Between habits and scats: a glimpse into the diets of carnivorous mammals

Abstract

Carnivorous mammals are well known for feeding on other animals, but not all are specialists in eating meat because some groups consume other resources. Carnivore excreta are more than organic waste; they are essential sources of information commonly used to determine the prey they use in ecosystems. Researchers identify specimens by comparing food remains (hair, bones, scales, feathers, seeds) extracted from excreta with specimens from scientific collections. Recently, they have also used genetic tests for identification. Also, the researchers used various methods to analyze the composition of the identified prey inventory. The diversity of prey that they consume is estimated, and through statistical tests, their diet is compared between populations, seasons, and species. Studies on the feeding of carnivores allow us to evaluate the composition of their trophic niche and know the status of their populations, which supports the development of strategies for their conservation, such as translocation, reintroduction, or control plans for wild populations.