Assessment of the point-frame Method to Quantify Wolf Canis lupus Diet by Scat Analysis

摘要: Scat analysis is a widely used technique to assess food habits of wolves Canis lupus, but complete dissection and thorough hand separation the undigested remains for their individual identification laborious time consuming. In addition, this susceptible inter-observer sources error. Alternatively, point-frame method allows systematic sampling faecal samples greatly reduces processing time. Based on sample 200 wolf scats, we compared methods using four scat quantification (frequency, volume biomass models). Qualitative quantitative estimates diet showed close agreement between procedures, allowed an 85% reduction Given that properly applied its assumptions are met, conclude application reliable more effective than scat. The could also provide rigorous approach reduce observer subjectivity as what constitutes accurate in