Estimating carnivoran diets using a combination of carcass observations and scats from GPS clusters

摘要: Scat analysis is one of the most frequently used methods to assess carnivoran diets and Global Positioning System (GPS) cluster are increasingly being locate feeding sites for large carnivorans. However, both have inherent biases that limit their use. GPS kill biased towards carcasses, while scat over-estimates biomass consumed from smaller prey. We combined carcass observations scats collected along known movement routes, assessed using data four African lion (Panthera leo) prides in Kruger National Park, South Africa, determine how a combination these two datasets change diet estimates. As expected, carcasses alone under-estimated number events on small species, primarily impala (Aepyceros melampus) warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), our case by more than 50% thus significantly per pride day comparison when was alone. show an approach supplements with enables identification potentially missed increases estimates food intake rates carnivorans, possible ramifications predator-prey interaction studies dealing rate.