Potential of the use of Feline Fecal Samples as an Environmental Monitoring Tool
Case Study in Serra dos Órgãos National Park
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37002/biodiversidadebrasileira.v12i1.1773Keywords:
Trichology , feces , FelidaeAbstract
Monitoring of Protected Areas (PAs) is essential to assess whether they achieve their goals.
Felines are good environmental indicators, and their feces can provide relevant information for PA
monitoring. We used feces found on the trails of the Serra dos Órgãos National Park to record the presence
of felines and other mammals. We analyzed their spatial distribution and discussed the potential of using
these samples as an environmental monitoring tool. Between 2009 and 2019, 486 samples were collected on
21 trails. It was possible to identify mammal species in 61% of the 315 samples analyzed by guard hair optical
microscopy. The five feline species with confirmed occurrence in the park were registered, with emphasis on the margay (Leopardus wiedii), frequently registered in higher altitudes than previously known. Mammals
with few records in the park were identified, such as crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorous). The spatial
distribution of the samples reflects the altimetry of the sampled area, with a concentration in the "campos de
altitude", where other methods are less effective in registering mammals, highlighting the importance of using
complementary monitoring methods. Feces can be used in molecular analysis, which, in addition to refining
taxonomic identification, can reveal information such as the degree of genetic isolation of populations.
They can provide information on animal health through the study of gastrointestinal parasites, which
are also good indicators of environmental quality, and on environmental contamination. Despite its
potential, the use of feline feces as a monitoring tool is still rare.
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