mammalian scats identification via excrement!!!!
TRANSCRIPT
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
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
Non-invasive Method of Data Collection:
Black Rhino: Critically Endangered
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
Animals without Twists…
• Cats (feline)
• Bears
• Raccoons
Segmented???
• Cats usually have segmented scats
• Canine and Weasels tend to be 1 cord
Bobcat Wolf
Blunt versus Tapered????
• Canines tend to have 1 or more tapered ends
• Weasels—long and thin tapered ends• Blunt ends—cats, raccoons, bears
Given those Characteristics…..GREAT VARIABILITY
NAME THAT SCAT! BLACK BEAR
NAME THAT SCAT!
• DEER
NAME THAT SCAT!
• RABBIT
Deer vs. Rabbit
NAME THAT SCAT!
COYOTE
NAME THAT SCAT!
BOBCAT
•Scratch
Marks
NAME THAT SCAT!
• MOUSE
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.
FYI---BE PREPARED!!!Fri Dec 12th: High 39° Low 31° Partly CloudyChance of rain:0% Wind: SE at 11 mphFriday….we will go outside and attempt to
track and locate scat for mammals on campus!!!
Bring coats, hats, gloves, appropriate shoes etc…..