ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVEMENT OF SCAT ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY FOR DETERMINING RED FOX DIET
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58407/bht.3.25.7Keywords:
diet composition, faecal analysis, sample size, volumetric method, red foxAbstract
Purpose of the work. The aim of the study was to develop a standardized and reproducible method for scat analysis to obtain comparable results on species’ feeding habits.
Methodology. Fresh red fox scats (less than 24 hours old) were collected, georeferenced by GPS, dried, and disinfected in alcohol. Sample size was calculated using power analysis. Diet composition was analyzed micro- and macroscopically after washing and sieving (2 mm and 1 mm). Food remnants were identified under a microscope, and diet proportions were calculated as percentages of total fragments. The reliability of volumetric estimations was tested by comparing estimated and measured volumes of nine food categories. Inter- and intraobserver reliability were assessed by regression analysis. The independence of samples was verified through similarity index analysis based on distances between sampling points.
Scientific novelty. A standardized and statistically validated methodology for red fox scat analysis was developed. The improved volumetric method allows the application of two-way multivariate ANOVA, minimizing required sample size and ensuring reproducible results. The study defined the minimal distance between independent samples, the optimal number of scats and food remains to be analyzed, and demonstrated high intra- and interobserver reliability. The method enables accurate, comparable estimation of diet composition and temporal or spatial differences in feeding habits.
Conclusions. The study provides a reliable method for analyzing red fox scats to estimate diet composition. The improved volumetric approach allows the use of two-way multivariate ANOVA with fewer samples. Ensuring sample independence and sufficient numbers is important. Intra- and interobserver consistency was high. Collecting at least seven independent samples per site, spaced by 40 m and repeated three times, and analyzing enough food remains provides accurate and comparable results. This method can help monitor feeding habits in mammals for conservation purposes.
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