Variation in Defecation Rates of Pronghorns Relative to Habitat and Activity Level

Abstract

During June through September, 1977, pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) were observed in the National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana, to determine if defecation rates were constant in different habitat types and at different levels of activity. Individuals and groups that were active 50% or more of observation periods were found to have defecation rates approximately 10 times greater than groups or individuals that were active less than 50% of observation periods. Habitat type was much less tightly related to defecation frequency than was activity level.