Molecular analysis of scats revealed diet and prey choice of grey wolves
and Eurasian lynx in the contact zone between the Dinaric Mountains and
the Alps
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the dietary habits of carnivores is
essential to get ecological insights into their role in the ecosystem,
potential competition with other carnivorous species, and their effect
on prey populations. Genetic analysis of non-invasive samples, such as
scats, can supplement behavioural or microscopic diet investigations.
The objective of this study was to employ DNA metabarcoding to
accurately determine the prey species in grey wolf (Canis lupus) and
Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) scat samples collected in the Julian Alps and
the Dinaric Mountains, Slovenia. The primary prey of wolves were red
deer (Cervus elaphus) (detected in 96% scat samples), European roe deer
(Capreolus capreolus) (68%), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) (45%). A
smaller portion of their diet consisted of mesocarnivores, small
mammals, and domestic animals. In contrast, the lynx diet mostly
consisted of European roe deer (82%) and red deer (64%). However,
small mammals and domestic animals were also present in lynx diet,
albeit to a lesser extent. Our findings indicate that the dietary habits
of wolves and lynx are influenced by geographical location and prey
availability. Snapshot dietary analyses using metabarcoding are valuable
for comprehending the behaviour and ecology of predators, and for
devising conservation measures aimed at sustainable management of both
their natural habitats and prey populations. However, to gain a more
detailed understanding of wolf and lynx dietary habits and ecological
impact, it would be essential to conduct long-term genetic monitoring of
their diet.