Detailed Dietary Analysis and Distribution of Mesocarnivores (Red Fox, Golden Jackal) by Scat Analysis & Trichology in Dachigam National Park in the Himalayas

Abstract Understanding dietary habits and niche overlap of sympatric carnivores is crucial for their conservation. Using scat analysis & trichology, we studied the diet composition & distribution of two sympatric carnivores, the Golden or Asiatic Jackal ( Canis aureus ) and the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes grifithii ), in and around Dachigam National Park (DNP) in the Himalayan region of Kashmir using faecal analysis during winter and summer months. The results showed that the Golden Jackal had a broader niche breadth than the red fox, with 10 and 9 prey species, respectively, present in their diet. The carnivores preferred the South aspect (26 sightings) of mountainous ranges and mixed habitat types (21 sightings). The faecal animal matter ranged from 50 to 100%, including arthropods and fish scales, while plant diets were in the range of 40–50%. Trichology analysis revealed that rodents were the most preferred prey (27 times) by both carnivores, with a frequency occurrence (Fi) of 0.48. The critically endangered red deer species Hangul ( Cervus hanglu hanglu ) was not present in the scats of the carnivores. Wild boar contributed the most to carnivore biomass (50 Kgs), while Hangul had zero presence. The carnivores consumed rodents (Fi: 0.30) the most, with a relative weight of 53.649 kgs, and Mongoose the least, with a relative weight of 2.008 kgs. Moreover, the average number of Scats produced by a predator from an individual prey (λi) was maximum for black bear (20.70), & least for fish (0.10). Our study provides insights into the potential level of inter-specific competition and prey species overlap, which can aid in identifying species-specific conservation requirements for these carnivores.