Wolverines and their prey in southern Norway

1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1292-1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Landa ◽  
O. Strand ◽  
J. E. Swenson ◽  
T. Skogland
Keyword(s):  
Western Europe ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
Stable Part ◽  
Southern Norway ◽  
Main Factor

Wolverines (Gulo gulo) recolonized the Snøhetta plateau in southern Norway in 1976–1979 after an absence of over 50 years. This is presently the southernmost part of the wolverine's distribution and the only area where it coexists with wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in western Europe. Other, larger predators in the Scandinavian ecosystem, the wolf (Canis lupus), lynx (Lynx lynx), and brown bear (Ursus arctos), have been absent from the area since the beginning of this century. We monitored wolverine numbers, reproduction, and diet during the denning period and studied the effects of abundance of different prey species on wolverine reproduction. Although there were differences in productivity among maternity dens, the main factor influencing the number of wolverine cubs surviving was the abundance of small rodents (p = 0.0002). Although small rodents constituted the main factor explaining variation in cub numbers, the basic prey during the denning period was reindeer. Hares (Lepus timidus) accounted for a significant but stable part of the diet during the denning period. The wolverine was an important predator on sheep (Ovis aries), but we found no evidence that sheep are an essential part of its diet.

scholarly journals Occurrence of large carnivores – Lynx lynx, Canis lupus, and Ursus arctos – and of Felis silvestris in the Czech Republic and western Slovakia in 2012–2016 (Carnivora)

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslav Kutal ◽  
Elisa Belotti ◽  
Josefa Volfová ◽  
Tereza Mináriková ◽  
Luděk Bufka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Canis Lupus ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Grey Wolf ◽  
Felis Silvestris ◽  
Eurasian Lynx ◽  
The Czech Republic

Abstract In the last decades, large carnivores – the grey wolf (Canis lupus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) and brown bear (Ursus arctos), and to a certain extent also the wildcat (Felis silvestris) – have increased their distribution ranges throughout Europe. Monitoring of their current distribution and population trends in the Czech Republic is crucial for the effective conservation and elimination of possible conflicts with humans in the future. In the last years, many projects focused on small-scale monitoring of large carnivores were implemented in the Czech Republic and the neighbouring mountain ranges of Slovakia. Using their results, we compiled the dataset from different regions and analysed the recent distribution of large carnivores and the wildcat. The distribution maps are based on verified data on the presence and reproduction in 2012–2016. This is consistent with the standardized methodology used across Europe. The Eurasian lynx was the most widespread of all large carnivore species in the Czech Republic, with the two trans-boundary populations (Carpathian and Bohemian-Bavarian-Austrian) occupying 94 out of 868 squares (10.8%) of the mapping grid of the Czech Republic. Reproduction was confirmed in 46.8% of the occupied squares. The grey wolf occupied 6.8% of the squares in the Czech Republic and its reproduction was confirmed in 10.2% of the occupied squares. Three reproducing packs belonging to the Central European lowland population were confirmed and the area occupied by the species increased three times within the study period. The brown bear occupied 2.8% of the squares of the Czech Republic – the area is restricted to the Carpathians – with no signs of reproduction; its distribution fluctuated heavily during the study period. The wildcat occupied the smallest range of the Czech Republic among the studied species (1.4% of the squares) but its reproduction was confirmed in a trans-boundary area (White Carpathians) at the Slovakian side of the border. The wildcat also significantly increased its range from one to six squares during the study period.

Remote observation of animals by camera traps (example of the Vishersky reserve)

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-47
Author(s):  
S.V. Zimin ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Network Size ◽  
Observation Point ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Western Slope ◽  
The North ◽  
Remote Observation

In 2016-2020 in the FSBI «State Reserve «Vishersky» (Perm Territory, Russia), observations of game animals were carried out, including the brown bear – Ursus arctos, the elk - Alces alces, the wild reindeer – Rangifer tarandus using camera traps. Camera traps of following models were user Keep Guard CK 076 HD Boskon Guard BG 520 Suntek (Owl 120), Scoutguard SG 562-BW (Boly Guard), Scoutguard SG - 2060-k, Bushnell Natureview Cam HD Essential mainly on animal paths. The total number of camera s was 4097 traps/day. On the basis of the results of remote sensing, the indices of the abundance of species were calculated, the seasonal and daily activity of animals was assessed, and the features of their behavior were revealed. According to the camera traps, the population density of brown bear does not correspond to the indicator for the optimal habitats of this species [8]. The western slope of the North Ural taiga in general and for the Upper Visher population of brown bears in particular such low this density is probably optimal. In total, 227 photolocations were obtained, of which 11 species of mammals and 2 spesies of grouse birds were recorded. The most frequently recorded species is the elk. It has been confirmed that with the formation of a deep snow cover, it leaves the protected area, whist was noted in the second half of the 19 th century [5]. Information on the age and sex composition of the moose group was obtained. The sex ratio was 1.8 in favor of males. Brown bear and elk are most active during daylight hours. To determine the indicator of the abundance of animal throughout the reserve additional data from camera traps installed in the main biotopes of the protected area required. At the same time, a network of camera traps is desirable following the example of the Central Forest Reserve [6] of the Kedrovaya Pad Nature Reserve and the Land of the Leopard National Park [11] with a network size of 5x5 km, where at least one observation point should be located.

Connectivity and population subdivision at the fringe of a large brown bear (Ursus arctos) population in North Western Europe

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 681-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Kopatz ◽  
Hans Geir Eiken ◽  
Snorre B. Hagen ◽  
Minna Ruokonen ◽  
Rodrigo Esparza-Salas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Europe ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Population Subdivision ◽  
North Western

scholarly journals Francisella tularensis in Swedish predators and scavengers

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Hestvik ◽  
H. Uhlhorn ◽  
M. Koene ◽  
S. Åkerström ◽  
A. Malmsten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Francisella Tularensis ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Nyctereutes Procyonoides ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Eurasian Lynx ◽  
Slide Agglutination ◽  
Microagglutination Test ◽  
Wild Predators

Abstract Tularaemia is a zoonotic disease, in Europe caused by Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica. Many lagomorphs and a variety of small rodents are wildlife species prone to develop clinical disease, while predators and scavengers are relatively resistant and may serve as sentinels. Blood samples from 656 Swedish wild predators and scavengers were serologically investigated using slide agglutination and microagglutination. In the slide agglutination test, 34 seropositive animals were detected, and they were found among all species investigated: brown bear (Ursus arctos), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), wild boar (Sus scrofa), wolf (Canis lupus) and wolverine (Gulo gulo). Due to haemolysis the microagglutination test was more difficult to read at low titres, and only 12 animals were classified as seropositive. F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was detected by a polymerase chain reaction in lymphatic tissues of the head in one brown bear, one red fox and one wolf. The significance of this finding regarding possible latency of infection is not clear. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that all predator and scavenger species included in this study may serve as sentinels for tularaemia in Sweden. Their role as reservoirs is unclear.

scholarly journals Exploring the potential of brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) as a long-distance seed disperser: a pilot study in South-Western Europe

Mammalia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélie Lalleroni ◽  
Pierre-Yves Quenette ◽  
Tanguy Daufresne ◽  
Maryline Pellerin ◽  
Christophe Baltzinger
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Landscape Fragmentation ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Plant Dispersal ◽  
Gps Collars

AbstractPlant dispersal is crucial to maintaining plant community dynamics, especially in the current context of rapid environmental changes such as global warming and landscape fragmentation. We seized the opportunity to carry out a pilot study on endozoochorous dispersal by the endangered Pyrenean brown bear. We based our study on faeces collected by the Brown Bear Network and location data from three bears fitted with GPS collars and translocated from Slovenia to the Pyrenees in 2006. We studied 39 faecal samples, 25 of which contained seeds from two to three different taxa. We identified a total of 47 plant taxa, 30 to the genus level and 21 to the species level. The seeds from plants bearing fleshy fruits:

scholarly journals Trichinella spp. in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa), Brown Bears (Ursus arctos), Eurasian Lynxes (Lynx lynx) and Badgers (Meles meles) in Estonia, 2007–2014

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
Age Kärssin ◽  
Liidia Häkkinen ◽  
Annika Vilem ◽  
Pikka Jokelainen ◽  
Brian Lassen
Keyword(s):  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Meles Meles ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Brown Bears ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Infection Pressure ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Free Ranging

In this study, we summarize Trichinella findings from four wild, free-ranging host species from Estonia during 2007–2014. Trichinella spp. larvae were detected in 281 (0.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8–1.0) of 30,566 wild boars (Sus scrofa), 63 (14.7%, 95% CI 11.6–18.3) of 429 brown bears (Ursus arctos), 59 (65.56%, 95% CI 55.3–74.8) of 90 Eurasian lynxes (Lynx lynx), and three (60.0%, 95% CI 18.2–92.7) of five badgers (Meles meles). All four European Trichinella species were detected: T. britovi in 0.7% of the wild boars, 7.2% of the brown bears, 45.6% of the lynxes, and 40.0% of the badgers; T. nativa in 0.1% of the wild boars, 5.8% of the brown bears, and 20.0% of the lynxes; T. pseudospiralis in 0.02% the wild boars; and T. spiralis in 0.03% of the wild boars and 4.4% of the lynxes. The results include the first description from Estonia of T. britovi in brown bear and badgers, T. pseudospiralis in wild boars, and T. spiralis in wild boars and lynxes. The results indicate high infection pressure in the sylvatic cycles across the years—illustrating continuous risk of spillover to domestic cycles and of transmission to humans.

scholarly journals The mammalian fauna of Barová Cave (Moravian Karst, the Czech Republic)

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 515-532
Author(s):  
Martina Roblíčková ◽  
Vlastislav Káňa ◽  
Miriam Nývltová Fišáková
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Mammalian Fauna ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Cave Bear ◽  
Moravian Karst

Abstract Barová Cave is located in the central part of the Moravian Karst (the Czech Republic), on the right slope of Josefovské Valley; it is the outflow part of Rudické propadání (Rudice Sink) – Býčí skála (Bull Rock) cave system. Even since its discovery by A. Sobol in 1947, Barová Cave has been known as important palaeontological site, with well-preserved fauna of the Late Pleistocene. In the summer of 2011, a landslide of sediments revealed yet unexamined fossiliferous positions, and started the current research activity. There were discovered skeletal remains of these 21 taxa of vertebrates between 2011 – 2017 in Barová Cave: bear from the cave bear group (Ursus ex gr. spelaeus), cave lion (Panthera spelaea), wolf (Canis lupus), cave hyena (Crocuta crocuta spelaea), brown bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx), wolverine (Gulo gulo), fox, probably red (Vulpes cf. vulpes), marten (Martes cf. martes), alpine ibex (Capra ibex), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), aurochs or bison (Bos primigenius/Bison priscus), reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), horse (Equus sp.), woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis), hare (Lepus sp.), lemming (Dicrostonyx sp.), bank vole (Myodes sp.), jackdaw (Corvus monedula) and probably northern pintail (Anas aff. acuta). Animal osteological material from sectors 2, 3, 4 and R4 from the Under the Ladder test pit in Barová Cave is analysed in detail in this paper. Bears from the group of cave bears completely dominate, the total sum of bones determined as bear bones make up nearly 95% of all determined material. The cave lion bones comprise nearly 3% of the determined osteological material; bones of a wolf represent about 1.2%, bones of cave hyena approximately 0.5% and bones of ungulates approximately 0.2% of all determined material (Tab. 1). From the MNI point of view the bears from the cave bear group dominate too. Bear bones belonged to at least 40 individuals (70.2% of all minimally present individuals) of all age categories (Tabs 1, 2). The predominance of bones of bears from the cave bear group in Barová Cave shows that the cave was mainly used as a bear wintering site. The presence of bear cub bones proved that the cave also served females as a birthing place. Some bones of bears from the group of cave bears and several bones of cave lions, cave hyenas and wolves also show evidence of bite and gnawing marks by carnivores or scavengers (cave lions, cave hyenas, wolves and perhaps cave bears). This suggests that hibernating bears, and more often the cadavers or isolated bones of dead individuals sometimes served as a food source. The seasonality analysis indicates that the time of death varied most frequently near the end of wintering season (spring/summer). The large amount of bear bone material leads to the consideration that the bears from the cave bear group used Barová Cave over a period longer than thousand years.

scholarly journals Proposed migration corridors for large mammals in the south-east of Polish Carpathians

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (30) ◽  
pp. 63-72
Author(s):  
Kajetan Perzanowski ◽  
Katarzyna Pędziwiatr ◽  
Paulina Konieczna ◽  
Jan Śmiełowski
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Critical Points ◽  
Cervus Elaphus ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Heavy Traffic ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Lynx Lynx ◽  
Large Mammals ◽  
Least Cost Path ◽  
Habitat Patches

The aim of the study was the delineation of migratory corridors migration for large mammals between the Ukrainian Carpathians and the western part of their range in Poland. Potential corridors for the wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), lynx (Lynx lynx), wisent (Bison bonasus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) were identified within 534,818 ha with the ArcGIS Corridor Designer software. Corridors of regional importance (42,283 ha in total) and local connections between habitat patches (13,154 ha) were delineated separately according to the least-cost path criterion. We identified 115 critical points where heavy traffic, or the proximity of settlements, could obstruct animal movements. A considerable number of such critical points indicate the urgency for ensuring the functionality of the remaining linkage. The permeability of barriers between habitat patches was determined by ground observations, confirming the presence of target species. The highest proportion of patches estimated by experts as optimal and suboptimal was for wild boar (91%), while the lowest for lynx (52%). The proportion of habitats avoided or useless due to anthropogenic barriers was 34% for lynx, 25% for wisents, and 19% for brown bears.

scholarly journals Habitat Selection by Brown Bears with Varying Levels of Predation Rates on Ungulate Neonates

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 678
Author(s):  
Kate Twynham ◽  
Andrés Ordiz ◽  
Ole-Gunnar Støen ◽  
Geir-Rune Rauset ◽  
Jonas Kindberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Resource Selection ◽  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Ursus Arctos ◽  
Brown Bear ◽  
Northern Eurasia ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Brown Bears ◽  
Predatory Behaviour ◽  
Resource Pulses

In northern Eurasia, large carnivores overlap with semi-domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and moose (Alces alces). In Scandinavia, previous studies have quantified brown bear (Ursus arctos) spring predation on neonates of reindeer (mostly in May) and moose (mostly in June). We explored if habitat selection by brown bears changed following resource pulses and whether these changes are more pronounced on those individuals characterised by higher predatory behaviour. Fifteen brown bears in northern Sweden (2010–2012) were fitted with GPS proximity collars, and 2585 female reindeers were collared with UHF transmitters. Clusters of bear positions were visited to investigate moose and reindeer predation. Bear kill rates and home ranges were calculated to examine bear movements and predatory behaviour. Bear habitat selection was modelled using resource selection functions over four periods (pre-calving, reindeer calving, moose calving, and post-calving). Coefficients of selection for areas closer to different land cover classes across periods were compared, examining the interactions between different degrees of predatory behaviour (i.e., high and low). Bear habitat selection differed throughout the periods and between low and high predatory bears. Differences among individuals’ predatory behaviour are reflected in the selection of habitat types, providing empirical evidence that different levels of specialization in foraging behaviour helps to explain individual variation in bear habitat selection.

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