Andean bears thoroughly pick the very best foraging areas and plants to take full advantage of nutrition and prevent animals, according to a research study publishing December 18, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Nicholas Pilfold at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in California, U.S., and coworkers.
Andean bears, likewise referred to as ‘spectacled bears’ due to the fact that of the white markings surrounding their eyes, are endemic to the Andes. They are noted as susceptible by the IUCN and are threatened by environment loss, environment modificationand dispute with human beings.
Blooming plants called bromeliads form a huge part of their diet plan, however little is understood about their foraging habits and feeding choices throughout the mix of cloud forest and meadow environments within their variety.
Scientist performed studies of 2 types of bromeliad (Puya leptostachya and Puya membranacea) in high-altitude meadows, called ‘puna’, around Manu National Park in Peru.
They taped the place of each plant and whether there was proof of intake by Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus), through observations of collected, partly consumed stalks, a particular feeding indication of the bears.
Path video cameras verified that Andean bears existed at the study areas. The studies revealed that the bears were foraging in simply 16.7% of offered bromeliad spots.
Andean bears were most likely to forage for bromeliads in the dry season when there were young, tender plants readily available, which are most likely much easier for them to absorb and more healthy.
The bears chosen to consume P. leptostachya plants growing on east-facing, high slopes of puna meadow at the forest’s edge. They hardly ever foraged for bromeliads outside the national forest, where animals like livestock are grazed.
The outcomes recommend that Andean bears actively look for bromeliads in areas where they feel safe from human disruption. The bears prevented locations with animals, they foraged in places that had actually been grazed by animals just a couple of years earlier.
This behavioral versatility might assist them to restore lost area rapidly with aid from targeted preservation steps. High-altitude meadows surrounding cloud forest are essential environments for Andean bears and preservation supervisors must think about how animals effect this crucial environment, the authors state.
The authors include: “Using the biggest collection ever of field information on the feeding habits of Andean bears in high elevation meadows, we discovered that the bears actively chosen for particular food resources within the meadows, showing that these locations are of dietary significance to the bears. We likewise discovered Andean bears highly prevented locations with animals effects to the meadows, however that the cessation of animals keeping brought back the meadows into locations Andean bears choose within a brief timeframe.”
Journal Reference:
- Pilfold NW, Mateo-Chero D, Farfan-Rios W, Watsa M, Owen MA, Van Horn RC (2024) Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) show selective habits while foraging bromeliads (Puya spp.) in high elevation puna meadows. PLoS ONE 19( 12 ): e0314547. DOI: 10.1371/ journal.pone.0314547
