Survival of the Andean bear and the role of undergraduate assistants in international field research

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

2-20-2009

Abstract

During the summer months of 2008, CSB/SJU students worked as field assistants to Prof. Kristina Timmerman (Biology) in Ecuador studying the mysterious Andean bear community. The spectacled (or Andean) bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the only bear species found in South America. Habitat destruction and subsequent conversion of land to agricultural production is the largest threat to the survival of this charismatic species. Conservation of this endangered species requires reliable information about habitat and landscape use, food resource requirements and population dynamics. In her presentation, Prof. Timmerman discusses this research that she and her assistants carried out in Ecuador, including the study of the risk of bear-human interaction. In doing so, Prof. Timmerman discusses the benefit of this type of international scientific research and cultural experience for CSB/SJU students.

Comments

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