Defecation rate in captive European bison, Bison bonasus

• Autorzy: Eycott A. , Daleszczyk K. , Drese J. , Cantero A. S. , Pebre J. , Gladys S.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Data on the digestive characteristics of European bison, Bison bonasus (L.), are needed for studies of their role as the largest extant herbivore in Europe and a potential keystone species of the temperate forest ecosystem. Very little published data are available, particularly on the defecation rate which affects population estimates from dropping counts and also the individual seed deposition rate. We gathered data from a captive bison group kept at the Show Reserve of the Białowieża National Park. Droppings accumulated in the enclosure over a 72-h period were counted in winter 2010. In addition, the group was observed over approximately 6-h periods three times in winter and 16 times in summer. The count of accumulated droppings over a 72-h period gave eight defecations per day. The summer direct observations recorded 7.5 defecations per day and winter observation 5.4 defecations per day. These estimates are within the range for other bovids of similar size. The difference between summer and winter observation-based estimates may be accounted for by a higher frequency of defecation in early morning and late afternoon, periods not covered in winter observations. Given the published density of seedlings emerging from droppings of the ∼470 free-living bison in the nearby forest, eight defecations a day mean that seed deposition by European bison may contribute significantly to realize seed dispersal and plant establishment.

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Theriologica
• Rocznik: 2013
• Tom: 58
• Numer: 4
• Opis fizyczny: p.387-390,fig.,ref.

Twórcy

autor

Eycott A.

• Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Waszkiewicza 1, 17-230 Bialowieza, Poland
• Environmental and Ecological Change Research Group, University of Bergen, Thormohlensgate 53A, 5006 Bergen, Norway

autor

Daleszczyk K.

• Bialowieza National Park, 17-230 Bialowieza, Poland

autor

Drese J.

• Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Waszkiewicza 1, 17-230 Bialowieza, Poland

autor

Cantero A. S.

• Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Waszkiewicza 1, 17-230 Bialowieza, Poland

autor

Pebre J.

• Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076 Toulouse Cedex, France

autor

Gladys S.

• Ecole Nationale Veterinaire de Toulouse, 23 Chemin des Capelles, 31076 Toulouse Cedex, France

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