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A window into the forest post-release behaviour of rehabilitated Bornean Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus) in Sabah, Malaysia1.06 MB
Preprint VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Preprint
A window into the forest: post-release behaviour of rehabilitated Bornean Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus) in Sabah, Malaysia
Research Square, Vol.22 August 2023
Research Square Company
2023
Abstract
As the number of threatened wildlife species increases globally, captive rehabilitation and release of wild caught animals plays an increasingly significant role in conservation efforts, particularly where poaching threatens wild populations. Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) populations are decreasing globally, with habitat loss and fragmentation and poaching as key threats to the species. This study aimed to assess post-release behaviour of rehabilitated Sun bears (n = 12) using GPS-collar data to inform ongoing efforts to rehabilitate wild caught bears. We assessed spatial patterns of movement using kernel density estimates and utilisation distributions. We utilised an information theory (IT) and generalised linear modelling approach to assess temporal patterns of sun bear movement (n = 9). Home range estimates (mean = 56.68 km2, range:1.9 – 202.4) and post-release behaviour varied widely between bears, with no significant difference in home range size between males (n = 3) and females (n = 6). Home ranges of most bears stabilised within the first month and bears that were rehabilitated and released together did not spend a significant amount of time together following release. Bears were most active during daytime hours and most established a home range encompassing the riverside. The ultimate success of the releases is unknown, due to collar malfunction and damage, and the inaccessibility of the study terrain. We find that future releases of Sun bears would benefit from soft-release and in-situ rehabilitation techniques. This study provides important insights into the complexity of bear reintroductions informing future rehabilitation and releases for threatened bear species.
Details
- Title
- A window into the forest: post-release behaviour of rehabilitated Bornean Sun bears (Helarctos malayanus euryspilus) in Sabah, Malaysia
- Authors
- Beth Brunton (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringAlexis Levengood (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and EngineeringThye Lim Lee (Author) - Panthera CorporationSiew Te Wong (Author) - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)Augustine Tuuga (Author) - Sabah Wildlife DepartmentPradeep A Gunasegaran (Author) - Panthera CorporationYen Wah Seng (Author) - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)Boon Nie Yeoh (Author) - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)
- Publication details
- Research Square, Vol.22 August 2023
- Publisher
- Research Square Company
- Date published
- 2023
- DOI
- 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3271147/v1
- ISSN
- 2693-5015
- Copyright note
- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Grant note
- Sime Darby Foundation Hasanah Foundation Ministry of Finance Malaysia East Bay Zoological Society Conservation Society of California Zoological Society of San Diego Full Circle Foundation and Bread Joseph
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Marketing and Communications; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Student Services and Engagement
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99746795102621
- Output Type
- Preprint
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