IDENTIFICATION OF CARNIVORE FECES 961 Identification of carnivore feces by local peoples and molecular analyses GeraldL. Zuercher, Philip S. Gipson, and George C. Stewart Abstract Two emerging research techniques offer alternatives to historically invasive and expensive carnivore studies:molecular analysis and use of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of indigenous and local peoples. We used a molecular analysis of the cytochrome-b gene from fecal DNA to validate identification of mammalian carnivore feces collected by indigenous people and local people on the ReservaNaturaldel Bosque Mbaracayu (RNBM) in eastern Paraguay. At least 16 mammalian carnivore species, several of which are endangered, are known to occur within RNBM. We found a 100% agreement between identification determined through the molecular analysis and identifications provided by indigenous and local peoples. Our results suggest that indigenous and local knowledge may help advance scientific knowledge about natural resources. By validating TEK through molecular techniques, we show that both indigenous and local people can contribute credibly to studiesof the natural resources on which they depend. Key words canids, carnivores, cytochrome-b, feces, felids, molecular analyses, scat, traditional eco- logical knowledge Mammalian carnivores present unique study challenges to researchers. First, carnivores often are elusive and sparsely distributed, requiring large investments of time and money to adequately sam- ple a given population. Second, carnivores are by nature dangerous to handle. Third, traditional study methods involve capture, restraint, and tissue sam- pling. Animal handling increases risks to both researchers and carnivores and may influence the behavior of study animals. Two emerging research techniques offer alternatives to more traditional invasive and expensive carnivore studies: the use of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of indige- nous and local peoples and molecular analyses. While there is no single definition of TEK, a syn- thesis of definitions has been proposed (Berkes 1993:3): "TEK is a cumulative body of knowledge and beliefs, handed down through generations by cultural transmission, about the relationship of liv- ing things (including humans) with one another and with their environment." Several qualities of TEK have led to resistance of its acceptance by sci- entists, including that TEK is primarily qualitative, heavily dependent on intuition, largely holistic, and spiritual (Berkes 1993). Despite these differences, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (1986) predicted that new scientific knowl- edge could be gained from perceptive studies of traditional environmental knowledge systems. Use of TEK is increasing, as documented in a special section of Ecological Applications (October 2000, Volume 10, Number 5). Involvement of indigenous and local peoples can be particularly important in studies of endangered or elusive species or disappearing habitats where conservation is a goal. Indigenous and local peo- ples may be directly affected by changes in man- agement of threatened habitats since often they depend on the land for their subsistence. Involving them helps bridge the gap between western scien- Address for Gerald L.Zuercher and Philip S. Gipson: Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, United States Geolog- ical Survey, Divisionof Biology, Kansas State University, 205 Leasure Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; e-mail for Zuercher: GZuerche@dbq.edu. Current address for Zuercher: Department of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dubuque, 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA52001. Address for George C. Stewart: Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. Wildlife Society Bulletin 2003, 31(4):961-970 Peer refereed