Camera collar footage is shedding light on the elusive Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus), the only surviving bear species in South America. Recent research conducted in Peru has revealed fascinating insights into their behavior, including instances of soil consumption, courtship activities, and even cannibalism of a dead bear cub. Wildlife biologist Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya from Amazon Conservation highlights the challenge of observing these bears in their natural habitat, where dense forests make spotting them a rare occurrence, especially given their population has dwindled to fewer than 20,000 individuals. The study of their behaviors in the wild is critical, particularly as Andean bears face numerous threats, including illegal poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, and resource exploitation.
Despite some understanding derived from animals in zoos and sanctuaries, knowing the natural behaviors of Andean bears is vital for conservation efforts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists Andean bears as "vulnerable," necessitating enhanced research to inform effective conservation strategies. The use of video-equipped collars has begun to provide essential information, as noted in a December 4 report published in Ecology and Evolution. This innovative project marks a significant advancement in understanding these bears and affirms past hypotheses regarding their ecology and behavior, as expressed by Mauricio Vela-Vargas from the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Pillco’s childhood experiences in a Quechua village, where legends surrounding bear-like demigods known as ukukus were prevalent, further fueled her passion for studying these unique creatures. Now leading a project to fit Andean bears with camera collars in Peru’s Kosñipata Valley, Pillco faces formidable challenges in tracking and trapping these elusive animals. The region’s rugged terrain complicates their efforts, requiring ingenuity and teamwork. With assistance from local mechanics in building specialized traps, the team worked diligently to fit the bears with camera collars, marking the start of a groundbreaking research endeavor aimed at unveiling the bears’ lives in the wild.
The process of capturing Andean bears entailed significant hurdles, including creating custom traps and learning how to manage false alarms. A pivotal moment occurred when a team member succeeded in trapping a bear, leading to an exhilarating experience for Pillco and her colleagues. The initial test of their camera collar technology employed two Crittercams attached to caught bears. In the end, they successfully attached a more advanced collar that integrated video with GPS tracking capabilities, allowing the researchers to gather qualitative and quantitative behavioral data over an extended period.
Once fitted with a collar, one bear provided a wealth of previously undocumented footage over four months of study. Researchers recorded unexpected dietary habits, including consumption of stinging nettles, wooly monkeys, and even the remains of a bear cub. In a notable behavioural revelation, the bear engaged in an extensive mating process, indicating a more complex social structure than previously understood. Observations of inter-bear interactions revealed encounters that were often peaceful, challenging assumptions about the solitary nature of Andean bears.
The newly acquired footage not only serves scientific inquiry but also holds value for local communities where these bears reside. By understanding the bears’ dietary preferences, local land managers can cultivate species preferred by Andean bears, marrying community interests with conservation efforts. Pillco aims to present findings at local bear festivals, fostering a connection with the community and inspiring future generations to become conservation ambassadors. She emphasizes the importance of empowering local communities to take ownership of their land, ensuring that the knowledge gained from these studies is translated into meaningful conservation action that supports both wildlife and human residents in the region.
