Raccoon ‘latrines’ could have a hidden impact on ecosystems.

A pile of raccoon feces can either be a delicatessen or a death trap. The masked mammals tend to all poop in the same place, and these large mounds of dung contain partially digested seeds that are a treat for some animals, but also contain a roundworm parasite that’s lethal to others. Now, after spending 3 years watching these poop piles, researchers have found that species at risk of dying from the parasite give the latrines a wide berth, whereas those that face only tummy trouble often decide that the allure of seeds is worth it.

http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/01/raccoon-latrines-could-have-hidden-impact-ecosystems

Posted on 06 de janeiro de 2018, 10:33 AM by