Phylogenetic relationships of the order Carnivora have been extensively studied. However, depending on the type of data, species sampling, and method of analysis used, carnivores have been placed in nearly every possible position throughout the eutherian phylogenetic tree (for a review, see Novacek 1992). The integrity of the order itself has, however, remained intact. Undisputedly monophyletic...

We conducted informal interviews with villagers and park and buffer zone personnel in protected areas of Nepal presumed to contain Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) during 19 September–10 November 2005. Based on these interviews, we assessed the presence and persistence of this species in Nepal. We conducted interviews in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Langtang National Park, Shivapuri Natio...

We investigate the energy-time lag dependence of the source NGC 4593 using XMM-Newton/EPIC-pn data. We found that the time lag dependency is linear in nature with respect to the logarithm of different energy bands. We also investigate the frequency dependent time lags and identify that at some frequency range (5 × 10−5 Hz – 2 × 10−4 Hz) the X-ray emission is highly coherent, mildly frequency de...

We update or extend data presented by Herrero (1985). Injury rates were low, 1980-1985. The highest rates were 317,700 and 328,645 park visitors per injury inflicted by black or grizzly bear in Kluane and Denali National Parks. Injury rates calculated against number of backcountry user nights were significantly higher for all parks where injuries occurred, but this exaggerates the danger from b...

American black bears (Ursus americanus) are seasonally polyoestrous and exhibit delayed implantation, which may allow equal and independent fertility of recurrent oestruses of a mating season. We postulated that the luteal inactivity during delayed implantation allows bears to have sequential ovulation during a polyoestrous mating season such that each oestrus of a polyoestrous female will have...