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Using Stable Isotope Analysis to Infer Prey Specialization of Cougars
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- Author / Creator
- Widmeyer, Samantha L.
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Although typically referred to as a generalist species, individual prey specialization has been documented in cougars (Puma concolor). This behaviour has the potential to limit and regulate ungulate dynamics, particularly in cases where ungulates exist in small or isolated populations. Cougars are notoriously difficult to monitor due to their low density, large range-size, and solitary nature. Traditional methods used to quantitatively estimate the diets of these carnivores are often resource limited, labour intensive, and restricted in their resolution. We explored the use of stable isotope analysis to infer prey specialization of 7 cougars in west-central Alberta and compared results to observed specialization as estimated through kill-site analysis. We defined four isotopically distinct (P < 0.001) prey sources: bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), cervids (Odocoileus spp., Cervus elaphus, and Alces alces), small carnivores (canid spp. and Lynx canadensis), and snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus). Specialization inferred through stable isotope analysis agreed with observed estimates, indicating this method may be an efficient and reliable alternative to traditional approaches for monitoring cougar diets.
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- Graduation date
- Fall 2019
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- Type of Item
- Thesis
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- Degree
- Master of Science
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- License
- Permission is hereby granted to the University of Alberta Libraries to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, the University of Alberta will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms. The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author's prior written permission.