How to translate text using browser tools
1 August 2013 Discrimination Factors for Stable Isotopes of Carbon and Nitrogen in Blood and Feathers from Chicks and Juveniles of the California Condor
Carolyn M. Kurle, Myra E. Finkelstein, Kimberly R. Smith, Daniel George, Debbie Ciani, Paul L. Koch, Donald R. Smith
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Stable-isotope ratios of carbon (13C/12C; δ13C) and nitrogen (15N/14N; δ15N) in animal tissues are analyzed to estimate animal foraging ecology because these ratios reflect those of an animal's diet. This reflection is generally indirect, as stable-isotope ratios change with trophic level. These differences, called discrimination factors (reported as Δ), vary considerably by species and tissue. Variations in discrimination factors used in stableisotope mixing models can lead to inaccurate estimates of diets. Therefore, determining accurate discrimination factors specific to species and tissue is important. We established the Δ13C and Δ15N values between diet and blood and feathers from chicks and juveniles of the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus). Hatchlings were fed rats for 76–119 days, whereas juveniles were fed dairy calves for 64 days. The mean Δ13C and Δ15N values (± SD) between chick feathers and rat muscle were 0.4 ± 0.4‰ and 3.1 ± 0.2‰, respectively; those between chicks' whole blood and rat muscle were -0.7 ± 0.1‰ and 1.7 ± 0.1‰, respectively. The mean Δ13C and Δ15N values between juvenile condors' plasma and calf muscle were 0.9 ± 0.2‰ and 3.3 ± 0.7‰, respectively; those between juveniles' red blood cells and calf muscle were 0.3 ± 0.3‰ and 1.8 ± 0.1‰, respectively; and those between juveniles' whole blood and calf muscle were 0.3 ± 0.3‰ and 1.9 ± 0.2‰, respectively. We report the first discrimination factors for the Cathartidae (New World vultures), and our findings will have important applications in studies of the critically endangered California Condor's foraging ecology.

© The Cooper Ornithological Society 2013
Carolyn M. Kurle, Myra E. Finkelstein, Kimberly R. Smith, Daniel George, Debbie Ciani, Paul L. Koch, and Donald R. Smith "Discrimination Factors for Stable Isotopes of Carbon and Nitrogen in Blood and Feathers from Chicks and Juveniles of the California Condor," The Condor 115(3), 492-500, (1 August 2013). https://doi.org/10.1525/cond.2013.120107
Received: 29 June 2012; Accepted: 1 November 2012; Published: 1 August 2013
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top