Pregled prilagajanja rabe prostora rjavega medveda (Ursus arctos) na antropogene motnje

Abstract

For successful large carnivore conservation it is important to understand mechanisms how large carnivores adapt to human presence, including anthropogenic environmental modifications. Widespread Holarctic distribution throughout various levels of human-use makes the brown bear (Ursus arctos) an appropriate model species for studying response to anthropogenic effects in large carnivores. We reviewed the literature throughout entire species% range to examine how bears modify their habitat use in response to the intensity of anthropogenic modifications of their environment. Results indicate that bears in general avoid human structures, with strongest avoidance observed for permanently inhabited areas and high-traffic roads. We observed their stronger avoidance of human structures in areas with higher human population densities. Comparison between Europe and North America indicate stronger avoidance of urban areas among European bears, while no obvious differences were observed for other types of anthropogenic infrastructure. We suggest caution when comparing responses among study areas, because most bear habitat-use studies reported only relative habitat selection (i.e. use relative to the availability) and there is lack of reported data on absolute habitat use. Therefore we recommend analysis of original data across the species' range in order to advance our understanding of bear habitat-use across a gradient of intensity of human disturbance.