Response to human-modified landscape of an apex consumer: Sex- and season-related variations in road selection and movement pattern

Abstract

The recovery of apex consumers increases the need for coexistence efforts, and it is important to understand how apex consumers respond to human-modified landscapes. Roads can restrict movement and gene flow as well as increase mortality risk, however, can also provide attractive food resources along roadside and enhance movement efficiency of apex consumer. To investigate the selectivity (preference/avoidance) and movement patterns of an apex consumer in relation to roads, we carried out an integrated step selection analysis of GPS data from Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in the Ashio-Nikko Mountains, Japan. During the reproductive season, adult males preferred areas near all types of roads, but preferred areas further from roads during the day compared to the night. Also, adult males displayed slower movements as well as avoided less dense vegetation near main roads and faster movement near minor roads. In comparison, adult females avoided areas near main roads and preferred areas near minor roads. In addition, adult females preferred areas further from minor roads during the day compared to the night. In the hyperphagia season, neither sex exhibited any selectivity in relation to roads in general, but preferred areas farther from all types of roads during the day. Our results suggest that Asiatic black bears not only generally perceive roads as a risk but also may use areas near roads for food resources or travel routes depending on sex, season, and human activity level. To minimize bear-human encounters near roads, we propose that management of roadside vegetation focuses on creating habitats with high visibility and plant species unattractive for bears.

Keywords

• Asiatic black bear
• Apex consumer
• Movement
• Road
• Step selection
• Ursus thibetanus