Fatal long distance roaming of a male bear highlights survival threats to dispersing bears in the Apennines, central Italy

摘要: FromSeptember2006throughMay2010, werepeatedlydetectedanadultmalebear(G70)through non-invasive sampling in the Sibillini National Park (SNP; central Apennines, Italy), at northernmost periphery of reported Apennine bear range. Notwithstanding sustained effort, we failed to detect G70 SNP after May 2010, but autumn 2010 it was twice detected, through sampling, Duchessa Nature Reserve (76 km south SNP), revealing its southward travel across Apennines. More than one year later (16 January 2012), a male live-captured Sirente-Velino Regional showing clinical symptoms Aujeszki’s disease. The died overnight, and genotyping revealed be G70. Although causes death were not clearly determined, poisoning, shooting vehicle accident ruled out, suggesting more subtle mortality factors (e.g., diseases) responsible. long distance movements fate this adult indicate that, even though protected suitable areas are connected Apennines some degree, expected expansion range from core distribution might suering undisclosed anthropogenic risks peripheral portions