Notes:
Knowledge gained from this research is potentially applicable and useful to both zoo management and wildlife management. By studying captive animals that we can follow individually every day, we can contribute important new information. Right now, we can determine litter size and time between births. If the bears’ needs are being met, estrous cycles should be normal. (An adverse environment could include bad captivity, global warming, toxic pollutants.)
Knowledge gained from this research:
will assist in future NON-INVASIVE field study design
will be crucial to effective development of reproductive control (contraceptives)
will be crucial to effective development of assisted reproductive techniques that could be necessary in future
will help improve timing of introductions for captive/natural breeding
may allow us to improve scheduling of animal separation (avoid increased aggression, etc).