Bear marks in caves provide invaluable insights into the behavior, ecology, and environmental interactions of both modern and extinct bear species. This study examines bear traces in Greek caves, including claw scratches, polished surfaces, and denning pits, attributed primarily to the brown bear (Ursus arctos). Over 24 years of cave exploration, such traces were identified in fewer than 0.5% of surveyed caves (n >= 1,200), highlighting their rarity and ecological significance. Comparative analysis with analogue sites across Europe underscores consistent patterns in territorial and grooming behaviors. Territorial behavior refers to marking space with claw marks and scent, while grooming behavior involves rubbing against surfaces to maintain fur condition. However, the presence of polished surfaces raises questions about possible anthropogenic origin. These findings contribute to ichnological research by documenting bear activity in Greece. Although some traces may be modern and thus primarily ethological in value, others may represent older episodes of cave use with paleoenvironmental relevance. Challenges in dating and taxonomic attribution emphasize the need for interdisciplinary approaches to better interpret these marks as proxies for past ecological and climatic conditions.
The killing and consumption of young in ursids is usually carried out by unrelated males. Females also exhibit this behavior, but existing observations are limited to females with offspring. This report presents an observation of a solitary adult female brown bear (Ursus arctos), bear 175, killing and consuming a yearling in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. The yearling, weaned by its mother, had followed bear 175 for several days before the incident. Following the infanticide, bear 175 consumed a large part of the carcass, including viscera, which are usually untouched by infanticidal females. I argue that bear 175's unusual behavior may have been caused by the extended proximity of the yearling, which may have triggered a predatory attack. In addition to furthering our understanding of infanticide and cannibalism in ursids, this observation raises the question of whether some past infanticides were committed by solitary females misidentified as adult males.
The sublethal effects of fenpropathrin on the oxalis spider mite, Tetranychina harti (Tetranychidae) were investigated. The results showed that, relative to the control group, sublethal doses of fenpropathrin significantly shortened the developmental duration of immature offspring in the LC15 group (P < 0.05) but significantly prolonged it in the LC30 group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, these sublethal exposures shortened the pre-oviposition period while prolonging the oviposition period of F1 female adult mites. Notably, a significant reduction in mean fecundity per female was observed only in the LC15 group compared to the control (P < 0.05). The cumulative survival rate curves and age-specific fecundity curves indicated that sublethal concentrations (LC15 and LC30) of fenpropathrin did not exert a clearly adverse effect on the survival or fecundity of Tetranychina harti. Both treatment groups exhibited higher net reproductive rates (R-0) than the control. Similarly, the intrinsic rates of increase (r(m)) in the LC15 and LC(30 )groups exceeded that of the control, and the finite rates of increase (lambda)in both treatment groups were also higher. In addition, the population doubling time (DT) was shorter in the treatment groups than in the control. These findings suggest that sublethal exposure to fenpropathrin may compromise its efficacy in controlling this mite population.
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) has one of the broadest geographic distributions of any mammalian carnivore in North America. Populations occur from high to low elevations and from mesic to arid environments, and their demographic traits have been documented in a wide variety of environments. However, the demography of American black bears in semiarid environments, which comprise a significant portion of the geographic range, is poorly documented. Semiarid environments are characterized by highly variable environmental and climatic conditions across seasons and among years. To determine whether environmental variation is related to demographic traits of black bears, we used data from a long-term mark-recapture study of black bears in the semiarid environment of eastern Utah, USA, from 1991 to 2019. Traits associated with reproduction (i.e., cub production, cub survival, and yearling survival) were more variable compared with adult survival rates. Cub production was strongly associated with measures of drought in the previous year. Wetter years resulted in higher cub production the next spring. Demographic analysis suggests a stable population (k H 0.96) dominated by adult life stages where the highest reproductive value is found in old adults. Vital rates and demographic patterns fall within the range of patterns found in other populations of black bears in western North America; however, yearling survival and estimates of fecundity were lower in this population in a semiarid environment. Black bear life histories and resulting demography in this semiarid environment appear to be a response to the uncertainty associated with resource availability. We suggest additional long-term studies in underrepresented environments for comparison with our results and conclusions.
Sustainable restoration of eutrophic lakes remains a vital challenge, with probiotic bioremediation providing a non-invasive alternative to conventional chemical approaches. This study assesses the effectiveness of Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology in restoring Lake Jeziorko (Poland), using water mites (Hydrachnidia) as sensitive bioindicators of habitat change. During the monitoring period lasting a total of 35 months (samples were taken each time in July for three years) across littoral and profundal zones, collecting 9,739 water mite individuals from 38 species. Bathymetric analysis confirmed a decrease in bottom sediment thickness, which probably triggered a clear response in benthic fauna. Although the initial year showed a lake-wide increase in species richness, long-term trends reveal a split: littoral communities declined due to external nutrient inputs and cyanobacterial blooms, while profundal communities (dominated by typical lake taxa such as Neumania limosa and Piona stjordalensis) remained stable and showed signs of improved sediment oxygenation. These findings indicate that while probiotic bioremediation effectively conditions deep-water habitats and reduces sediment volume, it is not sufficient alone to counter external eutrophication pressures. Additionally, these studies indicate that profundal aquatic mite communities show a clear improvement in profundal conditions, while littoral water mites indicate that the ecological situation did not improve permanently.
The genus Oribatella (Oribatida, Oribatellidae) comprises 136 species with a cosmopolitan distribution. A new species, O. (Oribatella) prominens sp. nov., is described, based on adult specimens collected from litter and the upper soil stratum in the mixed Shorea robusta forest in lowland Nepal. The new species is characterized by the presence of the elongate prodorsobasal lamina at basal part of the prodorsum. An identification key to the known species of Oribatella from the Oriental region is presented, and a summary of the habitats of Nepalese Oribatella species is provided.
Investigating the potential effects of chemical pesticides on the biological performance of natural enemies is crucial for the successful implementation of integrated pest management programs. In the present study, the effects of low concentrations (LC10 = 5.14, LC20 = 12.55, and LC30 = 23.89 mg a.i./L) of bifenazate (Floramite® 24% SC) on the predation parameters of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot feeding on larvae and protonymphs of Tetranychus urticae Koch were investigated under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that the appropriate time interval for releasing the predator after the application of bifenazate (LC30 = 23.89 mg a.i./L) was at least 48 hours, as no obvious effects on its survival and predation parameters were detected. Furthermore, exposure to the low concentrations had no carryover effects on the predation performance of the offsprings. The age-stage specific predation rate (cxj) increased with increasing age and stage of individuals and had the highest value for adult females, although its peak value decreased with increasing concentration. The values of net predation rate (C0), finite predation rate (ω), transformation rate (Qp), and stable predation rate (ψ) in the subsequent generation were not significantly affected when the female predators were exposed to the different concentrations. These results indicate that the different low concentrations of bifenazate had no negative effects on the predation performance of P. persimilis and its offspring. Therefore, their combination may play an important role in the sustainable management of T. urticae.
During a survey of eriophyoid mites conducted in Heris village, Maragheh County, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, in the summer of 2024, a new species, Paraphytoptus cichorintybus Yousefnezhad & Lotfollahi sp. nov., was discovered on common chicory, Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae). The new species is described and illustrated herein. No visible symptoms were observed on the host plants.
The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a major agricultural pest, and the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot is one of its most effective natural enemies. Since temperature strongly influences predator biology, in the present study, the effects of five constant temperatures (21, 23, 25, 27, and 29 °C) on the development, survival, and reproduction of P. persimilis using age-stage and two-sex life table analysis were evaluated. Developmental time decreased with increasing temperature, while reproductive onset occurred earlier at warmer conditions. Maximum fecundity, net reproduc-tive rate (R0 = 14.62), and intrinsic rate of increase (r = 0.35) were recorded at 25–27 °C, indicating an optimal range for population growth. However, adult longevity and reproduc-tive performance sharply declined at 29 °C, suggesting heat stress limitations. These results confirmed that P. persimilis exhibits peak biological performance at moderate temperatures (24–27 °C), reinforcing its suitability as a biocontrol agent under controlled environments but highlighting reduced efficiency under extreme heat. The findings provided practical insights for optimizing mass rearing and field release strategies within integrated pest management programs.
Cheyletus kurdistaniensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on females collected from soil under Astragalus sp. (Fabaceae), from Qorveh, Kurdistan Province, Iran. A key to all known species of the genus Cheyletus (females) is provided. The new species belongs to the trouessarti species group of Cheyletus. Within this group, it is classified in the trouessarti species subgroup which is defined by: Dorsomedian setae small and flag-like, dorsal shield with one pair of median setae, hysterosomal shield with 1–3 pairs of median setae, peritremes M-shaped or II-shaped.
The genus Pseudotydeus (Acari: Ereynetidae) is recorded from Russia for the first time. Female and male of P. pusillus sp. nov. were collected from the forest litter in the Carbon Measurement Test Area in the Tyumen Oblast, Western Siberia, Russia. The male is described for the first time in Pseudotydeus. The generic diagnosis is modified.
This study investigates the lethal and sub-lethal effects of the pesticides fluxametamide and Sero-X on the predatory mite, Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). As a key biocontrol agent, N. californicus is crucial in regulating mite pest populations and small insects like thrips. Understanding the effects of these pesticides is essential for maintaining effective biological control strategies. In an integrated pest management (IPM) program, selecting low-risk pesticides that target pests while preserving beneficial organisms is critical. To assess these effects, bioassay tests were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions (25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5% RH, and a 16:8 light-dark photoperiod). Lethal bioassay test results showed that the LC50 values of fluxametamide and Sero-X on adults of N. californicus were 1421 mg/L and 2169 mg/L, respectively. The results showed that exposure to the LC30 concentration of either fluxametamide or Sero-X significantly affected the predator′s reproduction and developmental parameters. Both treatments reduced life table parameters (r, R0, λ, and GRR) while increasing generation time (T) compared to the control. Additionally, maternal exposure influenced progeny life history in varied ways. These findings highlight the need for sustainable pest management that minimizes chemical impact while preserving ecological balance, ensuring natural predators remain effective in agriculture.
Mites of the family Melicharidae (Acari: Mesostigmata), known from Iran, are listed, based on the literature and new records for six species, taken from samples collected in the Guilan Province, northern Iran. A total of 15 species belonging to three genera, Melichares Hering, Orthadenella Athias-Henriot and Proctolaelaps Berlese, are reported, the most common species being P. pygmaeus and P. intermedius. Information on their ecological and geographic distribution in Iran and elsewhere is provided for each species. Diagnosis for examined species is presented. A dichotomous key for the identification of the species reported in Iran is provided.
Neoseiulus barkeri (Hughes) is a common predatory mite in the Middle East region. In the present study, the development and biological parameters of N. barkeri when preyed on Rhyncaphytoptus ficifoliae Keifer or Aceria ficus (Cotte) mite pests were investigated. The predatory mite successfully developed on R. ficifoliae and A. ficus. The pre-adult duration of N. barkeri individuals fed on A. ficus (9.24 days) was shorter than that of those reared on R. ficifoliae (10.35 days). Conversely, the egg production of N. barkeri females reared on R. ficifoliae (35.53 eggs/♀) was lower compared to those fed on A. ficus (44.12 eggs/♀). Neoseiulus barkeri individuals reared on R. ficifoliae showed considerable lower values of intrinsic (r) and finite rates of increase (λ) (r = 0.141 day−1, λ = 1.151 day−1) compared to those preyed on A. ficus (r = 0.165 day−1, λ = 1.179 day−1). Our results suggest that N. barkeri could be considered as a potential biocontrol agent for controlling these pests.
The genus Lunoribatula (Oribatida, Oribatulidae) is known from Ethiopia. The generic diagnosis is revised. The redescription of the type species, Lunoribatula polygonata Mahunka, 1982, is presented, based on the specimens collected from branches of Erica trimera and Acacia mearnsii in southeastern and central Ethiopia. Remarks on habitat of L. polygonata are provided.
Body condition of large mammals is a highly labile parameter that is influenced by recent nutrition, the seasonal hormonal cycle, intrinsic traits such as age and reproductive status, and extrinsic stress factors such as predation risk, social dominance, or human disturbance. Body condition thus integrates many population- and individual-level factors into a single measure of performance, making it useful in long-term population monitoring. We measured body condition of brown (grizzly) and American black bears (Ursus arctos and U. americanus) using remote cameras during 2016-2024 in southwestern Canada, and compared these data with measures derived from live-captured brown bears from the same study area. We found that on average, photograph-derived measures of body condition predicted late-summer and autumn weight gain similar to weight-per-length and body fat metrics measured from live-captured bears. The photo-derived metric predicted more modest declines in condition in spring than body fat whereas the weight-per-length metric did not indicate declines in condition through spring. We tested the repeatability of the photo measurements using untrained observers and the methods were generally repeatable but can be improved with training. Photographs are much less invasive than live capture-based condition metrics and they allow the comparison of body condition among individuals, seasons, and populations through time, while also considering the variation within the sample. Collection of many samples should enable the examination of novel aspects of the dynamics of population trend and individual performance of bears, and perhaps other species.
Cementum and dentin increment analysis and dental microwear analysis were used for the first time to study the dental remains of a giant brown bear (Ursus arctos) from the Late Pleistocene of Yakutia, Russia. Dental increment analysis showed that this bear died during the warm season (May-Sep) in the prime of its life-at the age of 15 & thorn; years. Dental microwear analysis inferred that this bear had a varied diet consisting of a wide range of plant items, varying from soft-mast during warm season to hard-mast during hyperphagia period, but with regular intake of animal protein throughout the year. Diet in the last few weeks before death was inferred as mainly herbivorous and mainly comprising soft-mast abrasive grasses. Data on vegetation and climate in the territory of Yakutia during the Late Pleistocene, and comparisons with the dietary habits of extant U. arctos from Yakutia, allowed us to narrow the period of death of the animal within the warm season. The exceptionally large size of the bear combined with its omnivorous diet may indicate favorable living conditions for brown bears in the Mammoth steppe of Yakutia.
The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) is a generalist omnivore consuming a wide range of food items, including ants (family Formicidae) and other social insects during summer. The distribution of ant resources is thought to influence habitat selection by Asiatic black bear. We investigated the distribution of ant resources during summer in bear habitat in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, which is approximately 96% forested. Our aims were to (1) identify general trends in the distribution of ant resources used by bears, (2) determine which ant species contribute to the overall availability of ant resources, (3) investigate the relationships between the availability of ant resources used by bears and environmental factors, and (4) discuss the relationship between the distribution of ant resources and summer habitat selection by bears based on existing research. Our findings suggest that environments with high percentage of loose stone coverage are likely to have high availability of ants used by Asiatic black bear. In particular, we observed a positive relation between the availability of Camponotus ants and canopy openness. Similarly, the availability of Lasius and Myrmica ants were positively related to loose stone coverage. Habitats characterized by high percentage of canopy openness or high loose stone coverage were mostly grassland, forest edge, and riparian areas, and likely to have high availability of ants. This trend is consistent with the distribution of other foods eaten by Asiatic black bears during summer. We suggest, therefore, that grassland, forest edges, and riparian areas are environments with abundant resources for ants because these environments provide high availability of resources for both ants and other bear foods in summer.
Saffron, Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), is known as the most expensive spice in the world and the saffron mite (R hizoglyphus robini Clapar & egrave;de, 1869) causes direct and indirect damage by feeding on healthy or damaged saffron corms and is known as the most important pest of this crop. In this study, the effect of certain environmental factors including temperature, some soil parameters and altitude, on the population of saffron mite (adults and nymphs) and its dominant predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer (Canestrini, 1884) (Acari: Laelapidae) was evaluated in 5-year-old saffron fields in Iran (Mashhad, Gonabad, Torbat Heydariyeh, Dargaz, and Quchan). The relationship between the population growth rate (PGR) of adult and nymphal stages of bulb mite and predatory mite throughout the year was fitted by non-linear regression. Based on this model, the PGR of adult bulb mite was lowest on June 24 and highest on December 3. For the nymphal bulb mite, the PGR was lowest on August 5 and highest on December 12. The PGR of the predator of bulb mite was maximally fitted with the model, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.612. In this model, the PGR of predatory mite reached its lowest point on August 9 and its highest on January 3. The effect of temperature and soil moisture on the nymphs/adult population ratio (NAPR) of bulb mites was fitted to a multiple linear model, and according to the results, the NAPR increased with increasing temperature and decreasing soil moisture. The results of this study can play an important role in predicting and placing the development of saffron cultivation.
The genetic diversity of wildlife populations is crucial in maintaining their fitness and resilience to environmental changes and disease. Despite their rarity, ecological importance, and being an endangered species of public concern, information on sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) from Nepal is limited, and they are yet to receive conservation priority. To address this gap, we conducted Nepal's first noninvasive genetic surveys of sloth bear populations from 3 different habitat patches across their distribution range along the Churia-Terai landscape in Nepal between 2019 and 2021. Our study involved genotyping 127 samples using 12 microsatellite loci to determine the levels of genetic diversity and population genetic structure and using the control region of the mitochondrial genome for the haplotype analysis. We found 37 individuals in an area of approximately 1,000 km2 comprising forest and grassland habitats. Our results indicate that the sloth bears in Nepal are characterized by low genetic diversity (HE H 0.48) compared with other bear populations across its range. We had a limited number of individuals from different sampling areas, but their genotypes were consistent with there being no genetic structure between sampling areas. The study provides the crucial baseline information on the conservation genetics of sloth bears from Nepal and highlights the prospects for using noninvasive DNA sampling for research, monitoring, and conservation of bears.
