Behavioural effects of viewing and social dynamics of grizzly bears along the Fishing Branch River, Yukon
Dates
Year
2008
Citation
Marshall, Shelley M., 2008, Behavioural effects of viewing and social dynamics of grizzly bears along the Fishing Branch River, Yukon: Simon Fraser University.
Summary
Wildlife-based ecotourism has rapidly increased in popularity, especially when featuring large mammals in their natural environment. Researchers have questioned the sustainability of wildlife-based ecotourism because it may compromise the survival and reproduction of focal animals. I investigated the potential spatio-temporal effects of bear viewers on grizzly bears at a proposed bear viewing site along the Fishing Branch River, Yukon. Spatial river use of grizzly bears was largely explained by habituation status. Bears consumed 24% less salmon when viewers were present, posing serious energetic consequences if spatio-temporal compensation does not occur. Dominance status had no measurable effect on bears' fishing behaviour presumably [...]
Summary
Wildlife-based ecotourism has rapidly increased in popularity, especially when featuring large mammals in their natural environment. Researchers have questioned the sustainability of wildlife-based ecotourism because it may compromise the survival and reproduction of focal animals. I investigated the potential spatio-temporal effects of bear viewers on grizzly bears at a proposed bear viewing site along the Fishing Branch River, Yukon. Spatial river use of grizzly bears was largely explained by habituation status. Bears consumed 24% less salmon when viewers were present, posing serious energetic consequences if spatio-temporal compensation does not occur. Dominance status had no measurable effect on bears' fishing behaviour presumably because abundant salmon and few conspecifics minimized resource-driven competition. However, dominance status could influence feeding behaviour in years with reduced salmon abundance, which would compound viewer-induced reductions in fish consumption. I recommend further investigation into potential spatio-temporal compensatory behaviours of grizzly bears along the Fishing Branch River. Keywords. grizzly bear; Ursus arctos; ecotourism; behaviour; Yukon; social dominance Subject Terms: animal behaviour; animal ecology; grizzly bear; grizzly bear--behaviour; mammals--Yukon Territory; wildlife watching.