The use of65Zn for estimating group size of brown hyaenasHyaena brunnea
Open Access
- 1 January 1986
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in South African Journal of Zoology
- Vol. 21 (1) , 73-75
- https://doi.org/10.1080/02541858.1986.11447960
Abstract
The applicability of a method of estimating group size based on the labelling of an individual within a group of hyaenas with the zinc isotope 65Zn is evaluated. This isotope is detectable in faeces and the method is based on the assumption that the proportion of labelled faeces found at latrines, will equal the proportion of labelled hyaenas in the group. Group size estimates increased logarithmically with an increase in the number of stools included in the analysis but remained relatively constant after approximately 140 stools were included. Estimates were in agreement with direct observations.Keywords
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