SPUR Project

2011 winner (15 of 20)

Comparative analysis of jackal and hyaena diet inside and outside protected areas

Supervisors: Mr Stephen Harrison, Dr Richard Yarnell (Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences)

Students: Luke Burgess and Joseph Ellis

The aim of this study was to explore the dietary overlap between the two carnivores at a regional level and to introduce the idea of mesopredator release in structuring niche separation. Student tasks included a literature review and investigation of scat contents ex-situ in Laboratories at NTU Brackenhurst. Retrieved prey remains (Bones, teeth, Hair, seeds etc.) were identified by comparisons with index specimens of potential prey species previously collected from the study region. All prey items identified for each deposit were recorded in a Microsoft Access based data base designed by the students for ease of statistical interpretation. The students also assisted with writing up and dissemination.