Estimation of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Populations from Faecal Accumulation

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The potential of measurements of fecal accumulation in estimating absolute numbers of ungulate populations was tested in a study of enclosed fallow deer populations (D. dama L.). Fecal accumulation plots were established in 2 sites with known populations of deer. Weekly pellet group counts were related to the number of deer known to be in the area to produce a conversion factor for a number of animal minutes per plot represented by a single pellet group. Conversion factors derived from the 2 separate sites were compared and used to estimate the unknown population of a 3rd area. Defecation rate of the deer was recorded and used with pellet group counts to derive an independent estimate of population size in all 3 areas. Conversion factors were consistent between areas (127.3; 126.0) and over time. Estimates of the size of the unknown population, based on the conversion factor did not differ significantly from the true population size as assessed by direct count. Estimates derived from calculations involving defecation rate were less reliable than those from the conversion factor method. Possible sources of inaccuracy are reviewed. Fecal accumulation techniques have real value in estimating large ungulate populations.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: