The first capture of a European brown bear (Ursus arctos) in Spain occurred in the National Hunting Reserve of Riaño on 16 October 1985. An adult male was radio-marked and movements and activities were monitored until September 1988. Distances between daily radio-locations ranged from <0.1 km to 20.5 km and averaged 1.6 km. The 2 extremes were attributed to food availability, particularly winter-starved ungulates, and breeding. Seasonal home ranges varied from 39 km2 (fall/winter) to 1,272 km2 (breeding). Movements during 1987 and 1988 totaled 246 and 1,308 km2, respectively. Seasonal activity data from diel recordings (n = 92) indicated that the bear's activity was greatest during breeding period (43%). Diel activity patterns were crepuscular year-round. Daytime activity was lowest during post-denning and highest in fall/winter, averaging over 50% active. Food availability, breeding season, and levels of human activity were felt to be the most important factors influencing this bear's movements and activity patterns in the Cantabrian Mountains of Spain.
- Volume 8
- Issue
- Pages 205-211
- Publication Date 1 January 1990
- DOI 10.2307/3872920
- File Size 320.17 KB
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