Linking GPS Telemetry Surveys and Scat Analyses Helps Explain Variability in Black Bear Foraging Strategies

摘要: Studying diet is fundamental to animal ecology and scat analysis, a widespread approach, considered reliable dietary proxy. Nonetheless, this method has weaknesses such as non-random sampling of habitats individuals, inaccurate evaluation excretion date, lack assessment inter-individual variability. We coupled GPS telemetry analyses black bears Ursus americanus Pallas relate individual characteristics habitat use patterns while foraging. captured 20 (6 males 14 females) fitted them with GPS/Argos collars. then surveyed locations shortly after bear visits collected 139 feces in 71 different locations. Fecal content (relative dry matter biomass ingested items) was subsequently linked (sex, age, reproductive status) visited during foraging bouts using Brownian bridges based on prior excretion. At the population level, composition similar what previously described studies bears. However, our individual-based allowed us highlight intra-population patterns, showing that sex female status had significant influence diet. For example, same habitats, females cubs did not food sources lone Linking fecal (i.e., sources) by we demonstrated potential differential dependent characteristics. Females cubs-of-the-year tended old forest clearcuts (6–20 years old) feed bunchberry, whereas yearling foraged for blueberry ants. Coupling allows efficient detection or inter-group variations strategies linkages between previous consumption, even cryptic species. This approach could have interesting ecological implications, supporting identification types abundant important endangered species targeted conservation measures management actions depredating animals.