Seasonal changes in elevation and habitat use of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in the Northern Japan Alps

摘要: Habitat use by Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) was examined in the Northern Japan Alps where distinct changes vegetation occur with elevation. Seven (three males and four females) were radio-tracked for five years. Home range size varied from 32 to 123 km2, used habitats at elevations between 600 m 3,000 m. Bears higher (2,100 2,300 m) summer (from July 1 September 10), lower (1,000 1,500 autumn months after 10). foraged subalpine birch forests, avalanche chutes, or alpine zone summer, but moved deciduous broad-leaved forests of montane autumn. spent little time mid-elevation (2,000 coniferous forests. Seasonal movements among different are likely necessary survival marginal habitats.