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The accuracy of scat identification in distribution surveys: American mink, Neovison vison, in the northern highlands of Scotland

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Abstract

Distribution data for elusive species are often based on detection of field signs rather than of the animal itself. However, identifying field signs can be problematic. We present here the results of a survey for American mink, Neovison vison, in the northern highlands of Scotland to demonstrate the importance of verifying field sign identification. Three experienced surveyors located scats, which they identified as mink scats, at seven of 147 sites surveyed and “possible” mink scats at a further 50 sites. Mitochondrial DNA was successfully extracted from 45 of 75 (60%) scats, collected from 31 of the 57 “positive” sites; sequencing of amplified DNA fragments showed that none of these scats was actually of mink origin. We consider the implications of erroneous survey data and the potential waste of resources and misdirection of conservation/management actions. We discuss potential methods that may be useful to verify field sign identification, including the use of DNA analysis, and stress that verification is crucial to ensure rigorous and reliable survey data.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Andy Rothwell, Laura Fasola, and Rannveig Magnusdottir for help in the field, to Alastair Driver for encouraging us to undertake this survey, and Scottish Natural Heritage, the Environment Agency, the People's Trust for Endangered Species, and the European Nature Trust for funding. We thank Stephen Ellwood and Johnny Birks for comments on an earlier version of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, OX13 5QL, Oxford, UK

    Lauren A. Harrington, Andrew L. Harrington, Joelene Hughes & David W. Macdonald

  2. Department of Haematology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France Crescent, EH16 4SA, Edinburgh, UK

    David Stirling

Authors
  1. Lauren A. Harrington
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  2. Andrew L. Harrington
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  3. Joelene Hughes
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  4. David Stirling
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  5. David W. Macdonald
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lauren A. Harrington.

Additional information

Communicated by W. Lutz

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Harrington, L.A., Harrington, A.L., Hughes, J. et al. The accuracy of scat identification in distribution surveys: American mink, Neovison vison, in the northern highlands of Scotland. Eur J Wildl Res 56, 377–384 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-009-0328-6

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