Lk. Page et al., Seed preferences and foraging by granivores at raccoon latrines in the transmission dynamics of the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), CAN J ZOOL, 79(4), 2001, pp. 616-622
Citations number
55
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY-REVUE CANADIENNE DE ZOOLOGIE
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) habitually defecate at preferred sites (latrines).
Feces at latrines often harbor eggs of the roundworm Baylisascaris procyon
is, a parasite of raccoons that is pathogenic to numerous species of small
vertebrates. Undigested seeds are also commonly found in raccoon feces, the
composition varying with availability of seed types. Thus, feces at latrin
es may serve as a source of food and pose a mortality risk for small graniv
ores. To examine this interaction, we manipulated the seed composition in f
eces at simulated raccoon latrines and tested for differences in vertebrate
visitation rates as a function of seed type. Treatments involved placing s
eeds, including corn, cherry ( Prunus virginiana), dogwood (Cornus racemosa
), and a combination of the three types, at simulated raccoon latrines. Usi
ng Trailmaster(TM) camera systems we documented 2406 vertebrate visits by 1
6 mammal and 11 bird species during 455 camera-nights. Small granivorous ma
mmals, including white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and eastern chipmu
nks (Tamias striatus), were the most common visitors. Visitation by white-f
ooted mice was significantly greater when corn, the most preferred seed typ
e, was present in raccoon feces. Visitation by eastern chipmunks and other
vertebrate species did not vary with seed type. Active foraging was documen
ted for five vertebrate species and accounted for 10% of all recorded event
s. We conclude that raccoon latrines are routinely visited by a variety of
vertebrate species, especially small granivores. Active foraging for seeds
in raccoon feces is an important risk factor for transmission of B. procyon
is to small vertebrates, and white-footed mice may suffer elevated rates of
infection when corn is present in raccoon feces.