Studies on seasonal changes of behavioral characteristic and habitat use of Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) in the northern Kinki district [Japan]

The seasonal changes of behavioral characteristic and habitat use of two female Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) were investigated with radio-telemetry method in Kutsuki village, Shiga Prefecture from 1995 to 1997. Although the shape and size of their home ranges varied slightly every year in the tracking periods, they have rather fixed home ranges. The total areas of the home ranges were 1,935ha and 2,550ha, respectively. Their habitat use changed seasonally. In spring, after awaking from hibernation, they enlarged their home ranges quickly until early summer. After that they stayed in the area without remarkable enlargement during summer. In early autumn they traveled in long distance away from the summer ranges several times. In autumn they intensively used the places in high altitude. In late autumn they gradually reduced the scale of their home ranges into very small area toward hibernation. The both bears were frequently found in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plantations in summer, when the bark stripping damage on those two species by bears occurred frequently. Their tendency to travel distantly and use of broadleaf forests in high altitude after early autumn can be explained by the distribution of trees bearing nuts.