The Use of Predator Scat Analysis in a Mammal Survey at Dartmouth in North-Eastern Victoria.

Abstract

The results of a localized mammal survey based on analysis of scats [faeces] of foxes and feral dogs (or dingoes) were compared with those from trapping and direct observation. It was concluded that scat analysis, which is based mainly on identification of mammalian hairs, is a valuable supplement to the conventional techniques used in mammal surveys and that it can provide useful information on the diet of these predators. Its main advantages are that more species can sometimes be detected, field collection is rapid and the scats can be stored and processed at a convenient time, the costs are low and there is no effect on wildlife. The main restriction on use of scat analysis is that it can give only limited information on the ecology of the prey species.