Coyote Scat Surveys in Chihuahuan Desert Grassland and Shrubland Sites, Spring, Summer and Fall 2009 at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico

This data set contains information regarding carnivore scat surveys that were performed at sites in grama grassland and both creosote and mesquite shrubland habitats at the Sevilleta NWR. A total of six surveys were carried out along 22 road-based transects, each of which is a mile long, during three seasons in 2009: spring (April-May), summer (July-August), and fall (October-November). There were 12 transects in grassland areas and 10 in shrubland areas. For more information on the structure of the vegetation surrounding these road based transects, see the "Vegetation surveys in grassland and shrubland sites that are associated with coyote scat surveys at the Sevilleta NWR, spring, summer and fall 2009" data set. Scat samples were identified in the field and collected for genetic and stable carbon isotope analysis. Field recorded variables include: scat freshness, maximum diameter, length, and GPS coordinates, as well as the field-based species identification for the sample. Information on the lab based species and individual identification results are also presented.