Diet analysis in Little Cormorant (Microcarbo niger) through DNA metabarcoding using scat sample from Ezhome, Kannur, Kerala

This study focuses on a detailed analysis of the diet of the Little Cormorant (Microcarbo niger) using DNA metabarcoding in Ezhome, Kannur, Kerala. Through this approach, both invertebrate and vertebrate dietary components were identified, with crustaceans and fishes forming the major portion of the species diet. The findings provide valuable baseline information and can serve as preliminary data for future comparative ecological and trophic studies.