• Version
• Download 9
• File Size 816.30 KB
• Create Date 1 January 1994
• Download

Brown bear distribution range in Greece comprises 2 distinct nuclei of unequal size, covering a total of about 11,000 km2, and seems to have stabilized for the last 20 years after dramatic regression in the 19th century. Extra-limital sporadic occurrence of bears southwards of the western population nucleus down to the 39th parallel, as well as unexplored sectors of potential bear occurrence in the northern parts of the country, may add new data to the species chorology in Greece. There is a risk of further internal fragmentation of the western distribution nucleus. Human-caused mortality appears to be the main factor of population's negative trends. Brown bear food habits were determined by investigations in a 900 km2 bear area located in the northern Pindus range and scat analysis (N = 343). Only plant material was found in 77% of the samples, whereas 17% contained both plant and animal material, and 6% only animal material (mostly insects-ants). Omnivory and opportunistic strategy appeared as the main characteristics of bears' feeding behavior. Brown bear annual activity cycle was determined by data on signs of presence and activity (N = 664). It appears in relation to trophic optimas and mesoclimatic conditions of the habitat. There is evidence of winter inactivity. Brown bear habitat preferences determined by Marcum Loftsgaarden's method (N = 289 bear locations) show seasonal influence of types of vegetation communities on habitat use. Bear-human interactions level seems critical: poaching and logging are the main causes of habitat deterioration and population decrease.