Lions vs. hyenas: Tracking predators in northern Kenya

Methods

Summary

We have already fitted the lions and hyenas with GPS tracking collars. Now we will be using the data from the collars, and from fecal samples, to figure out where and what they are doing. Fecal samples are being collected in the field every day, then saved for later analysis using a microscope to identify what the animals have eaten. Fecal samples will also be frozen for later extraction of hormones and DNA to discover the cortisol (stress) levels of the animals and the genetic relatedness of the group members. We will combine all of these data with photos taken by the motion-capture infrared cameras, so we will get a really complete picture of how the lions and hyenas are dividing up the landscape.

Challenges

Because we're collecting data on a wildlife conservancy (and UNESCO Heritage site), we don't anticipate any challenges, other than losing a few cameras to curious elephants or rhino!

Pre Analysis Plan

The data from the GPS collars is saved and uploaded for viewing on Google Earth every day, and for later analysis using GIS software. The fecal data will be analyzed and catalogued, as will the photo data. There will be a huge dataset by the end of this project, which we will share with the public and publish in open-access journals.