Habitat loss adjacent to Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP), as is common on nature reserves throughout North America, is creating insular pockets of wilderness and wildlife. Consequently, successful management of black bear (Ursus americanus) populations within the area of RMNP requires an understanding of trans-boundary movement, spatial distribution, and location specific areas of mortality. The Canadian Parks Service (CPS) is mandated to preserve black bears in a naturally regulated system, while the Manitoba Department of Natural Resources (MNR) is required to maintain a black bear population of sufficient size to support existing consumptive and nonconsumptive uses. Information derived from radio monitoring 47 black bears of mixed ages, sexes, and reproductive status over a 3-year period was analyzed using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Movements of individual bears, were analyzed relative to the availability and distribution of home ranges, den locations, and unnatural foods at landfill locations and hunter bait sites. Implications and applications of GIS are discussed.
- Volume 9
- Issue
- Pages 419-425
- Publication Date 1 January 1994
- DOI 10.2307/3872728
- File Size 304.16 KB
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