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A pilot study on the home range and movement patterns of the Andean Fox Lycalopex culpaeus (Molina, 1782) in Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

This study reports movement patterns and home range estimates of an Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) in Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador, representing the first GPS-tagging of the species. The GPS functioned well during the 197-day tracking period. Home range sizes ranged between 4.9 and 8.1 km2, depending on the estimation method. Movement speeds averaged 0.17 km/h at day versus 0.87 km/h at night, and distance traveled averaged 0.23 km at day versus 0.89 km at night. These preliminary results highlight the importance of collecting unbiased, high-quality data which enables an enhanced understanding on mammal behavior and human/animal interaction.

A pilot study on the home range and movement patterns of the Andean Fox Lycalopex culpaeus (Molina, 1782) in Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador Read More »

Hematological and Serum Biochemical Values of Andean Bears in Ecuador

We collected blood samples (n = 49) from 43 Andean Bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in Ecuador between September 1995 and May 2006 and analyzed them for 11 serum biochemical and 13 hematological parameters. Results were grouped and compared according to the bears\’ life condition (captive or free-ranging), sex, age, and body mass. Free-ranging bears had higher serum glucose and monocyte levels than captive bears, but slightly lower mean cellular hemoglobin concentrations. Male bears had higher serum protein levels than female bears. Adult bears showed higher levels of cholesterol, hematocrit, and hemoglobin than sub-adult bears. In contrast, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorous levels were higher in sub-adult bears. Bears with a body mass {$>$}80 kg had higher levels of serum proteins and blood urea nitrogen than lighter-weight bears. Plasma triglyceride levels observed in this study were very high in relation to those reported for other bear species. Alkaline phosphatase levels were also high in comparison to those of other bear species, except the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Observed mean values for glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxalic transaminase, glucose, and calcium were low in this study relative to those of captive Andean bears from other countries, whereas the mean alkaline phosphatase value was comparatively high. Mean values for glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxalic transaminase, glucose, calcium, mean cellular hemoglobin, and mean cellular volume were lower relative to other bear species. The data presented in this paper will provide baseline reference values that may prove useful in the diagnosis of disease and assessment of nutrition in wild and captive Andean bears.

Hematological and Serum Biochemical Values of Andean Bears in Ecuador Read More »