Aspectos etológicos de Tremarctos Ornatus (oso andino) en condiciones de cautiverio (páramo Bordoncillo, Putumayo, Colombia)

Abstract

Conflicts between humans and bears have led to Tremarctos ornatus being considered vulnerable. This species is valuable for the conservation of paramos and forests, making it crucial to commit to its conservation. To this end, Corpoamazonia, in collaboration with the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas, implemented a protocol for the relocation and rehabilitation of the Andean bear in Putumayo. This involved two T. ornatus specimens, which were rescued as cubs by Corpoamazonia, managed at the Amazon Experimental Center (CEA), and kept in captivity by BioAndina in Guasca, Cundinamarca, for 7 years. In some cases, the conservation of wild species requires detailed and systematic behavioral studies, as well as the quantification of different behavioral patterns and their evolution. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the ethological aspects of Tremarctos ornatus in captivity, with rehabilitation purposes in the Bordoncillo paramo, Putumayo, Colombia. Enrichment strategies were implemented, and the individual and social aptitudes of these bears in response to habitat enrichment strategies were analyzed. During the ethological recordings, a total of 24 ethograms were obtained, documenting 20 behaviors. According to the obtained ethograms, the ethological assessment of the two Andean bear specimens, one male and one female, in response to the enrichment strategies, demonstrated an impact on their behavior. However, it was considered that the rehabilitation time was not sufficient for them to express all the wild behaviors necessary for their reintroduction. Additionally, the lack of isolation by the personnel in charge resulted in the enrichment impacts being less than expected.