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Journal Publications
McLoughlin P.D., Case R.L., Gau
R.J., Cluff H.D., Mulders R., Messier F. 2002. Hierarchical habitat
selection by barren-ground grizzly bears in the central Canadian Arctic.
Oecologia (2002) 132:102–108 (PDF = 101 KB)
Abstract
Using resource selection
functions, we examined habitat selection patterns of barren-ground grizzly
bears (Ursus arctos) in the central Canadian Arctic among and within home
ranges. There was no difference between the sexes with regard to habitat
selection patterns at the home range level (Wilks’ λ, approx. F11,11=1.27,
P=0.37). Bear home ranges contain more esker habitat, tussock/hummock
successional tundra, lichen veneer, birch seep, and tall shrub riparian
areas relative to the proportional availability of habitats in the study
area. We observed differences in habitat selection within home
ranges among levels of sex/reproductive status (Wilks’ λ, approx.
F20,412=3.32, P<0.001) and by season (Wilks’ λ, approx. F30,605=2.71,
P<0.001). Eskers and tall shrub riparian zones were the habitats most
preferred by bears throughout the year. Tussock/hummock successional tundra
was also favored by males at varying times during the year and lichen
veneers were favored in spring and autumn by most bears. Females with cubs
tended to avoid the highest ranked habitat for males throughout the year.
This pattern of habitat selection was not observed for females without
accompanying young. Results of this study
underline the importance of scale dependence in habitat selection. Failure
to view habitat selection as a hierarchical process may result in a narrow
and possibly misleading notion of habitat selection patterns. |
