Effects of capturing and collaring on polar bears: findings from long-term research on the southern Beaufort Sea population

摘要: Context. The potential for research methods to affect wildlife is an increasing concern among both scientists and the public. This topic has a particular urgency polar bears because additional needed monitor understand population responses rapid loss of sea ice habitat. Aims. study used data collected from sampled in Alaska portion southern Beaufort Sea investigate capture adversely behaviour vital rates. We evaluated extent which capture, collaring handling may influence activity movement days weeks post-capture, body mass, condition, reproduction survival over 6 months or more. Methods. compared post-capture rates, relationships between prior history condition reproductive success. also summarised on capture-related mortality. Key results. Individual-based estimates rates reached near-normal levels within 2–3 fully normal 5 post-capture. Models all had poor fit, but suggestedpotentialforprolonged,lower-levelratereductions.Repeatedcaptureswasnotrelatedtonegativeeffectsonbody cub growth survival. Capture-related mortality was substantially reduced after 1986, when immobilisation drugs were changed, with only 3 mortalities 2517 captures 1987–2013. Conclusions. Polar exhibited greatest reductions 3.5 These shorter-term, effects do not appear have translated into any long-term reproduction, Additionally, no effect bear recovery Implications.Thisstudyprovidesempiricalevidencethatcurrentcapture-basedresearchmethodsdonothavelong-term implications, are contributing observed changes Sea. Continued refinement protocols, such as use low-impact dart rifles reversible drug combinations, might improve response abate short-term