Pacific Northwest Research Station

Title: A microhistological technique for analysis of food habits of mycophagous rodents.

Author: McIntire, Patrick W.; Carey, Andrew B.

Date: 1989

Source: Res. Pap. PNW-RP-404. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 16 p

Station ID: RP-PNW-404

Description: We present a technique, based on microhistological analysis of fecal pellets, for quantifying the diets of forest rodents. This technique provides for the simultaneous recording of fungal spores and vascular plant material. Fecal samples should be freeze dried, weighed, and rehydrated with distilled water. We recommend a minimum sampling intensity of 50 fields of view for each of three slides per sample. Absolute and relative percentage of frequencies per sample can then be calculated.

Keywords: Diets, fecal analysis, food habits, Glaucomys sabrinus, mycophagy, rodents, Tamias townsendii

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Citation

McIntire, Patrick W.; Carey, Andrew B.  1989.  A microhistological technique for analysis of food habits of mycophagous rodents..   Res. Pap. PNW-RP-404. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 16 p