Researchers spot a 'golden' bear while studying endangered spectacled
bears in Peru
Paddington, is that you?

Date:
August 23, 2021
Source:
Martin-Luther-Universita"t Halle-Wittenberg
Summary:
The number of spectacled bears in Peru might be larger than
suspected, a new study suggests. A team of researchers studied
the population of the endangered species in Northern Peru. By
identifying individuals through facial patterns, they were able
to estimate the population density in the area and identify an
unknown hotspot. Intriguingly, the researchers also observed the
first 'golden' bear.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
The number of spectacled bears in Peru might be larger than suspected,
a new study in "URSUS" suggests. A team of researchers from Gothenburg University, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and Stony
Brook University studied the population of the endangered species in
Northern Peru. By identifying individuals through facial patterns, they
were able to estimate the population density in the area and identify an unknown hotspot. Intriguingly, the researchers also observed the first
"golden" bear.


==========================================================================
The spectacled bearTremarctos ornatus is a shy creature: Little is known
about the ecology and behaviour of these animals. They were falsely
believed to be nocturnal until the mid-2000s. "Because they are so
elusive, it is difficult to study their ecology and to figure out how
to protect them as a species," says lead author Wilhelm Osterman from Gothenburg University. However, the spectacled bear is a keystone species
of the Andean ecosystem; it is the only bear native to South America
and is considered an umbrella species. Protecting it would be hugely
beneficial for other species as well. Listed on the IUCN Red List, the
bear is threatened to extinction as a result of habitat fragmentation
and human-bear conflicts.

During their research stay, the team originally intended to explore the behaviour of the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, a rare monkey that is
only found in the Peruvian Andes. "But locals and members of the NGO
YUNKAWASI told us that bears had been regularly spotted nearby. That
stroked our interest because studying spectacled bears in real time was
a unique opportunity," says biologist Julia Osterman from MLU. Working
closely with the local community, the researchers developed a protocol
to systematically observe the animals in the Copal region, which consists mostly of grasslands and a few scattered forests. On each research trip,
the team was accompanied by at least one local guide.

The researchers got lucky and were able to observe the endangered animal
on multiple occasions including up to four bears in a single day. When the
team spotted an animal, they photographed it and recorded its behaviour
and location. The bears were given individual identities based on their
facial patterns which served as a basis for calculating the population
density for the Copal/Copallin? region. They estimate there are more
than 10 bears per 100 square kilometres (38.6 square miles), which is
at least double what had been previously established.

Coincidently, the team was able to report another "first." During their fieldwork they spotted one particular individual with nearly golden
fur and an uncanny resemblance to the popular children's book character "Paddington Bear." According to the book, written by Michael Bond (1926
-- 2017), Paddington Bear also comes from Peru. Usually, the spectacled
bear's fur is almost completely black. "To see a real-life golden
bear with your own eyes is an amazing experience," says Fanny Cornejo
from Stony Brook University. However, it remains a mystery why the one individual has golden fur and further investigation would be required.

The researchers point out that their observations may only indicate a
local hotspot and it could be difficult to extrapolate the estimates to
larger areas.

Still, the discovery that spectacled bears appear in clusters could
play an important role in their conservation because they are thought to require large territories. "Setting aside large areas for conservation
purposes is great but it is often not feasible. Deforestation and
increased agriculture due to human activity often make it difficult to
create large reserves. Protecting smaller areas is more easily accepted by local communities, which is a really important factor to consider," says Wilhelm Osterman. Therefore, small areas where bears gather for feeding,
like Copal, could be tremendously valuable to conservation efforts that
go beyond a single species and should be more closely examined.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Martin-Luther-Universita"t_Halle-Wittenberg. Note: Content may be edited
for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Wilhelm H. A. Osterman, Fanny M. Cornejo, Julia Osterman. An
Andean bear
population hotspot in Northern Peru. Ursus, 2021; 2021 (32e12)
DOI: 10.2192/URSUS-D-20-00005.3 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210823110328.htm

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