Using climate data to predict grizzly bear litter size
Bears: Their Biology and Management
By: Harold D. Picton and Richard R. Knight
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
A 5-year double-bind test was conducted to test the predictive capability of a previously published (Picton 1978) regression (Y= 2.01 + 0.042x), which described the relationship between the littler size of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and an index of climate plus carrion availability (climate-carrion index). This regression showed an efficient in excess of 99% in predicting the observed grizzly bear littler size. The predictions made using the climate-carrion index had a mean absolute error of less than 25% of forecasts using other methods. The updated climate-carrion index regression, which includes all of the 16 years for which data are available, is Y= 2.009 + 0.042x (r = 0.078; P < 0.01; N = 16). We concluded that the climate-carrion index can be a helpful tool in predicting grizzly bear littler size. The relation of this information to the effects of the closure of Yellowstone Park garbage dumps is discussed.
Suggested Citation
Picton, H.D., and Knight, R.R., 1986, Using climate data to predict grizzly bear litter size: Bears: Their Biology and Management, v. 6, p. 41-44, https://doi.org/10.2307/3872804.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Using climate data to predict grizzly bear litter size |
| Series title | Bears: Their Biology and Management |
| DOI | 10.2307/3872804 |
| Volume | 6 |
| Year Published | 1986 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | International Association for Bear Research and Management |
| Publisher location | New York, NY |
| Description | 4 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Bears: Their Biology and Management |
| First page | 41 |
| Last page | 44 |