Selection of rub trees by brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Hokkaido, Japan

• Autorzy: Sato Y. , Kamiishi C. , Tokaji T. , Mori M. , Koizumi S. , Kobayashi K. , Itoh T. , Sonohara W. , Takada M. B. , Urata T.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Tree rubbing by brown bears (Ursus arctos) is a well-known behavior throughout the animal’s distribution. There is still insufficient information on the characteristics and function of the behavior. We investigated seasonal frequency of tree rubbing by brown bears, characteristics and reasons for selection of rub trees, and characteristics of bear signs on and around rub trees in a mixed coniferous–broad-leaved deciduous forest in Hokkaido, Japan. Between 1998 and 2009, we found 172 rub trees and confirmed 995 tree rubbings. We found that the rub trees were used repeatedly by bears within a year and for multiple years (more than 10 years). Tree rubbing by brown bears was observed from April to November, with a peak between May and June that corresponds to the mating season of brown bears. Abies sachalinensis was selected and broad-leaved trees were avoided for tree rubbing based on estimated availability in natural forest. The preference for Abies sachalinensis might be because the strong odor of resin attracts bears for rubbing their head and neck in resinous substances and for increasing the detectability of their markings by receptor bears. Selected trees for rubbing were located right beside the trail on relatively level ground among trees along roads or trails. Trees had a relatively large diameter at breast height. These characteristics would also serve to increase the access and detectability of their markings. Series of pad-shaped depressions was the most frequently observed (70 %) indication of bear rubbing, followed by debarking (51 %) and clawing (30 %). In terms of visual and olfactory signal amplification, physical damage by bears to the trees might have a function to enhance the smell as a result of increase in outflow of the resin. We conclude that tree rubbing behavior is associated with the mating season of brown bears and that the main purpose of this behavior is scent marking to communicate intraspecifically during the mating season.

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Theriologica
• Rocznik: 2014
• Tom: 59
• Numer: 1
• Opis fizyczny: p.129-137,fig.,ref.

Twórcy

autor

Sato Y.

• College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan
• Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu 069-8501, Japan

autor

Kamiishi C.

• College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan

autor

Tokaji T.

• College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan

autor

Mori M.

• College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan

autor

Koizumi S.

• Graduate School of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan

autor

Kobayashi K.

• Department of Symbiotic Science of Environment and Natural Resources, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu 183-8509, Japan

autor

Itoh T.

• Graduate School of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan

autor

Sonohara W.

• College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa 252-0880, Japan

autor

Takada M. B.

• Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan

autor

Urata T.

• Urahoro Brown Bear Research Group, Urahoro 089-5614, Japan

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Uwagi

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Identyfikatory

DOI

10.1007/s13364-013-0143-z