Stable isotope composition of faeces as an indicator of seasonal diet selection in wild herbivores in southern Africa : research letter

摘要: We used stable carbon isotopes and nitrogen contents of faeces to investigate diet selection differences among wild grazers, browsers mixed-feeders at seasonal intervals across a year in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa. Faecal d 13 C values showed that wildebeest warthog selected predominantly ClSUBg4l/SUBg plant material throughout year. Impala ingested significantly more ClSUBg3l/SUBg during winter months than all other months. Nyala also browse winter. The content of was lower summer, suggesting possible decline quality dry No significant trend faecal content evident for nyala or warthog. Nitrogen impala were higher spring seasons. isotopic nutrient analyses appear be useful indicators short-term nutritional status free-ranging herbivores. Analyses show resource partitioning among different herbivores finer time resolutions can be obtained from bone collagen analysis tooth enamel.