American black bear mating behavior and chemosensation of estrus

摘要: Abstract Quantitative documentation of bear (Ursidae) mating behavior is sparse and incomplete. Understanding subtleties how it differs between successful unsuccessful mate pairings a crucial first step to permit empirical testing sexual selection hypotheses inform captive breeding efforts. Because bears possess extremely sensitive olfactory systems are well known for marking behaviors, probable that they able sense reproductive status conspecifics using chemosensory cues. However, very little currently these phenomena in most species, including American black (Ursus americanus). Our study documents the entire consummatory phase provides behavioral evidence communication estrus bears. Using quantitative ethological methods, we discovered mounts (with ejaculation) averaged 29-fold longer duration than mounts, with no overlap. Male...