Is the Intrasexual Competition in Male Red Deer Reflected in the Ratio of Stable Isotopes of Carbon and Nitrogen in Faeces?

ABSTRACT: Isotopic analysis of carbon and nitrogen in faeces is a reliable methodology for studying ecology in wildlife. Here, we tested this technique to detect variations in carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) in two different intrasexual competition scenarios of male Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) using faeces of individuals collected during hunting actions in South-eastern Spain. The carbon isotopic ratio (δ¹³C) was not found to be significant, likely due to similar diet composition in all individuals. However, the nitrogen isotopic ratio (δ¹⁵N) was found to be lower in populations where sexual competition between males during the rut was higher compared to low-competition populations. Therefore, this study suggests

SUBMITTER: Vedel G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10375991 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature