Behavioural analysis of Asiatic black bear in limited space

Abstract

This study was conducted for behavioral characteristic analysis of the Asiatic Black Bear in a limited space. Behaviors of eight Asiatic Black Bears were classified into 13 normal stances and locomotor activities, 15 normal maintenance behaviors, 9 locomotory compulsive behaviors, 2 non-locomotory compulsive behaviors through the 3 years of monitoring. The bears had originally been released into the Jiri National Park for Asiatic Black Bear Restoration Project and were withdrawn again because of several reasons such as habituation to humans, and apiary damage. Through the monitoring of 6 hours per day during 3 months, classified behaviors were analyzed based on sex, age, observing month, observing timing, captivity period, and captive form. The total rate of stereotypic behaviors was 26.51 ± 13.38%. Among these, RA (Rest_A) was rated high as 47.32 ± 18.32%. In addition, SP (Standard pace), HR (Head rear), EP (Extended pace) were most frequently observed behaviors. The time budget of TFS (Two feet stand), SA (Sniff_A) and SB (Sniff_B) on females and younger individuals were relatively higher than male and older individuals. So we confirmed that females and younger individuals had more wariness and curiosity. As the period of captivity took longer, the rate of stereotypic behaviors was higher and more stereotypic behaviors were observed in the afternoon. At night, behaviors related with resting like Rest-A, Rest-B, Lying down, Lying on abdomen, Sitting were more frequently observed.We concluded that the captive state could affect the behaviors of Asiatic Black Bear and long term research should be necessary.