Non-invasive genetics outperforms morphological methods in faecal dietary analysis, revealing wild boar as a considerable conservation concern for ground-nesting birds.

摘要: Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and other grouse species represent conservation concerns across Europe due to their negative abundance trends. In addition habitat deterioration, predation is considered a major factor contributing population declines. While the role of generalist predators on relatively well known, impact omnivorous wild boar has remained elusive. We hypothesize that an important predator ground-nesting birds, but been neglected as bird because traditional morphological methods underestimate proportion birds in diet. To distinguish between different mammalian species, prey we developed molecular method based analysis mitochondrial DNA allows accurate identification. collected 109 faeces at protected capercaillie leks surrounding areas analysed consumption using genetic classical examination. Genetic revealed was significantly higher (17.3%; 4.5×) than indicated by examination (3.8%). Moreover, allowed considerably more precise taxonomic identification consumed compared analysis. Our results demonstrate: (i) value approaches faecal dietary sensitivity, (ii) deserving serious consideration planning for grouse.