mammalian scats
DESCRIPTION
Mammalian Scats. Identification via Excrement!!!!. Optional Terminology. Feces Excrement Pellets Droppings Poop The list could go on and on…. An Important Mammalian ID Tool. Mammals versus Birds…. Mammals separate waste into solid and liquid Birds and some reptiles void 1 substance. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
An Important Mammalian ID Tool
• Mammals versus Birds….• Mammals separate waste into solid
and liquid• Birds and some reptiles void 1
substance
Full of Useful Information…• It can be smelly, gross, disease ridden…BUT!• Is filled with great ID information:1. Diet:
– Hairs, feathers, bones, insect limbs and shells, fruit skins, seeds
2. Population size/location of the species
3. DNA Information4. Health of the animal: parasites
How do Scientists Utilize Scat?
Conservation Biology Research
Plant Focused Research
University of Washington Elephant Research
LimitationsTremendous variety due to:
•Seasonal food availability•Age and health of animal•Other stresses on the animal
General Characteristics
• Twists:• Weasels-extremely twisted and
narrow
• Canine family-sometimes twisted
Blunt versus Tapered????
• Canines tend to have 1 or more tapered ends
• Weasels—long and thin tapered ends• Blunt ends—cats, raccoons, bears
REMEMBER….•As tempting as is may be….If you find scat, never pick it up!
•Animals carry diseases that might be passed through their feces.