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Diet and observer bias in scat analysis of gray wolves

I analyzed 1,182 gray wolf (Canis lupus) scats, representing summer diet in 1988-1990, collected from 9 packs in northwest Alaska. Using a linear regression model, I determined the biomass of prey species consumed using relative estimated bulk and frequency of occurrence of prey types in scats. There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) between methods in percent biomass of prey consumed and ranking of prey types. Caribou (Rangifer tarandus), moose (Alces alces), microtines, and birds composed 47.0, 21.9, 10.6, and 13.8%, of prey items, respectively. Ungulates composed 90.1%, birds 6.7%, and microtines 0.5% of biomass consumed. Ungulates composed 3.4%, birds 50.4%, and microtines 38.5% of numbers of individuals consumed. Significant (P < 0.05) observer bias was found in the detection and frequency of prey types in the analysis of 1,052 scats by multiple observers.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/291507
Date January 1996
CreatorsSpaulding, Raymond Leon
ContributorsKrausman, Paul R.
PublisherThe University of Arizona.
Source SetsUniversity of Arizona
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext, Thesis-Reproduction (electronic)
RightsCopyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.

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