engleski

Comparison of fatty acid composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue of brown bear (Ursus arctos) and gray wolf (Canis lupus)

Analysis of fatty acid (FA) composition is a technique used to examine the foraging habits of free-ranging animals. Depending on the species, many of the FAs contained in adipose tissue are derived directly from diet. The objective of this study was better understanding of foraging patterns and physiological status of free ranging brown bears (BB) and gray wolves (GW), which is essential for management and conservation strategies of wildlife populations. The study was conducted on 91 BB (female: n=25, 4, 66±2, 65 yr. ; male: n=66, 5, 30±2, 72 yr.) and 20 GW (female: n=11, 1, 95±1, 86 yr. ; male: n=9, 2, 59±1, 59 yr.). Samples were collected during the legal hunting season (2013 for BB and 2009- 2011 for GW). After thawing, homogenization and lipid extraction, the FA composition was determined by gas chromatography. The subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of both species is dominated by FAs with one double bond (48% in female and 41% in male BB vs. 46% in female and 46% in male GW). Saturated fatty acids constituted of 26% in female and 38% in male BB vs. 42% in female and 44% in male GW. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in 26% in female and 21% in male BB. In females GW PUFA was in 12% while in males it was 10%. The FAs of SAT of BB and GW showed age-, body mass- , season- and location related significant differences. Similarities in FAs of BB and GW are derived from phylogeny of carnivores, while diferences are the result of different physiological status and foraging patterns.

brown bear; gray wolf; fatty acid composition; subcutaneous adipose tissue

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