Abstract
Faecal sample analysis has been the principal method for interpreting animal diet, chosen for its simplicity and ease of non-invasive sampling relative to other sample types. Faecal samples allow diet analysis for scarce or threatened species, with minimal disturbance to their natural behaviour. And where collection can be linked to the individual animal or group, faecal analysis allows unlimited repeated samples to reveal seasonal patterns in diet or responses to experimental treatments. Morphological assessment of undigested remains in faecal samples has been carried out for species ingesting a diverse array of diets, including carnivores, herbivores, nectarivores, frugivores and fungivores. While the morphological method can be time consuming, the wealth of information that can be derived from detailed diet composition through this method has immense ecological value for understanding food webs and species interactions. In this chapter we identify considerations for sample collection in the field, describe laboratory methods for morphological assessment of diet, and detail alternative methods for analysing and presenting dietary data. For each step in the process, and for each alternative method, we identify the advantages and disadvantages of the approach to assist researchers in making an informed choice and robust interpretation of animal diets.
