Abstract
For any frustrated field‐mammalogists seeking observational data on their elusive study animals, dung may represent the most readily‐available and easily‐collected source of information upon which they may fall back in despair. Yet it is surprising how much ecological information may be deduced from an analysis of faecal depositions. This present article reviews some of the current methods available to the mammalogist for ecological detection from dung and some of the ecological areas in which it may offer information.