Longitudinal monitoring of fecal testosterone in male Malayan Sun bears (U. malayanus)

摘要: Fecal steroid monitoring was applied as a non-invasive method to investigate testicular cycles and seasonality in the Malayan Sun bear (Ursus malayanus), an endangered ursid from South East Asia. testosterone analyzed by radioimmunoassay samples collected male bears (n=8) housed zoological parks North America New Zealand, over periods of 0.05). All did, however, share common pattern annual excretion that suggests potential role for non-photoperiodic seasonal influences on cycles. Levels were generally lower early year with regular increases occurring at 3–4-month intervals. Grouped data suggest association between production males months peak reproductive activity captivity. Zoo Biol 0:1–15, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.