Ecology of two reintroduced black bear populations in the central Appalachians

摘要: OF DISSERTATION ECOLOGY TWO REINTRODUCED BLACK BEAR POPULATIONS IN THE CENTRAL APPALACHIANS Reintroduced populations are vulnerable to demographic and environmental stochasticity, deleterious genetic effects, reduced population fitness, all of which can increase extinction probability. Population viability is principle determining the status reintroduced for guiding management decisions. To attempt reestablish black bear (Ursus americanus) in central Appalachians, two reintroductions using small founder groups occurred during 1990s Big South Fork area along Kentucky-Tennessee border (BSF) Jefferson National Forest Kentucky-Virginia (KVP). My objectives were estimate parameters, evaluate long-term reintroduction success KVP BSF populations. The grew rapidly 317–751 bears with a significantly female-biased sex ratio by 2013. Spatially explicit capture-recapture models suggested recolonization may continue southwest northeast linear mountain ridges. Based on radio-monitoring 2010–2014, high adult female survival moderate mean litter sizes estimated both All mortality was anthropogenic males 4.13 times more likely die than females. Two-cub litters most probable BSF, whereas had similar probabilities twoand three-cub litters. average annual that study period sustainable allowed growth (λKVP = 1.10; λBSF 1.13). Continued at higher 2015 rate, however, resulted ≥25% decline over 10 years 0.52–0.53 0.97–0.98 respectively. Rapid 13–17 post-reintroduction overlapping generations inherent retained diversity. Cumulative findings indicated successful establishing viable, self-sustaining long-term. rate 2015, if sustained, could cause precipitous declines these Reimplementation vital monitoring conservative harvests should be considered. Connectivity established between continue.