A comparison of scat-analysis methods to assess the diet of the wolf Canis lupus

摘要: Six scat-analysis methods were compared and tested for differential assessment of a wolf Canis lupus diet in the Northern Apennine Mountains, Italy. A sample 217 scats was analysed using standardised laboratory techniques, recovered undigested remains quantified according to following measurements: frequency occurrence, dry weight (estimated measured), relative volume, biomass ingested (two methods). With exception one methods, there no significant disagreement between procedures examined. However, some discrepancies rankings from different indicated sources bias that should be accounted avoid misleading conclusions. Frequency data can corrected reduce associated forms bias, whereas by volume appear affected structure remains. Although extents, all which rank food items direct measures remains, i.e. frequency, weight, suffer surface ratio varying prey sizes. Linear-regression models correct surface/volume but are drawbacks when applying them, they limited mammalian prey. Applicability evaluated on basis composition sizes, results carefully interpreted concert with other field-collected information. Interpretation order assess wolves, as well carnivores, would greatly enhanced comparing obtained two or more methods.