 Mb, contig N50 of 23.5 kb, and BUSCO score of 88%. The Andean bear genome will be a useful resource for exploring the complex phylogenetic history of extinct and extant bear species and for future population genetics studies of Andean bears.

The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the only species of the Ursidae that inhabits the Andes in South America. The natural history of the species and health issues related to infectious diseases, particularly the presence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIP), is unknown. To determine the prevalence, infestation, and richness of GIP in fecal samples of wild Andean bears, 21 fecal samples were collected at different sites of the Chingaza National Park, Colombia, and its buffer area from February to April of 2019. Samples were analyzed by qualitative and quantitative coprological techniques. A minimum of one parasitic species was present in 100% (n = 21) of the samples and in 86% of them, co-infection was detected. In decreasing order, the observed parasite prevalence was as follows: 100% for Cryptosporidium spp.; 62% for Ascaris spp.; 38% for Baylisascaris spp.; 33% for Trichomonas spp.; 19% for Strongylus spp.; 14% for Microsporidia and Coccidian oocysts; followed by Trichostrongylus spp. and ciliated protozoans with 10%; and Ancylostoma spp., Blastocystis spp., and Fasciola spp. were present in 5% of the samples. The presence of Blastocystis spp., Baylisascaris spp., Ascaris spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. suggests a possible rotation of parasitic species between domestic and wild host species. This is the first report of GIP for Andean bears in the east range of Colombia, which could help to generate other studies in the country and South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human encroachment into wildlife habitat threatens the persistence of large carnivore populations because it shrinks their distribution and promotes conflicts related to agricultural and livestock damage. Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) have experienced one of the greatest range contractions among large carnivores. Habitat loss and damages to crops and livestock are among the main threats to the conservation of the species. Here, we analyzed the occurrence of the Andean bear and the risk of conflict with humans at different spatial scales in southeastern Peru using Generalized Linear Models. First, we modeled the species distribution at two spatial scales (4 × 4 km and 1 × 1 km) and then, the risk of conflict within the predicted bear occurrence at the fine scale (1 × 1 km), taking damage records as a proxy of conflicts. The species distribution models at both scales identified altitude as the most important predictor of bear presence, with high altitudinal habitats having the highest probability of bear occurrence. Steep slopes (at coarse scale) and areas close to forest (at fine scale) were also associated with high probability of bear occurrence. The predicted occurrence spanned mostly grasslands and montane forests. The conflict risk model indicated a high probability of bear damage associated with places far from forest patches and with low vegetation cover, where bears can encounter unprotected livestock and crops. The spatial projection of our models showed that only 43% of the predicted bear occurrence had some level of legal protection and 45% is under human-bear conflict risk, including parts of the protected areas. Moreover, our models suggested that the potential distribution of Andean bears in the area has contracted around 50% in relation to the historical range. We encourage local and national authorities and policymakers to enlarge protected areas to reduce the impact of human activities on Andean bear occurrence and to improve the management of human-bear conflicts. This is of special importance under climate change, which will increase the vulnerability of high altitude habitats, crucial for Andean bears, to land-use changes.

Previous studies have recognized bromeliads as a key food resource for Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) throughout their range. However, it is still not clear how abundance and especially the nutritional value of bromeliads influence habitat and diet selection. Understanding this is essential because conflicts such as crop damage occur when available natural resources cannot offer an adequate nutritional supply. During June and July 2017, we studied 6 forest and páramo areas in southern Ecuador for signs of bear presence, the abundance and nutritional value of bromeliads, and diet selection by fecal microhistology. The nutritional composition of bromeliads was affected by flowering and recent fire events but we found greater variability across species and ecosystems, with higher protein and lower fiber in páramo. However, bears were more often present in the forest ecosystem, and moreover, their presence was not affected by abundance nor composition of bromeliads. Further similar studies must focus on other key resources, such as temporary fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing a species' feeding habits has proved key to delimiting critical areas for species conservation. The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), a species of conservation concern, inhabits the montane cloud forest and montane grasslands (jalca) of Amazonas, northeastern Peru. Knowledge of the bear's diet there is limited. Thus, we aimed to determine whether contents of Andean bear scat there differed between the rainy and dry seasons of 2016. Microhistological analysis of scats, with reviews on its feeding sites, showed a mainly herbivorous generalist diet dominated by Bromeliaceae, Ericaceae, and Lauraceae. Scat contents differed between seasons, possibly associated with the phenology of consumed vegetation. Persea sp. aff. areolatocostae was a key species in the seasonal changes. Our results suggested that the bears at this site may be opportunistically frugivorous, changing their diets in response to food availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global declines in large-bodied terrestrial vertebrates are widely linked to human disturbance and habitat loss. Identifying remaining opportunities to conserve areas wherein such species may persist or might be reintroduced has thus become a key challenge in biodiversity conservation globally. We used multi-year camera trap data and spatial capture-recapture models to test how individually-identified Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) responded to roads and a suite of forest cover and topographic variables that may be indicative of food resources in critically-threatened, equatorial dry forest habitats of northern Peru. Bear density averaged 4 individuals per 100 km2 in our 668 km2 study area, but proximity to roads significantly reduced density, possibly because they are avoided and/or facilitate demographic sinks or human hunting. In contrast, the effects of forest cover and topographic variables on bear density varied seasonally, reflecting documented variation in mating behavior that may result from seasonal food resources. Despite large uncertainties in model predictions on the occurrence of bear habitat outside our study area, extrapolating our results suggests that a substantial area of high-quality habitat for Andean bears exists outside the recognized IUCN range, including equatorial dry forest habitats known to harbor many threatened species. Because Andean bears are vulnerable to extinction and are an established flagship species in much of South America, the expanded range and potential habitats that we identify here require urgent validation for possible inclusion in landscape-level plans to conserve equatorial dry forests of the Andes.

Peru is probably home to the largest population of Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus; Peyton 1999); however, no studies have assessed the density and ecology of the species in this region in the past 20 years. Population density estimates are a cornerstone of species conservation because they help guide decision-making and monitoring of species trends. Here, we study Andean bear population density in a small area (i.e., visible area: 352 ha), Copal, in the Amazonas region in Peru between 2015 and 2017. To estimate Andean bear density, we used 3 methods: one based on capture-recapture data of bears, one based on an occupancymodel, and one based on the frequency of a uniquely colored bear compared with the frequency of other black Andean bears. Our results estimated Andean bear densities between 8.85 and 17.39 bears/100 km²; we considered our estimate of 10.38 bears/100 km² from capture-recapture data to be the most reliable. We also recalculated Andean bear density results from Ecuador by Molina et al. (2017), which provided a similar estimate of 11.49 bears/100 km². Additionally, we report a unique finding of a bear with a golden brown pelage, which we suspect to be the first case in Andean bears. During behavioral observations, Andean bears were predominantly feeding. We suggest that, although Andean bears have large home ranges, a few small areas may be of disproportionate importance to a population. Protecting small areas frequently used by a large number of bears could be an effective mean for Andean bear conservation where large reserves are not a feasible option. We also recognize the need for large-scale studies using a spatial capture-recapture framework, and to associate the results of Andean bear density with resource use in order to successfully protect high-value Andean bear habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two iconic and charismatic species that inhabit the northern Andes of South America are the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and the Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque). Both species can be found sympatrically in several areas of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. Despite their overlap in distribution, little is known about interactions between both species, with few reported cases of Andean bear attacks on the Mountain tapir. Here, we report a possible attack by an Andean bear on a Mountain tapir in the northern part of Puracé National Natural Park, Colombia based on strong wounds and marks on a tapir's back and rump. The wounds match typical attack patterns generated by Andean bears and corroborates previous camera traps records of bears attacking tapirs in this locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andean bear's taxonomy is discussed with some nomenclatorial corrections and discussions of some common names for the species. The most widely used common name has been changed from spectacled bear to Andean bear in favour of the animal's importance in conservation issues for the Andean region.

The Andean bear's taxonomy is discussed with some nomenclatorial corrections and discussions of some common names for the species. The most widely used common name has been changed from spectacled bear to Andean bear in favour of the animal's importance in conservation issues for the Andean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus; bear) is endemic to the tropical Andes Mountains of South America. Previous assessments predict that bear populations will decline by >30% in the next 30 years. The species may face the greatest threats within its historical distribution in Colombia where rapid agricultural expansion into natural habitats is increasing human-bear conflicts. Between April 2017 and March 2018, we studied bear feeding behavior on plantain (Musa sapientum) and banana (M. paradisiaca) crops within the Barbas-Bremen protected area in the central mountain range of Colombia to describe the magnitude of crop damage, economic losses, and spatial distribution of feeding sites where human-bear conflicts would most likely occur. We also identified all affected farmers and used structured interviews to determine their attitudes toward the bears and their conservation. We recorded 237 damaged plants and identified 57 bear feeding area locations on 9 farms. Bear damage consisted of bites to the trunk of each plant and consumption of the centers. The damage polygon covered 198 ha, and it was located in the northwestern portion of the protected area. Although we estimated that <1% of the total plantain and banana production in the area was lost due to bear depredation, surveyed farmers expressed negative attitudes toward bears and conservation groups seeking their protection. Our research is the first estimation of the magnitude of crop consumption by bears and social and economic dimensions of damage caused by the species in Colombia. Our research also provides insights on how human-bear conflicts may be mitigated in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectacled bear (Ursidae: Tremarctos ornatus) is an emblematic umbrella species and one of the top carnivores in the Andean mountains. It is also listed as vulnerable by IUCN and as endangered by CITES. We analyzed the genetic structure of this species in nine geographical regions representing the three Andean Cordilleras in Colombia. We sequenced six mitochondrial genes in 115 spectacled bears; a subset of these specimens (n = 61) were genotyped at seven nuclear microsatellites. We addressed three objectives: 1) determine the genetic diversity and historical demographic changes of the spectacled bear in Colombia; 2) determine phylogeographic patterns of genetic divergence among spectacled bear populations in Colombia; and 3) estimate the levels of gene flow among different regions of Colombia. Our analyses show evidence of high mitochondrial genetic diversity in spectacled bears, both in Colombia as well as in each of the nine regions, most particularly Norte de Santander, Nariño, and Antioquia-Córdoba. In addition, we detected population expansion in Colombia that occurred around 24,000 years ago, followed by a population decrease during the last 7,000 years, and a sudden expansion in the last 300 years. Phylogenetic analyses showed few well-supported clades, with some haplotypes detected in all the departments and Colombian Andean Cordilleras, and other haplotypes restricted to certain geographical areas (Antioquia, Norte de Santander, Cundinamarca, and Nariño). We detected significant genetic heterogeneity among some departments and among the three Colombian Andean Cordilleras for both mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Nevertheless, the moderate levels of gene flow estimated from F ST statistics suggest that geographical barriers have not been definitive obstacles to the dispersion of the spectacled bear throughout Colombia. Despite these gene flow estimates, significant spatial autocorrelation was detected for spectacled bear in Colombia, where two kinds of spatial patterns were discovered: genetic patches of 144 km of diameter, and isolation by distance among bears separated from 578 to 800 km. The two most northern spectacled bear populations of Colombia (Norte de Santander and Antioquia) also were the two most differentiated. Their distinctiveness may qualify them as distinct Management Units (MUs) in the context of conservation policies for the spectacled bear in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the top carnivores in the Andean mountains is the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus, Ursidae), the only bear in South America. This is a flagship and key umbrella species in Ecuador because its conservation has a positive impact on the conservation of many other species in the Andes. But to preserve, first one must know the genetic characteristics of a species, among other things. For this, we analyzed six mitochondrial genes and seven nuclear DNA microsatellites of 108 Andean bear specimens sampled throughout Ecuador. We adopted three strategies for analyzing the data: by Province, by Region (north vs south), and by Cordillera. Four main results were obtained. First, the mitochondrial genetic diversity levels were elevated, but there were no differences in genetic diversity by Province or by Cordillera. By Regions, southern Ecuador had higher genetic diversity levels than to northern Ecuador. The genetic diversity for the microsatellites was only medium for the Andean bear at this country. Second, there was clear and significant evidence of female population expansions, for the overall sample, by Province, Region, and Cordillera. This population expansion was determined to have occurred in the time interval of 30,000–20,000 years ago (YA), during the last phase of the Pleistocene. We detected a population decrease to have occurred more recently, within the last 5000 years. It continued until about 300–200 YA when a population increase was again detected. Third, there were, practically, no phylogeographic pattern nor genetic differentiation among Andean bear populations in Ecuador by Province or by Cordillera for either mitochondrial or microsatellite markers. There was a little more genetic differentiation between northern and southern areas. Fourth, there was no trace of significant spatial genetic structure for the Andean bear in Ecuador in agreement with the genetic differentiation analyses. This shows that the Andean Cordilleras in this country did not present an obstacle to the dispersion of this species. Therefore, all of the Andean bear specimens in Ecuador should be treated as a unique Management Unit (MU) for conservation purposes, differently to that determined for other countries as Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of anesthetic procedures used in Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus), sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), and giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) housed at the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park (NZP) from 1995 to 2016 was performed. A total of 146 anesthetic procedures (55 procedures on 12 Andean bears, 38 procedures on nine sloth bears, and 53 procedures on five giant pandas) occurred at NZP during this time frame. Induction protocols involved some combination of ketamine (K; n = 121), tiletamine--zolazepam (TZ; n=91), medetomidine (M; n=67), xylazine (X; n=42), midazolam (Mid; n=9), and butorphanol (B; n = 1). The most commonly used protocols were TZKM for both Andean bears (n = 29) and sloth bears (n = 12), and KX in giant pandas (n = 17). Supplemental injections of K, TZ, Mid, or M were required to complete inductions in 66 cases (45%). Anesthetic maintenance was most often completed with isoflurane, ketamine, or propofol. The most commonly reported complications included perianesthetic emesis (n=47), ptyalism (n=16), and seizure-like activity (n=11). The most frequent physiologic findings included low pulse oximetry values (n= 95), bradycardia (n=95), hypothermia (n=74), and hypertension (n=55). Dose ranges, induction, and recovery times, supplementation and complication rates, and physiologic values are reported for each protocol by species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet is among the most important and basic ecological aspects of a species. Information on diet composition, seasonality, and spatial variation is necessary for adequate ecological understanding and therefore conservation. Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) have been poorly studied across their distribution, and especially in Colombia; therefore, most ecological aspects remain unknown. The objective of this work was to assess Andean bears' diet and seasonality in order to contribute to the knowledge, management, and conservation of the species in northeastern Colombia. Between June 2012 and May 2015, 83 linear transects were surveyed at least once in 35 localities in Tamá National Natural Park in search of fresh bear scats. Transects covered all land-cover types in the park proportionately. We collected 148 scats for diet analyses, and compared all items found with reference material. We assessed diet contents in terms of frequency of occurrence and compared across seasons, elevation, and land-cover types. Overall, plant items showed the greatest frequency of occurrence in the scats (96.8%), followed by mammals (6.7%) and insects (6.7%); we found this pattern for all land-cover types and all elevation ranges. We found seasonal variation and differences in use of some food items. We found the largest niche breadth for the dry season (B = 7.10) compared with the wet season (B = 4.14). Plant items were more frequently consumed during both dry and rainy seasons (0.78 ± 0.16 and 0.82 ± 0.11, respectively) and bromeliads were the most important food item during both seasons (0.32 and 0.46). This variation probably is related to the structure, phenology, and composition of vegetation in the area. More data are needed for estimating foraging preferences and their relationship with food availability and other aspects related to behavior and individual resource use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El oso andino u oso de anteojos (Tremarctos ornatus) ha habitado Sudamérica por más de cinco millones de años, y es el único representante viviente de los osos de nariz corta, un grupo que habitó solamente en el continente americano. Dentro de Ecuador es considerado en peligro de extinción, principalmente debido a la fragmentación y pérdida de hábitats naturalesen la regiónandina, causada poractividades antrópicas productivas(ganadería y agricultura)y de extracción de recursos naturales. Este oso es un mamífero que necesita de grandes extensiones para poder alimentarse y buscar pareja. El oso andino es importante para las zonas que habita, principalmente el bosque andino y el páramo, debido a su eficiente rol como dispersor de semillas. En el presente trabajo se analizan aspectos de esta especie en Ecuador, utilizando el enfoque teórico de ’especies paisaje’ para proponer actividades en pro de la conservación de este mamífero y de los hábitats en los que se desarrolla. Este enfoque permite evaluar de forma sistemática la calidad del paisaje en términos de los requerimientos biológicos de una especie de interés (en este caso,Tremarctosornatus) y de los usos humanos del paisaje; de igual forma considera características del área de conservación como su variación.

The Andean bear alopecia syndrome is a progressive and chronic condition documented in ex situ populations. Recent advances focus on treating symptoms, not preventing future cases. We therefore explored the epidemiology of this syndrome through an analysis of husbandry and veterinary conditions of 63 Andean bears (26M:37F) housed in North and South American zoos and other ex situ circumstances. We had the most complete information for the North American population and found that 29% of females (n = 24) were affected. No males (n = 26) were affected. An analysis of generalized linear models indicated that three models were competitive in describing the occurrence of the condition (i.e., ΔAICc  ≤ 2): the model including only the individual's sex (χ2 = 13.41, df = 1, p < .001), the model including both individual sex and social housing status (χ2 = 1.36, df = 2, p < .001), and the model including both individual sex and the expression of stereotypical behaviors (χ2 = 13.82, df = 2, p = .001). Stereotypical behaviors were common among both males (50%, n = 26) and females (51.9%, n = 27) whether or not they were affected, but the syndrome was seen only in females who had been socially housed. Therefore, we suggest that the Andean bear alopecia syndrome is a symptomatic response to the long‐term social housing of bears that would otherwise not live socially. To prevent new cases, we recommend that female Andean bears be housed with adult conspecifics only when females choose to cohabitate. Research Highlights: Analyzing husbandry and veterinary data from 63 Andean bears housed under human care in North and South America found this syndrome only in females that had been socially housed. Three statistical models were competitive in describing the occurrence of the condition: the model including only the individual's sex, the model including both the individual's sex and social housing status, and the model including both the individual's sex and the expression of stereotypical behaviors. The statistically competitive model that is most consistent with the data and with Andean bear natural history suggests that the Andean bear alopecia syndrome is a symptomatic response to the long‐term social housing of bears that would otherwise not live socially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) has inhabited South America for more than five million years, and he is the only living representative of the short-nosed bears, a group that only lived on the American continent. In Ecuador he is considered an endangered species, mainly because the loss of natural habitats in the Andes, due to the pressure of productive anthropic activities (mainly, livestock and agriculture) and extraction of natural resources. This bear is a mammal that needs large areas to eat and find a mate. The Andean bear is important for cloud forests and paramos due to his efficient role as seed scatter. In this work, the ’landscape species’ theoretical approach is applied in order to propose activities to conserve the Andean bear and the places that inhabits. This approach also allows to evaluate in a systematic way the quality of the landscape in terms of biological requirements of the species (here, Tremarctos ornatus) and the landscape human uses; likewise, it also considers the size and limits of the conservation area and its internal variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Therya is the property of Asociacion Mexicana de Mastozoologia, A. C. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Conflicts between wildlife and humans are increasing worldwide, especially in areas where they coexist and share resources. To investigate attitudes and opinions of the human population towards human-Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) conflicts in two indigenous Aymara communities, Chuñavi and Lambate, Bolivia, semi-structured interviews were directed to an adult member of families in the communities. Simultaneously, we registered, monitored, and evaluated 70 farm plots to record evidence of Andean bear and other wildlife damage to the maize crops and plants. We found that the locals thought the bear caused the most damage when, in actuality, the most harmful issues identified for maize crops were environmental factors, followed by parrots and birds. Knowledge of the interactions between wild animals and productive systems can contribute to an understanding of Andean bear-human coexistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many factors influence whether mammals reproduce seasonally or continuously but disentangling them can be challenging in free‐living species that are hard to observe. We described the seasonality of reproduction in Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in NW Peru (6°26′S, 79°33′W) to test for phenotypic plasticity in response to extrinsic cues. To do so, we compared the mating behavior and birthdates of free‐living bears to the birthdates of captive bears housed over a broad range of latitudes. Free‐living bears were observed on 302 occasions over 6 years (967 field‐days), and mating behaviors recorded 61 times from late Dec to Jan. The mean birthdate of 12 wild‐born litters was 17 August (range = 23 Jun – 15 Oct), 57 ± 10 (SD) days after the winter solstice. Birthdates for 367 captive litters varied widely by comparison (range = 1 Jan – 31 Dec; mean = 14 ± 49 days after the winter solstice). However, captive bears in the tropics had fewer births in autumn and winter (71.4% of births) than captive bears at higher latitudes (96.8% of births; P < 0.001). Differences in seasonal reproduction among captive bears at high and low latitudes and captive and a free‐living at tropical latitudes suggest that Andean bears display phenotypic plasticity in reproductive timing but influenced by photoperiod at high latitudes. Because photoperiodic effects were less evident at tropic latitudes, we suggest that seasonality in the timing of reproduction in the free‐living bears we observed was influenced by seasonal variation in food abundance. The observed effect of photoperiod on reproduction in captive Andean bears at high latitudes may also imply that free‐living bears at the southern edge of the range may be constrained in their ability to adjust reproductive timing to resource availability as environments change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To advance our knowledge on the rubbing behavior of Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus), we assessed characteristics of their rub-trees in the Peruvian tropical dry forest, where water is a rare and critical resource. We registered characteristics of rubbed and unrubbed trees and shrubs along bear trails in an area of approximately 100 km2 surrounding 7 waterholes in the western Andes foothills of Peru during austral summer 2014–2015. Analysis of 94 trees selected for rubbing (hereafter, rub-trees) and 253 available unmarked trees within a 5-m radius of each rub-tree showed that bears selected trees to rub that were relatively small and close to waterholes. Bears seemed to avoid the most common tree species, palo santo (Bursera graveolens), for tree-rubbing. We suggest that waterholes are important habitat features for Andean bears in the Peruvian dry forest, and that these sites be incorporated into conservation and land use management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have analyzed the genetics of Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) populations through the use of the hypervariable D-Loop mitochondrial region. This approach can be useful for the assessment of genetic diversity and ancestral lineages. In the present study we evaluate the genetic status of an Andean bear population in northern Ecuador using D-loop mtDNA sequence polymorphisms. For this purpose, DNA from individuals sampled in the Metropolitan District of Quito was used to amplify and sequence a fragment of the hypervariable D-loop region. Our results show remarkably low levels of genetic diversity, based on haplotype (H) and nucleotide (π) diversity indices, and low pairwise genetic distances between haplotypes. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that these haplotypes are clustered into a single monophyletic group. These diversity indices are among the lowest reported for any bear population, suggesting a need to establish or revise the current conservation strategies in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andean bear ( Tremarctos ornatus) alopecia syndrome (ABAS) commonly affects captive bears, particularly sexually mature females. ABAS is characterized by bilaterally symmetrical predominantly flank alopecia with or without profound pruritus and secondary bacterial and Malassezia infections. There is no effective treatment and severely affected bears have been euthanized. This paper describes the successful management of ABAS in three female Andean bears. Skin biopsies and cytology revealed a mixed dermal inflammatory infiltrate, alopecia, hyperkeratosis, and Malassezia dermatitis. Allergen specific serology was positive for environmental allergens in one case. Hematology, serum biochemistry, and thyroid and adrenal function were normal in all cases. There was no consistent response to novel diet trials, antifungals, antihistamines, allergen specific immunotherapy, or topical antimicrobials. There was a partial response to ciclosporin (Atopica® cat, Novartis Animal Health; 5 mg/kg po, sid) in one case and oral glucocorticoids in all cases (dexamethasone sodium phosphate, [Colvasone 0.2%, Norbrook], 0.15 mg/kg po, sid or prednisolone [Deltacortene, Bruno Farmaceutici, and Megasolone 20, Coophavet], 0.3-1.2 mg/kg po, sid), but treatment was withdrawn following adverse effects. Treatment with oclacitinib maleate (Apoquel®, Zoetis; 0.46-0.5 mg/kg po, bid) resulted in rapid and complete resolution of the pruritus with subsequent improvement in demeanor and fur regrowth. After 5 mo, the bears were almost fully furred and off all other medication. Treatment was tapered to the lowest dose that prevented relapse of the pruritus (0.23-0.4 mg/kg po, sid). No adverse effects have been noted. ABAS is usually an intractable condition, and, to our knowledge, oclacitinib is the first treatment shown to result in sustained clinical improvement. Further studies on the etiology of ABAS, and on efficacy and long-term safety of oclacitinib are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andean bear is an endemic species of the tropical Andes who has an almost exclusively plant-based diet. Since herbivorous mammals do not carry enzymes for fiber degradation, the establishment of symbiosis with cellulolytic microorganisms in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract is necessary to help them fulfill their nutritional needs. Furthermore, as described for other mammals, a stable, diverse, and balanced gut microbial composition is an indicator of a healthy status of the host; under disturbances this balance can be lost, leading to potential diseases of the host. The goal of this study was to describe the gut microbiota of wild and captive Andean bears and determine how habitat status influences the composition and diversity of the gut symbiotic community. Fecal samples from wild (n D 28) and captive (n D 8) Andean bears were collected in "Reserva Pantano de Martos" and "Fundación Bioandina", Colombia. Composition and diversity analyses were performed using amplicons from the V4 region of the 16S rDNA gene sequenced using the Ion PGM platform. PICRUSt algorithm was applied to predict the gene content of the gut microbiome of wild and captive Andean bears. A total of 5,411 and 838 OTUs were identified for wild and captive bears, respectively. Captive bears contained a lower number of bacterial phyla (n D 7) compared to wild individuals (n D 9). Proteobacteria (59.03%) and Firmicutes (14.03%) were the phyla that contributed the most to differences between wild and captive bears (overall dissimilarity D 87.72%). At family level, Enterobacteriaceae drove the main differences between the two groups (13.7%). PICRUSt metagenomics predictions suggested a similar pattern of relative abundance of gene families associated with the metabolism of carbohydrates across samples in wild individuals, despite the taxonomic differences of their gut microbiota. Captivity alters the availability and diversity of food resources, which likely reduces microbiota richness and diversity compared to wild individuals. Further considerations should be taken into account for nutritional schemes improving ex-situ conservation and its potential as a surveillance tool of endangered populations of wild Andean bears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very little is known about marking behavior of the endangered Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus). Here, we present a first detailed description of Andean bear marking behavior obtained using camera traps. From November 2012 to April 2013, we inspected 16 bear trails in the Napo province of eastern Ecuador, and installed camera traps (n = 3) at marking sites to document their marking behavior. We obtained 22 video recordings of Andean bears, all of which were captured during daytime. Almost all recordings (n = 18) contained behavior associated with marking. Tree-rubbing was the main behavioral display at marking sites, and consisted of 4 common activities: (1) tree-sniffing, (2) rubbing the neck and/or shoulders, (3) rubbing the flanks, and (4) rubbing the back. Bears also claw-marked and urinated while rubbing trees. We only observed scent-marking from males. Consistent with other bear species, we suggest that Andean bears communicate intra-specifically through their marking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas require methodologies to monitor the status and effectiveness of species management strategies. In this work, single-species, single-season occupancy models were employed to estimate the occupancy and habitat use of the Andean bear in the Tatamá National Natural Park through a nested design of 1 km2 cells inserted in 16 km2 cells. The occupancy at 16 km2 was ψ 16 = 0.89 (E.E. = 0.06), with a detectability p = 0.405 (E.E. = 0.039). When examining the factors influencing the habitat use of the Andean bear at the 1 km2 scale, the four most suitable models for calculating use indicated a most negative relationship between use and the percentage of human activities in the cell (β HA = −1.46 [E.E. 0.61]). Additionally, bear use was found to have the most positive relationship with the forest proportion in the cell (β F = 16.59 [E.E. 13.55]) and Euclidean distance to population centers (β DPC = 1.05 [E.E. 0.82]). These findings allowed for adjusting the Prevention, Surveillance, Control, and Monitoring programs and identifying areas requiring forest cover restoration. The sampling design and effort implemented is able to detect a 25% reduction in occupancy with a statistical significance of α = 0.2 and a statistical power of 1 − β = 0.8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El conocimiento de la distribución del oso andino (Tremarctos ornatus), es fundamental para evaluar el estado de conservación de la especie y el desarrollo de medidas de conservación tales como la declaración de nuevas áreas protegidas o la implementación de estrategias de manejo. El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo ejecutar relevamientos de campo entre los años 2007 y 2008, en los límites del rango distributivo andino nororiental y austral de la especie, mediante el método de rastreo en crestas de serranías afín de conseguir datos de primera mano sobre la presencia/ausencia del oso andino en estas áreas. Seguidamente, se presentan 101 registros actuales en total obtenidos del taxón, entre la región centro-occidental de Venezuela y el extremo noroccidental de Argentina. Finalmente, se discuten las implicancias biogeográficas de los datos reportados.The knowledge of the Andean bear's (Tremarctos ornatus) distribution is fundamental for evaluating the status of the species and the development of conservation measures such as the declaration of new conservation areas or the implementation of the management measures. This study aimed perform some field assessments between the years 2007 and 2008, in the Andean north eastern and southern limits of the species' range, using the method of tracking mountain ridges to obtain first hand data on the presence / absence of the Andean bear in these areas. We have obtained 101 current records of the species, including the central-western of Venezuela and the northwest tip of Argentina. Finally, we discuss the biogeographic implications of the reported data.

Contar con estimaciones precisas de la masa corporal de los taxones fósiles es esencial para realizar reconstrucciones paleobiológicas. Empleando relaciones demostradas entre la masa corporal y medidas anatómicas en mamíferos modernos algunos autores han propuesto ecuaciones predictivas a fin de estimar la masa de los taxones fósiles. En este trabajo calculamos la masa corporal de los osos vivientes y fósiles de América del Sur (Tremarctos ornatus y Arctotherium respectivamente) aplicando 61 ecuaciones alométricas seleccionadas a 19 medidas craneanas, dentarias y postcranenas. Adicionalmente estimamos el rango de masa de las cinco especies de Arctotherium por simple comparación de tamaño con el tamaño y peso de los osos actuales. Luego, por extrapolación a base de similitud morfológica con T. ornatus estimamos la masa de Arctotherium a fin de saber si nuestras estimaciones obtenidas con las ecuaciones alométricas eran posibles. También pusimos a prueba las ecuaciones empleadas utilizando un espécimen de T. ornatus de masa conocida. Nuestros resultados indican que las mejores ecuaciones para predecir la masa de Arctotherium son las basadas en medidas del fémur (8 ecuaciones) y craneanas (una ecuación). Por otra parte, las mejores ecuaciones para predecir la masa de T. ornatus son aquellas basadas en medidas del cráneo (una ecuación), fémur (dos ecuaciones) y húmero (tres ecuaciones).Precise estimates of body mass in fossil taxa are elementary to paleobiological reconstruction. Using demonstrated relationships between body mass and anatomical measurements in modern mammals, several authors proposed prediction equations to estimate the body mass of fossil taxa. We calculate the body mass of extant and fossil South American bears (Tremarctos ornatus and Arctotherium respectively) applying 61 selected allometric equations to 19 cranial, dental and postcranial measurements. We also estimate the body mass ranges of the five Arctotherium species by simple size comparison to size and weight of extant bears. Extrapolating on the basis of geometric similitude with T. ornatus we further estimated the body mass of Arctotherium in order to know if our estimations, bias published equations, were feasible. Also we test the prediction equations results with a specimen of Tremarctos ornatus of known body mass. We found that the best prediction equations for all Arctotherium species are based on femoral (8 equations) and cranial (one equation) measurements. In turn the best prediction equations for T. ornatus are based on cranial (one equation), first lower molar (one equation), femoral (two equations) and humeral measurements (three equations).

La presencia de osos andinos (Tremarctos ornatus) en Argentina ha sido muy discutida debido a la ausencia de evidencia confirmativa. Muchos expertos en el oso dudan actualmente de su presencia en el país. No obstante, la Selva Tucumano-Boliviana o de Yungas es un ecosistema típico donde se puede encontrar esta especie; particularmente en el área estudiada, el hábitat parece ser de alta calidad para los osos. Entre los años 2001 y 2006, se recopilaron 23 casos de evidencia sobre la presencia de osos andinos en las provincias de Salta y Jujuy. Se registraron huellas, restos alimenticios y heces. Adicionalmente, se entrevistó a nativos, agricultores y cazadores para colectar otros datos sobre la especie. Se concluye que las selvas de Yungas del extremo noroeste de Argentina, deben ser consideradas un área con alta probabilidad de mantener una población residente de osos andinos. Aunque posiblemente esta sea una población aislada y pequeña, la presencia permanente de osos andinos en el noroeste de Argentina no debería ser puesta en duda.The presence of Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in Argentina has been disputed due to the absence of confirming evidence. Many Andean bear experts currently doubt on their presence in this country. Nevertheless, the Tucuman-Bolivian Forest or Yungas is a typical ecosystem where this species can be found, particularly in the studied area, in which the habitat appears to be of high quality for bears. Between 2001 and 2006, 23 cases of evidence on the presence of Andean bears in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy were recorded. Footprints, food remains and scats were found. In addition, natives, farmers, and hunters where interviewed to collect new data of this species. The conclusion is that the Yungas Forest of northwestern Argentina must be considered an area with high probability of maintaining a resident population of Andean bears. Although this is probably a small and perhaps isolated population, the permanent presence of Andean bears in northwestern Argentina might not longer be doubted.

Using photos of captive Andean bears of known age and pedigree, and photos of wild Andean bear cubs

Human–carnivore conflicts are a major cause of the decline in global carnivore populations. Since 2009, Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) depredation incidents in Ecuador’s northern Andes cordillera have reached unprecedented levels: more than 320 livestock deaths. The objectives of this article were to: evaluate local perceptions and knowledge of the Andean bear in response to frequent depredation incidents; better understand the cattle-raising culture of the region; and describe noted depredation incidents. Interviews were conducted with 83 participants in three locations within the depredation-conflict zone. Locals knew that pastures near the forest were vulnerable to bear depredation but often had few alternatives to raise cattle. Six depredation incidents were described. An effective management approach should concurrently improve livestock husbandry, track several of the region’s bears, develop policies that do not reward compensation but acknowledge depredation incidents, and use education to rectify false perceptions and misinformation of bears in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]