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35 results for “scat”
Sediment and organic matter fluxes from the Stream Channel Aeolian Transect (SCAT), McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica (2019-2023, ongoing)
The Stream Channel Aeolian Transect (SCAT) project was established by the McMurdo Dry Valleys LTER during the 2018-2019 austral summer to quantify the seasonal sediment and organic matter flux into stream channels in Fryxell Basin, Taylor Valley, Antarctica. Data collection began in 2019, with annual measurements of total sediment, ash-free dry mass (AFDM), and associated fluxes of sediment and organic matter analyzed each year. The initial SCAT array was installed along Von Guerard Stream during the 2018-2019 austral summer. It consists of six transects, each with eight collectors spanning the length of Von Guerard Stream, with three placed at the down-valley edge of the stream channel, two in the wetted margins, and three at the up-valley edge. In 2022, additional transects were established in Green Creek and Aiken Creek, each with four collectors placed in the wetted margins. These ongoing data collections provide critical insights into aeolian sediment and organic matter dynamics, highlighting their influence on stream channel processes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys.
Coyote Scat Surveys in Chihuahuan Desert Grassland and Shrubland Sites, Spring, Summer and Fall at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico (2008-2009)
This data set contains information regarding carnivore scat surveys that were performed at sites in grama grassland and both creosote and mesquite shrubland habitats at the Sevilleta NWR. A total of nine surveys were carried out along road-based transects, each of which is a mile long, during one season in 2008 (June-July) and three seasons in 2009: spring (April-May), summer (July-August), and fall (October-November). There were 10 transects in grassland areas and 10 in shrubland areas in 2008. All 20 transects, as well as two additional transects in grassland areas, were surveyed in 2009. For more information on the structure of the vegetation surrounding these road based transects, see the "Vegetation surveys in grassland and shrubland sites that are associated with coyote scat surveys at the Sevilleta NWR, 2008-2009" data set. Scat samples were identified in the field and collected for genetic and stable carbon isotope analysis. Field recorded variables include: scat freshness, maximum diameter, length, and GPS coordinates, as well as the field-based species identification for the sample. Information on the lab based species and individual identification results are also presented.This data was collected in order to obtain information on the size and feeding ecology of the coyote populations in grassland vs. shrubland habitats in three seasons (spring, summer and fall) and two years (2008 and 2009) at the Sevilleta NWR. A mark recapture analysis can be performed on the data from 2009 since two surveys were carried out for each scat transect in each of the three seasons and coyote scats were run through a genetic analysis to determine individual identity of the coyotes. A rough assessment of coyote habitat use can also be performed using the individual identity and coyote scat location information. Future isotope analysis will indicate whether the base of the food chain is C4 (grass) vs. C3 (shrubs) plants in grassland vs. shrubland habitats in each of the three
Linked collectors and determiners for: Prey identification of free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus) from rural and natural areas of Spain through scat analysis.
Natural history specimen data linked to collectors and determiners held within, "Prey identification of free-ranging domestic cats (Felis catus) from rural and natural areas of Spain through scat analysis". Claims or attributions were made on Bionomia by volunteer Scribes, <a href="https://bionomia.net/dataset/ef448f77-16de-4e3f-9e3c-247f4f76efff">https://bionomia.net/dataset/ef448f77-16de-4e3f-9e3c-247f4f76efff</a> using specimen data from the dataset aggregated by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, <a href="https://gbif.org/dataset/ef448f77-16de-4e3f-9e3c-247f4f76efff">https://gbif.org/dataset/ef448f77-16de-4e3f-9e3c-247f4f76efff</a>. Formatted as a Frictionless Data package.
Vegetation Surveys in Chihuahuan Desert Grassland and Shrubland Sites Associated with Coyote Scat Surveys at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico (2008-2009)
This data set contains information regarding vegetation structure at sites in grama grassland and both creosote and mesquite shrubland habitats at the Sevilleta NWR. This information was collected at randomly selected sites throughout the refuge. Each site is within 100 meters of one of the 22 road-based transects(20 in 2008) that were used to carry out coyote scat surveys during three seasons (spring, summer and fall) in 2009 (see "Coyote scat surveys in grassland and shrubland sites at the Sevilleta NWR, spring, summer and fall 2009" data set). Data was collected within at total of 22 circular vegetation plots (40 in 2008), each of which is 30m in diameter. Each plot was surveyed a total of three times, specifically in: April (spring), July (summer), and October (fall) 2009. Variables were selected based on their relevance to patterns of coyote habitat use, as well as their utility in calibrating Landsat images of the study site and the likelihood that they would vary seasonally. Measured variables include: average percent live woody vegetation cover, average percent live grass cover, average percent live forb cover, and average woody plant height. Information on woody plant species with individuals greater than 0.5 m in height is also presented.
Coyote Scat Survey in the Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands and Creosote Shrublands at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico (1992-2004)
This study measured the population dynamics of coyotes in the grasslands and creosote shrublands of McKenzie Flats, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. The study was begun in January, 1992, and continued quarterly each year. Â Coyotes were sampled via scat counts along the roads of McKenzie Flats during winter, spring, summer, and fall of each year. The entire road transect was 21.5 miles in length. Scat counts over a week period (number of scats/mile/day) in each season along the roads were used to calculate the densities of coyotes (number of coyotes per square kilometer). Results from 1992 to 2002 indicated that autumn was the peak density period of the year, with generally steady declines through the year until the following autumn. Coyote populations appeared to fluctuate seasonally, but remained relatively stable at 0.27 +/- 0.03 (SE) coyotes per km2 during summer periods (this likely represents the "breeding pair" density, during which coyote pairs have set up territories and are raising young, but the pups have not as yet joined the parents in foraging activities).
SGS-LTER Long-term Monitoring Project: Carnivore Scat Count on the Central Plains Experimental Range, Nunn, Colorado, USA 1997 -2006, , ARS Study Number 98
This data package was produced by researchers working on the Shortgrass Steppe Long Term Ecological Research (SGS-LTER) Project, administered at Colorado State University. Long-term datasets and background information (proposals, reports, photographs, etc.) on the SGS-LTER project are contained in a comprehensive project collection within the Digital Collections of Colorado (http://digitool.library.colostate.edu/R/?func=collections&collection_id=3429). The data table and associated metadata document, which is generated in Ecological Metadata Language, may be available through other repositories serving the ecological research community and represent components of the larger SGS-LTER project collection. Additional information and referenced materials can be found: http://hdl.handle.net/10217/83392 Carnivores are among the most conspicuous, charismatic and economically important mammals in shortgrass steppe, yet relatively is little is known about their populations or of the ecological factors that determine their distribution and abundance, in part because densities tend to be low. Mammalian carnivores represent the top predators in grassland food webs, consuming rodents, rabbits, young ungulates and other small vertebrates. In addition, shortgrass steppe is the primary habitat of the swift fox (Vulpes velox), a species of special conservation concern throughout most of its range. Fox populations are thought to be limited by predation from coyotes (Canis latrans), the most common carnivore in these grasslands and a species of interest, both for its ecological roles and well as a target species for human exploitation, ie hunting and predator control. In 1994, we implemented a low-intensity sampling scheme to monitor long-term changes in relative abundance of mammalian carnivores and help us examine interactions between these predators and their small mammal prey, including rodents and rabbits. We estimated relative abundance of carnivores using scat surveys along a fi
Fecal standing crop with real time correction using scat detection dogs to estimate population density
<p>Population density is fundamental information for assessing the conservation status of species and support management and conservation actions for in situ populations, but is unknown for many forest species due to their difficulty in detection. The Fecal Standing Crop (FSC) method using detection dogs is an alternative for cryptic or elusive species. An intrinsic difficulty of FSC is the ability to find fecal samples in the field and to estimate the probability of which feces detection is influenced by degradation due to climatic conditions. Our goal was to propose a concurrent FSC parameter estimation using a scat detection dog under different climatic conditions and apply those parameters in a wild deer population. Ten fecal samples of gray brocket deer (Subulo gouazoubira) were placed weekly in a transect (24 x 1200 m) in both dry and wet seasons (12 weeks each). A scat detection dog was then employed to find experimental fecal samples to determine the FSC parameters that were subsequently used with naturally occurring fecal samples (also dog-detected) to estimate population density. The oldest dog found samples were 21 (Dry) and seven (Wet) days after placement, resulting in dog efficiency of 23% (Dry) and 30% (Wet). Adjusting the model to account for efficiency and scat durability, we estimated similar, seasonal, densities of 4.54 individuals km-2 (SD = 2.21, Dry) and 5.52 indiv. km-2 (SD = 3.71, Wet).</p> <p><em>Synthesis and applications:</em> Our results demonstrate that our concurrent methodology corrected the effects of weather and habitat on FSC parameters thereby allowing for accurate population density estimation. Additionally, this method can provide reasonably precise density estimates with a logistically feasible sample size, as demonstrated by simulation. Following our recommendations, this method allows a reliable estimate of population density because it incorporates any influence of study area, dog ability, and climate in fecal sample detection, providing fundamental information for the conservation of many cryptic and elusive species.</p>
R script with data for vegetation and macropod scat analysis
<p>Fire and herbivores alter vegetation structure and function. Future fire activity is predicted to increase, and quantifying changes in vegetation communities arising from post-fire herbivory is needed to better manage natural environments.</p> <p>We investigated the effects of post-fire herbivory on understory plant communities in a coastal eucalypt forest in south-eastern Australia. We quantified herbivore activity, understory plant diversity, and dominant plant morphology following a wildfire in 2017 using two sizes of exclosures. Statistical analysis incorporated the effect of exclusion treatments, time since fire (TSF), and the effect of a previous prescribed burn.</p> <p>Exclusion treatments altered herbivore activity, but TSF did not. Herbivory reduced plant species richness, diversity and evenness and promoted the dominance of the most abundant plants within the understory. Increasing TSF reduced community diversity and evenness and influenced morphological changes to the dominant understory plant species, increasing size and dead material while decreasing abundance. We found the legacy effects of a previous prescribed burn had no effect on herbivores or vegetation within our study.</p> <p>Foraging by large herbivores resulted in a depauperate vegetation community. As post-fire herbivory can alter vegetation communities, we postulate that management burning practices may exacerbate herbivore impacts.</p> <p>Future fire management strategies to minimise herbivore-mediated alterations to understory vegetation could include aggregating management burns into larger fire sizes or linking fire management with herbivore management. Restricting herbivore access following fire (planned or otherwise) can encourage a more diverse and species-rich understory plant community. Future research should aim to determine how vegetation change from post-fire herbivory contributes to future fire risk.</p>
Experimental feeding validates nanofluidic array technology for DNA detection of ungulate prey in wolf scats
<p><span>The study of carnivores' diet is a key component to enhance knowledge on the ecology of predators and their effect on prey populations. Although molecular approaches to detect prey DNA in carnivore scats are improving, the validation of their accuracy, a prerequisite for reliable applications within ecological frameworks, is still lagging behind the methodological advances. Indeed, variation in detection probability among prey species can occur, representing a potentially insidious source of bias in food-habit studies of carnivores. Calibration of DNA-based methods involves the optimization of specificity and sensitivity and, whereas priority is usually given to the former to avoid false positives, sensitivity is rarely investigated so that false negatives may be largely overlooked. </span></p> <p><span>We conducted feeding trials with captive wolves (</span><em><span>Canis lupus</span></em><span>) to validate a nanofluidic array technology recently developed for detection of multiple prey species in scats. Using 371 scat samples from 12 wolves fed with a single-prey diet, the sensitivity of our nanofluidic array method varied between 0.45 and 0.95 for the six main ungulate prey species. The method sensitivity was enhanced by using multiple markers per species and by a relatively low threshold for the number of amplifying markers required to confirm a detection. Yet, at least two markers should be used to avoid false positives. By acknowledging sources of bias in sensitivity to reliably interpret results of DNA-based dietary methods, our study highlights the relevance of feeding experiments to optimally calibrate the relative thresholds to define a positive detection and investigate occurrence and extent of biases in sensitivity.</span></p>
Data from: Evaluating predator control using two non-invasive population metrics: a camera trap activity index and density estimation from scat genotyping
<p>Includes datasets from the Wimmera and Mallee, Victoria, Australia:</p> <p>- Fox camera trap data used to model activity</p> <p>- Fox scat SECR capture and trap files used to model density</p>
Data from: Observing frugivores or collecting scats: A method comparison to construct quantitative seed dispersal networks
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Fecal standing crop with real time correction using scat detection dogs to estimate population density
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R script with data for vegetation and macropod scat analysis
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Diverse ectomycorrhizal fungi communities found in urban reserve soils and scats of small mammals when compared to native forest
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Experimental feeding validates nanofluidic array technology for DNA detection of ungulate prey in wolf scats
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Data from: Linking GPS telemetry surveys and scat analyses helps explain variability in black bear foraging strategies
Studying diet is fundamental to animal ecology and scat analysis, a widespread approach, is considered a reliable dietary proxy. Nonetheless, this method has weaknesses such as non-random sampling of habitats and individuals, inaccurate evaluation of excretion date, and lack of assessment of inter-individual dietary variability. We coupled GPS telemetry and scat analyses of black bears Ursus americanus Pallas to relate diet to individual characteristics and habitat use patterns while foraging. We captured 20 black bears (6 males and 14 females) and fitted them with GPS/Argos collars. We then surveyed GPS locations shortly after individual bear visits and collected 139 feces in 71 different locations. Fecal content (relative dry matter biomass of ingested items) was subsequently linked to individual characteristics (sex, age, reproductive status) and to habitats visited during foraging bouts using Brownian bridges based on GPS locations prior to feces excretion. At the population level, diet composition was similar to what was previously described in studies on black bears. However, our individual-based method allowed us to highlight different intra-population patterns, showing that sex and female reproductive status had significant influence on individual diet. For example, in the same habitats, females with cubs did not use the same food sources as lone bears. Linking fecal content (i.e., food sources) to habitat previously visited by different individuals, we demonstrated a potential differential use of similar habitats dependent on individual characteristics. Females with cubs-of-the-year tended to use old forest clearcuts (6–20 years old) to feed on bunchberry, whereas females with yearling foraged for blueberry and lone bears for ants. Coupling GPS telemetry and scat analyses allows for efficient detection of inter-individual or inter-group variations in foraging strategies and of linkages between previous habitat use and food consumption, even for cryptic species. This approach could have interesting ecological implications, such as supporting the identification of habitats types abundant in important food sources for endangered species targeted by conservation measures or for management actions for depredating animals.
Data from: Scat DNA provides important data for effective monitoring of mammal and bird biodiversity
<p>Fauna has long been neglected in the monitoring of ecological restoration, despite the key role they play in ecosystem function. Vertebrate surveys can be time consuming and costly, often requiring multiple methodologies and taxonomic expertise, making comprehensive monitoring cost prohibitive. Here we evaluate a new method of assessing mammal and bird diversity through the genetic identification of scat collections. Using DNA metabarcoding of scat collections from three bioregions we generated bird and mammalian assemblage data and distinguished between sites with different restoration histories. However, scat detectability was affected by environmental conditions (e.g. rainfall and soil), suggesting that our approach is most applicable at certain times of year or in arid (or semi-arid) environments with rocky soils, where conditions are favourable for scat preservation. Taken together these data provide a pathway to: plan, monitor and establish best-practice when restoring landscapes and add to the growing body of literature on the value of DNA metabarcoding in biomonitoring applications.</p>
Desert tortoise scat microsatellite results
<p>Sampling fecal droppings (scat) to genetically identify individual animals is an established method for monitoring mammal populations and could be highly useful for monitoring reptile populations. Whereas existing protocols for obtaining DNA from reptile scat focus on analyses of whole, fresh scat deposited during animal handling, the collection of scat naturally deposited by reptiles in situ, as required for non-invasive population monitoring, requires protocols to extract highly degraded DNA. Using surface swabs from such scats can reduce logistical challenges, ecological impacts, and zoonotic risks. We report on three related but independently designed studies of DNA analyses from scat swabs of herbivorous reptiles under natural desert conditions: two free-ranging desert tortoise species (Agassiz's desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, California, US, and Morafka's desert tortoise, G. morafkai, Arizona, US) and the common chuckwalla (Sauromalus atar) (Arizona, US, and Sonora, MX). We analyzed samples from both tortoise species with the same set of 16 microsatellites and chuckwalla samples with four mtDNA markers; studies also varied in swab preservation medium and DNA extraction method. Microsatellite amplification success, defined as ≥9 loci with amplification varied by species: 15% of samples for Agassiz's desert tortoise and 42% Morafka's desert tortoise. For chuckwallas, we successfully amplified and sequenced 50% of samples. Fragments up to 400 bp for tortoises and 980 bp for chuckwallas were successfully recovered from scat swab samples. This study demonstrates that genotypes can successfully be obtained from swabs of herbivorous reptile scat collected in the field under natural environmental conditions and emphasizes that repeat amplifications are necessary for estimating population genetic parameters.</p>
Predation patterns on the tundra – genetic barcoding of scats from two sympatric fox species
<p>In the Arctic tundra, climate-induced emergence of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), a competitor to the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), is predicted to influence predation patterns of both fox mesopredators. In this study, we i) identified predator species from scats through an established barcoding approach, and ii) explored the use of a cheap, quick barcoding method of fox feces (n = 103). We investigated differences in diet between the red fox (predicted generalist predator) and Arctic fox (predicted specialist predator) over two years with varying prey abundance. We amplified short DNA fragments (< 200 bp) from small rodents, birds and hares. For both predators, there was a high frequency of occurrence of rodents (38 - 69 %) identifying them as primary prey species and birds as secondary prey species (13-31%). This demonstrates the strength of a straightforward DNA barcoding method for dietary analyses in sympatric fox predators, with species-level resolution of prey. Barcoding is a promising tool for future dietary studies, however a few methodological improvements, along with extended sampling, are needed for a more complete assessment of fox predation patterns. Integrating high-resolution dietary analyses has great potential to enhance our understanding of predation patterns in Arctic tundra communities.</p>
Data from: Predicting multi-predator risk to elk (Cervus canadensis) in summer using predator scats
<p><span>1. There is growing evidence that prey perceive the risk of predation and alter their behaviour in response, resulting in changes in spatial distribution and potential fitness consequences. Previous approaches to mapping predation risk across a landscape quantify predator space use to estimate potential predator-prey encounters, yet this approach does not account for successful predator attack resulting in prey mortality. An exception is a prey kill site that reflects an encounter resulting in mortality, but obtaining information on kill sites is expensive and requires time to accumulate adequate sample sizes.</span></p> <p><span><span>2. We illustrate an alternative approach using predator scat locations and their contents to quantify spatial predation risk for elk <i>(Cervus canadensis</i>) from multiple predators in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. We surveyed over 1300km to detect scats of bears (<i>Ursus arctos/U. americanus</i>), cougars (<i>Puma concolor</i>), coyotes (<i>Canis latrans</i>), and wolves (<i>C. lupus</i>). To derive spatial predation risk, we combined predictions of scat-based resource selection functions (RSFs) weighted by predator abundance with predictions that a predator-specific scat in a location contained elk. We evaluated the scat-based predictions of predation risk by correlating them to predictions based on elk kill sites. We also compared scat-based predation risk on summer ranges of elk following three migratory tactics for consistency with telemetry-based metrics of predation risk and cause-specific mortality of elk.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>3. We found a strong correlation between the scat-based approach presented here and predation risk predicted by kill sites and (<i>r</i> = 0.98, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Elk migrating east of the Ya Ha Tinda winter range were exposed to the highest predation risk from cougars, resident elk summering on the Ya Ha Tinda winter range were exposed to the highest predation risk from wolves and coyotes, and elk migrating west to summer in Banff National Park were exposed to highest risk of encountering bears, but it was less likely to find elk in bear scats than in other areas. These patterns were consistent with previous estimates of spatial risk based on telemetry of collared predators and recent cause-specific mortality patterns in elk. </span></span></p> <p>4. A scat-based approach can provide a cost-efficient alternative to kill sites of quantifying broad-scale, spatial patterns in risk of predation for prey particularly in multiple predator species systems.</p>
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Allen Brain Atlas
Allen Brain Atlas is an Allen Institute collection of brain map atlases, datasets, APIs, and analysis tools covering mouse, human, and non-human primate brain resources.
Annotated Behaviour and Observability Dataset (ABODe)
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DANDI Archive for NWB datasets
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The International Brain Laboratory public data releases expose standardized mouse decision-making experiments, including Neuropixels recordings, widefield calcium imaging, behavior, and session metadata accessed through the ONE API.
OpenNeuro
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