Diet and macronutrient niche of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in two regions of Nepal during summer and autumn

Abstract

Relatively little is known about the nutritional ecology of omnivorous Asiatic black bears ( Ursus thibetanus ) in Nepal. We characterized the diet of black bears in two seasons (June–July, “summer”; and October–November “autumn”) and two study areas (Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve [DHR]; and Kailash Sacred Landscape [KSL]). We then conducted nutritional analysis of species consumed by black bears in each study area, in combination with nutritional estimates from the literature, to estimate the proportions of macronutrients (i.e., protein [P], lipid [L], and carbohydrate [C]) in the seasonal bear foods and diets, as well as their macronutrient niche breadth. We found that bamboo ( Arundinaria spp.) had the highest relative frequency in both study areas and seasons. Ants and termites were found in DHR diets, but not KSL diets. One anthropogenic crop was found in DHR summer diets ( Zea mays ) and two were found in KSL summer diets ( Z. mays ; and Kodo millet [ Paspalum scrobiculatum ]). Other than insects, no animal prey was found in either diet. The proportions of macronutrients in diets (i.e., realized macronutrient niches) were relatively high in carbohydrate for both study areas and seasons: DHR summer 24.1P:8.7L:67.2C; KSL summer 16.7P:8.2L:75.1C; DHR autumn 21.1P:10.5L:68.4C; KSH autumn 19.0P:11.0L:70.0C. Macronutrient niche breadth was 3.1 × greater in the DHR than KSL during summer, and 4.0 × greater in the autumn, primarily due to the higher proportion of lipid in ants and termites relative to plant foods. Within‐study area differences in niche breadth were greater during summer than autumn; in the KSH the macronutrient breadth was 1.4 × greater in summer, while in the DHR it was 1.1 × greater in summer. Similarity in dietary macronutrient proportions despite differences in foods consumed and niche breadth are suggestive of foraging to reach a preferred macronutrient balance.

Mapping habitat suitability for Asiatic black bear and red panda in Makalu Barun National Park of Nepal from Maxent and GARP models

“…These species have been surviving under the threats induced by humans like poaching, retaliatory killing, proximity to herder’s sheds, tourist facilities, mismanagement of solid waste, consumption of human disposed of food, disturbance on habitat, etc 30 , 74 – 76 . Red panda prefers less disturbed areas to live in but will still occupy human troubled areas 77 .…”

Impact of climate change on Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and its autumn diet in the northern highlands of Pakistan

“…In summer–autumn (June 2019–November 2019), fresh bear scats were collected, air‐dried, kept in the plastic zipper bags, and brought to the laboratory. The color, moisture content, and rate of degradation of scats were considered before collection (Hwang, 2003; Hwang et al, 2002; Panthi et al, 2019). The wild and cultivated fruit species along with their seeds and hair of wild ungulates and livestock were collected as reference material for the identification of food items in the scats (Ali et al, 2017; Panthi et al, 2019).…”

“…The color, moisture content, and rate of degradation of scats were considered before collection (Hwang, 2003; Hwang et al, 2002; Panthi et al, 2019). The wild and cultivated fruit species along with their seeds and hair of wild ungulates and livestock were collected as reference material for the identification of food items in the scats (Ali et al, 2017; Panthi et al, 2019). The dried scats were washed with hot water through a series of metal sieves.…”

Human-black bear conflict: crop raiding by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

“…Significant crop-raiding by Asiatic black bear noted in Japan (Hashimoto et al, 2003), India (Yadav et al, 2019), Nepal (Panthi et al, 2019), and China (Trent, 2010). Their frequent crop damage adversely impacts farmer livelihood, challenges food security, decreases the tolerance of raiders, and weakens management strategies (Basnett et al, 2021).…”