Brown bear litter sizes in Croatia

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2001
Authors:Frkovie, A, Huber, D, Kusak, J
Journal:Ursus
Volume:12
Date Published:2001
Keywords:Ursus arctos
Abstract:

Mean litter sizes and maximum survival of cubs of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Croatia were calculated based on 116 observations of 106 brown bear family groups. In addition to the number of cubs, each record contained the date, age of cubs (cubs-of-the-year [COY] or yearlings), and location (feeding stations or other places). The mean litter size was 2.39 (n = 56, range 14) for COY and 1.96 (n = 50, range 14) for yearlings. The difference of 0.43 (18%) was significant. No significant difference in COY and yearling litter sizes was found between spring and fall of the same year. Significantly larger litters of all ages were observed with mothers away from feeding stations (x _ = 2.36, n = 47), than at feeding stations (x _ = 2.05, n = 59). This suggests that feeding bears in Croatia for management purposes has not influenced bear reproduction.

Taxonomic name: 
Thu, 2014-03-20 12:47 -- admin
https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5ade1b012674ce3dd941e2ea5dd15cc1.jpg?d=https%3A//mammals.indianbiodiversity.org/sites/all/modules/contrib/gravatar/avatar.png&s=100&r=G
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith