Title
Are there Andean bears in Panama?
Author(s)
Goldstein, I; Guerrero, V; Moreno, R
Published
2008
Publisher
Ursus
Abstract
We present the results of a 2007 survey for Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) at Serrania de Pirre, Panama. We surveyed game trails using methodology developed by the Andean Bear Program of the Wildlife Conservation Society. We searched a total of 14 km along 3 trails and found 4 trees with claw marks resembling Andean bear activity signs. No other bear activity signs were found. The type and encounter rate of activity signs found at Serrania de Pirre indicate either a very sporadic and brief presence of Andean bears in the area or the absence of Andean bears and the misidentification of the claw marks as bear signs. We conclude that there is no resident population of Andean bears at the Serrania de Pirre and probably at the adjacent southernmost Serrania de Jingurudo. The only other mountain range biogeographically related with the Andes with reports of Andean bear presence in Panama is the northernmost Serrania del Darien. Serrania del Darien should be surveyed to confirm the status of Andean bears in Panama.
Keywords
TREMARCTOS-ORNATUS; HABITAT
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