ASV output data for all in the details: A first assessment for the viability of metabarcoding in diet composition analysis of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

DNA metabarcoding is an emerging contemporary technique in diet
composition studies and stands to fill key knowledge gaps left by
traditional diet analysis methods. For endangered species such as the
African wild dog, the fulfilment of these knowledge gaps presents an
opportunity for improved management practices and vulnerability
assessments. There are an estimated ~600 African wild dogs remaining in
South Africa. These dogs are generally understood to prey upon impala
Aepyceros melampus and other medium-sized ungulates. Here, we present the
first assessment of DNA metabarcoding as a valuable method for diet
composition analysis of this highly social carnivore. DNA from faecal
samples collected across seven landscape types in the Kruger National Park
(KNP) was extracted and used to determine the presence of seven unique
prey taxa, including novel species such as the Cape hare Lepus capensis.
Impala was identified as a prey item in all landscape types, which
complements the diet preference prediction made with SIA using the same
samples and the existing understanding of wild dog diet. Given recommended
improvements, the application of DNA metabarcoding in wild dog diet
analysis shows promising prospects for identifying novel prey species and
validating previous records of this endangered canids diet.