Agnieszka Sergiel

Assessing differences in connectivity based on habitat versus movement models for brown bears in the Carpathians

ContextConnectivity assessments typically rely on resistance surfaces derived from habitat models, assuming that higher-quality habitat facilitates movement. This assumption remains largely untested though, and it is unlikely that the same environmental factors determine both animal movements and habitat selection, potentially biasing connectivity assessments.ObjectivesWe evaluated how much connectivity assessments differ when based on resistance surfaces from habitat versus movement models. In addition, we tested how sensitive connectivity assessments are with respect to the parameterization of the movement models.MethodsWe parameterized maximum entropy models to predict habitat suitability, and step selection functions to derive movement models for brown bear (Ursus arctos) in the northeastern Carpathians. We compared spatial patterns and distributions of resistance values derived from those models, and locations and characteristics of potential movement corridors.ResultsBrown bears preferred areas with high forest cover, close to forest edges, high topographic complexity, and with low human pressure in both habitat and movement models. However, resistance surfaces derived from the habitat models based on predictors measured at broad and medium scales tended to underestimate connectivity, as they predicted substantially higher resistance values for most of the study area, including corridors.ConclusionsOur findings highlighted that connectivity assessments should be based on movement information if available, rather than generic habitat models. However, the parameterization of movement models is important, because the type of movement events considered, and the sampling method of environmental covariates can greatly affect connectivity assessments, and hence the predicted corridors.

Histological, chemical and behavioural evidence of pedal communication in brown bears

Most mammals rely upon scent for intraspecific communication. As most bear species have large home ranges and are non-territorial, scent deposit while walking could be an effective way to communicate with conspecifics. Here, we investigate the existence of pedal glands in brown bears and their role in chemical communication from a histological, biochemical and behavioural perspective. We found eccrine glands in footpads, and prominent apocrine and sebaceous glands in the interdigital, metacarpal and metatarsal skin sections. Pedal scent contained 26 compounds including carboxylic acids, important constituents of mammalian secretions. Six of these compounds were exclusive for males. Finally, we describe a specific marking gait recorded in the field, mostly performed by males. Our study supports the existence of chemical communication through pedal marking in brown bears and suggests sex-coding potential of pedal scent.

Compatibility of preparatory procedures for the analysis of cortisol concentrations and stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) ratios: a test on brown bear hair

Abstract Stress hormone levels and stable isotope ratios in hair or feathers represent an integrated picture of hormone physiology and foraging ecology of an animal. We evaluate the compatibility of laboratory preparation procedures used in ecophysiology with the intention of optimizing the efficiency of future research.

Fellatio in captive brown bears: evidence of long-term effects of suckling deprivation?

Sexually stimulating behaviors that are not linked to reproduction are rare among non-human (especially non-primate) mammals. Such behaviors may have a function in the hierarchy of social species. In solitary species, such behaviors are more enigmatic, and possibly indicative of something abnormal. Here, we report on a case of two male brown bears, raised in captivity since being orphaned as cubs, which engaged in recurrent fellatio multiple times per day until at least 10 years old. The roles of provider and receiver in the act remained unchanged, and the behavior itself became highly ritualized. The provider always initiated the contact involving vigorous penile sucking that appeared to result in ejaculation. We suggest that the behavior began as a result of early deprivation of maternal suckling, and persisted through life, possibly because it remained satisfying for both individuals. This constitutes the first descriptive report of fellatio in bears, and suggests that some bears may suffer lifelong behavioral consequences from being orphaned at an early age.

The Welfare of Bears in Zoos: A Case Study of Poland

The welfare of captive bears became a big issue of concern in Poland when a case of a bear being ill-treated became a high-profile case in the media. This case created a challenge to verify, study, and understand the main problems associated with bear keeping so that zoos could significantly improve the conditions in which they keep bears or ensure they keep bears at the minimum required standards. The results presented here are from 1 of the few countrywide studies of captive bear conditions conducted in all the captive institutions in Poland that keep bears. Thirteen institutions kept bears at the time of the study (2007–2009), including 54 individuals of 5 species. Major welfare problems were identified, and the results have been used to challenge zoos to address the changes required and focus the governments attention on areas that require legislative improvement.

Activity Budgets of Captive Cape Fur Seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) Under a Training Regime

Ethograms and time budgets are crucial for the behavioral assessment of nonhuman animals in zoos, and they serve as references for welfare research. This study was conducted to obtain detailed time budgets of trained Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) in captivity, to evaluate variations of these patterns, and to determine whether abnormal behaviors had been displayed. Behavioral data for 3 Cape fur seals in the Wroclaw Zoo were collected, and more than 300 observation hours (during a 12-month period) per individual were analyzed. The studied animals exhibited a diversified repertoire of natural behaviors with apparent seasonal and daily patterns, and they did not present stereotypic behaviors. Significant differences of interaction rates between individuals suggest more frequent affiliative interactions among related animals. The absence of stereotypic behaviors, good health of individuals, and the presence of diversified natural behaviors indicated relatively good welfare of Cape fur seals kept in the Wroclaw Zoo.

Broad-Scale Morphometric Diversity in the Lake Minnow Eupallasella percnurus (Cyprinidae : Pisces)

The lake minnow Eupallasella percnurus is distributed throughout a vast area that includes most of Europe and northern Asia and displays a wide range of morphological variation, which resulted in five distinguished subspecies. There are no previous conclusive morphometric analyses of samples from different parts of the distribution area. This paper presents results of multidimensional analyses of morphometric characters of 19 widely scattered populations of the species. The results of the analyses show considerable inter-population differences. Morphometric evidence suggests that three morphologically different groups exist within the studied species. The population from the Volga river basin represents a distinct species tentatively called the ‘Volga lake minnow’. The populations from Poland; central, northern and northeastern Russia; and northern Kazakhstan form a group closely related to the nominative subspecies E. percnurus percnurus, whereas populations from southeastern Russia (including Sakhalin) and Hokkaido probably form a separate subspecies.

Morphometric Exploration of Diversity of the Eurasian Minnow Phoxinus phoxinus: A Case Study of a Widely Distributed Palaearctic Fish

The Eurasian minnow Phoxinus phoxinus is widely distributed across most of Europe and northern Asia. It displays considerable morphological diversity and variable colouration. Despite this it is still believed that its whole distribution holds only one monotypic species. There are no previous conclusive morphometric analyses of samples from different parts of its distribution area. This paper presents results of multidimensional analyses of morphometric characters of 14 widely scattered populations of the species. Our analyses show considerable inter-population differences. Morphometric evidence suggests that populations from the Amur River system and central Asia may represent new, distinct species or subspecies. The status of the remaining populations remains unclear.