Don’t we all know the problem: French bears suffering from lack of females

The population of brown bears in France has become so small that the species might become extinct in the near future, according a study, but introducing new females to the region could help reverse the decline.

The brown bear population in France survives only in two separate communities in the Pyrenees mountain range. The central population, which was created by a relocation of bears from Slovenia, has more females and is growing, while the western population, which is in decline, is more male-dominated.

The scientists say: In species with extended parental care, a male-biased sex ratio can induce sexually selected infanticide, a behavior in which males attempt to kill unrelated cubs to induce estrous in females, maximizing their opportunity to breed.

According to the researchers adding new females would solve the problem, and lead to a recovery of the French bear population.