Determinants of male reproductive success in American black bears

摘要: We determined annual male reproductive success in black bears (Ursus americanus) using DNA and field data from two populations New Mexico. identified the likely father for 78 of 120 genotyped cubs born during 1994–2000 calculated 102 males known or presumed present within designated mating regions. Age was a strong determinant success. The observed peak occurred at roughly same intermediate age (10 years) as milder peaks body size characteristics (11–12 years) frequency bear-inflicted wounds (13 years), suggesting fighting might be important mating. Success negatively associated with distance between home range centers mothers. young (<7 years old) also mature (≥7 years density, increasing density shifted reproduction higher. dispersed distribution females limited capacity large to dominate reproduction; therefore, by complex set variables.