Light-level geolocation as a tool to monitor polar bear (Ursus maritimus) denning ecology: a case study ...

• Main Authors: Merkel, Benjamin, Aars, Jon, Laidre, Kristin L., Fox, James W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: figshare 2024
• Subjects: Evolutionary Biology; FOS: Biological sciences; Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified; Ecology; Sociology; FOS: Sociology; Inorganic Chemistry; FOS: Chemical sciences; Infectious Diseases; FOS: Health sciences; Ursus maritimus
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6591002.v1; https://springernature.figshare.com/collections/Light-level_geolocation_as_a_tool_to_monitor_polar_bear_Ursus_maritimus_denning_ecology_a_case_study/6591002/1

Abstract Background Monitoring polar bears is logistically challenging and expensive. Traditionally, reproductive history has been assessed using permanent marks from physically captured individuals, which requires assumptions about reproductive history based on their status at the time of capture. This is often supplemented with economically costly satellite telemetry (ST) collars restricted to adult females, which yield data on space use and reproductive history. Methods This study assesses the potential of adapting light-level geolocation (Global location sensing or GLS) tags, developed for birds and fish, to estimate life history metrics for polar bears. Traditionally, GLS uses light intensity and time of day to estimate approximate twice-daily locations. This information, combined with temperature data, can be used to assess approximate locations of maternity denning events, denning timing, general space use, and population connectivity. Results Adult females (n = 54) were equipped, some several times, ...