Use of stable carbon isotope ratio for foraging behavior analysis of capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from Esteros del Iberá, Argentina

摘要: We analyzed different aspects of the foraging behavior and habitat use for feeding capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) using carbon stable isotopes (13C/12C) measured in bone collagen by direct observation. Stable isotope ratio analysis is used to determine proportion plant functional types consumed (C3 C4 photosynthetic patterns). These data were further compared with distribution available environments study area. There was a high variability values, although some specimens showed C4-based diet, suggested tendency toward predominant consumption C3 plants. The diet capybaras differed from their availability area indicating differential environments. obtained similar conclusions observation capybaras. values species may explain its ecological plasticity terms both composition selection sites.