Stable Isotope Analysis of Feathers as a Potential Method for Distinguishing Individual Birds
Stable Isotope Analysis of Feathers as a Potential Method for Distinguishing Individual Birds
Yong Bin Zhao1, Hui Song1, Guo Gong Yi1*, Xi Lian Hao1, Bai Wang2, Zhi Wen Chen2
ABSTRACT
Stable isotope analysis of feathers is widely used in bird ecology. Generally, studied birds should be captured to collect feather samples in a way that clarifies the attribution of feather samples. As some endangered birds cannot be captured, feather sampling is the only feasible method for isotopic research. However, whether it can be used for research on individuals remains to be clarified. In this study, the values of δ13C and δ15N of the rachises and barbules of 27 feathers from 3 pigeons were measured, and cluster analysis of these samples was carried out by using the system clustering method. The results showed a significant difference between the isotope values of the rachis and barbules from the same feather. In addition, the isotope values of the rachises and barbules differed between individuals, although the food sources of the samples might be slightly different. Based on the above results, the cluster analysis was able to distinguish individuals, with the highest accuracy of 85%; the more factors that were used, the higher the accuracy of the clustering.
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