A Method for Preparing Morphologically Preserved Wildlife Fecal Specimens for Long-Term Ecological Studies

A Method for Preparing Morphologically Preserved Wildlife Fecal Specimens for Long-Term Ecological Studies | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL Ecology and Evolution This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 3 September 2025 V1 Latest version Share on A Method for Preparing Morphologically Preserved Wildlife Fecal Specimens for Long-Term Ecological Studies Authors : Zhang Jiahao 0009-0005-6231-0041 , Zhang Dongling , Xu Xinrui , Zhang Yunqiao , and Qiang Dai [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175692113.32444527/v1 172 views 122 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract 1.Wildlife feces are a valuable non-invasive resource in ecological and conser-vation research. However, traditional preservation methods are unable to maintain morphological integrity while simultaneously preserving the biological and chemical composition of fecal samples. 2.This study presents a novel method for preparing fecal specimens through a multi-step immersion process using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium benzo-ate, clotrimazole, ethanol, pyrethroid emulsion, and polyvinylpyrrolidone solution. 3.The specimens produced by this method exhibited high mechanical strength, ensuring durability and resistance to handling damage. Over a six-month storage pe-riod, this method successfully preserved the morphological characteristics of fecal samples while maintaining DNA integrity, with no signs of mold or insect damage. DNA extraction achieved a 100% success rate, and species identification remained consistent with fresh samples, with BLAST match rates exceeding 99% in 15 speci-mens. Additionally, heavy metals such as chromium, arsenic, and lead were detected in fecal samples from different species. 4.By enabling the long-term preservation of fecal specimens, this method trans-forms feces from a short-term diagnostic tool into a durable resource for biodiversity monitoring. It can extend the applications of fecal samples across spatial and tem-poral scales, reinforcing their role in ecological research and global biodiversity conservation. Supplementary Material File (a method for preparing morphologically preserved wildlife fecal specimens for long-term ecological studies.docx) Download 1.58 MB File (appendix table 1.docx) Download 18.78 KB File (title_page (2).docx) Download 16.83 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 03 September 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Collection Ecology and Evolution Keywords ecological experiment ecosystem ecosystem ecology laboratory method development sequencing terrestrial vertebrate Authors Affiliations Zhang Jiahao 0009-0005-6231-0041 Chinese Academy of Science Chengdu Institute of Biology View all articles by this author Zhang Dongling Yingjing Conservation and Management Station of Giant Panda National Park View all articles by this author Xu Xinrui Crop Research Institute of Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Environmentally Friendly Crop Germplasm Innovation and Genetic Improvement Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province View all articles by this author Zhang Yunqiao Chinese Academy of Science Chengdu Institute of Biology View all articles by this author Qiang Dai [email protected] Chinese Academy of Science Chengdu Institute of Biology View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 172 views 122 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Zhang Jiahao, Zhang Dongling, Xu Xinrui, et al. A Method for Preparing Morphologically Preserved Wildlife Fecal Specimens for Long-Term Ecological Studies. Authorea . 03 September 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175692113.32444527/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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