Prey Hair and Bone Recovery in Ermine Scats

Abstract

We examined the relationship of hair (y1) and bone (y2) weight to body weight (x) in meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). The regressions were linear in both cases: y1 = 0.1541 + 0.0195x (r2 = 0.84), y2 = 0.3776 + 0.0402x (r2 = 0.89). These equations were used to estimate hair and bone consumed when ermine (Mustela erminea) were fed meadow voles. Apparent digestibilities of these components were -5 and 60%, respectively, and did not differ (P < 0.05) between male and female ermine. These values are sustantially lower than those previously reported for hair and bone digestibility in other predators. Such variability must be explained if scat analysis data is to be used to reconstruct diets in carnivores.