Macroscopic inspection of ape feces: what's in a quantification method?

摘要: Macroscopic inspection of feces has been used to investigate primate diet. The limitations this method identify food-items species level have long recognized, but ascertaining aspects diet (e.g., folivory) are achievable by quantifying in feces. Quantification methods applied include rating using a scale abundance, estimating their percentage volume, and weighing food-items. However, verification as whether or not composition data differ, depending on which quantification is during macroscopic inspection, done. We analyzed collected from ten adult chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) the Kanyawara community Kibale National Park, Uganda. compare dietary totals obtained different ascertain if sieve mesh size influences calculated. Finally, study validates findings direct observation feeding same individuals whom fecal samples had collected. Contrasting sizes can influence folivory frugivory estimates. our were based assumption that fibrous matter contained pith leaf fragments only, remains be verified. advocate valuable tool provide generalized overview for populations. As most populations remain unhabituated, scrutinizing validating indirect measures important they further understand inter- intra-species variation. Am. J. Primatol. 76:539–550, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.