Tracking Cats: Problems with Placing Feline Carnivores on Isoscapes
Author Information
Author(s): Pietsch Stephanie J., Hobson Keith A., Wassenaar Leonard I., Tütken Thomas
Primary Institution: Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Universität Bonn
Hypothesis
Can stable isotope analysis of hydrogen and oxygen in hair be used to determine the geographic origin of feline carnivores?
Conclusion
Puma and bobcat hairs do not follow the expected isotopic patterns based on local water, making it difficult to trace their geographic origins using isotopes.
Supporting Evidence
- Stable isotope analysis can help determine the geographic origin of animal tissues.
- Bobcat and puma hairs showed no significant correlation with local water isotopes.
- The study highlights the complexity of isotopic routing in carnivores.
Takeaway
Scientists tried to use cat hair to figure out where the cats came from, but it didn't work because their hair didn't match the water in their homes.
Methodology
The study analyzed stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in hair samples from bobcats and pumas collected from various locations in North America.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from using museum specimens and the effects of the tanning process on isotopic values.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to all carnivores, and the effects of diet and physiology on isotopic composition were not fully understood.
Participant Demographics
Hair samples were collected from bobcats (n=45) and pumas (n=30), along with their prey, the eastern cottontail rabbit (n=13).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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