The effect of temperature on active, inactive, and stereotypical behaviours in captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

Abstract

Rising temperatures are the main threat to the survival of polar bears (Ursus maritius). Studying how temperature affects their main behaviours can help determine the best way to assist their adaptation to the changing climate. The purpose of this study is to compare the behavioural profiles of five captive polar bears at the Toronto Zoo across a range of temperatures. Scan sampling was used to collect data; every fifteen minutes, the bears’ locations and activities were recorded, while temperature and weather were recorded hourly. The results show that, as the temperature rises, the bears find different ways to cope. One of the five bears significantly increased stereotypical behaviours as the temperature rose. This is important because it shows that, even within a small temperature range, an increase in temperature can result in an increase in stereotypical behaviours and a decrease in animal welfare.