Effects of Prey Size on Scat Analysis to Determine River OtterLontra canadensisDiet

摘要: We conducted a controlled feeding trial using two captive river otters Lontra canadensis to determine how prey size may introduce bias into frequency of occurrence analysis otter scats. Otters were fed specific across range sizes. then collected all scats deposited by the many defecation events occurred remove item from digestive system. found strong, positive relationship between and number required excrete item. examined results, an actual habits study scats, could be biased towards over-representation larger items correction factor for developed our trials. Frequency suggested strong preference mid-range avoidance smaller items. Our corrected results indicated that exhibit little preferential based on in Missouri Ozarks. suggest associated with analyses severely limit robustness inferences can made such analyses.