Crappy science-- literally!

My apologies for using the word; I do not intend to cuss. But please read on, for there is a lot we can learn from sh*t.

Alright, let’s be a bit more scientific. We’ve been collecting leopard cat scats (poop, sh*t, crap… call it what you want) for the last 10 months we’ve been here on field. So far, we have 50-something scats stored in 95% ethanol in little plastic bottles (plastic vials with stopper are rare and expensive here). I wasn’t intending to study diet at all, but given our failure to trap leopard cats, might as well use them in my thesis.

So about a couple of weeks ago, I started doing my analysis on our samples. I tell you, after this, I will always associate the smell of ethanol with leopard cat scat! It’s quite a strong smell, but once you get over the odor, you get into the groove of scatology (i.e. the study of poop).

Ella Fitzgerald, Bach, Kimya Dawson, Carlos Vives, Parokya ni Edgar, The Corrs, John Prine, Greenday, and everything else in between keeps me company during my literally shitty moments. My ‘laboratory’ consists of a 1.7 mm sieve on a makeshift bamboo frame, a couple of pointy barbecue sticks, a pair of forceps, hot water in a plastic pail with a plastic tabo (dipper), a piece of cardboard I ripped off a box which I use to sit on, and a magnifying glass, which is perhaps the most sophisticated piece of equipment in the list. I would hunch over my sieve, wearing a mask over my face (no, it doesn’t help with the smell) and a pair of surgical gloves, picking through the soil, hair, bones, and everything else that makes up a leopard cat scat. I would take the tiny bone fragments, wash them carefully, and store them in small brown paper bags, properly labeled. I will be bringing these specimens with me back to the US, where I will seek the help of the experts from the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago to identify whether these fragments came from a bird, a mammal, a reptile or an amphibian (leopard cats are obligate carnivores, i.e. they eat only meat).

Diet is not the only thing one can learn from poop. Hormones can be extracted from them as well, and it can tell us about stress levels, or on what reproductive stage a female animal is. Parasite ova (eggs) can also be gleaned from scats. One can also determine how healthy an animal is from its excreta. And, DNA can also be extracted from scats. Depending on DNA quality, we can now be able to ID who owns it; how many individuals there are in our samples; what species of plants or animals the owner of the scat ate, and a few more possibilities (NB: Apologies to my colleagues for making this sound a bit more simple than it is!)

Pre-scat days, biologists used to capture animals, and gut them to obtain the stomach to study diet; they used to draw blood to determine the levels of stress hormones (which, duh, complicates the matter seeing as it stresses an animal during handing and capture!) With the advancement of science of shit, we can study a lot about the physiology, health, and ecology of an animal non-invasively (i.e. without having to capture, handle or sacrifice an animal).

Now that is Crappy Science!!!

Orphans of the sugar cane fields

There are only a few hectares left. The last parcels are being harvested. The dry season has started, and the summer sun is beating down on the sakadas. They hack away at the canes, piling them neatly in rows between the canes. They will carry these to the carabao sleds, which will fill up with harvested cane, which in turn will take them to the trucks. The sakadas will then load them in neat stacks, and the truck, once it is full, will then deliver it to Central Azucarera de La Carlota for milling. And this is how it goes every day, since November, when they started harvesting sugar cane in Hacienda Dos Marias.

But once in a while, something disrupts the monotony of harvest—maral kittens! This is how it was for a group of sakadas on Parcel 15 earlier this afternoon. They came upon a ‘nest’, under a clump of cane. Either the mother has abandoned her kittens, or she left them there to hunt for food. The sakadas got the kittens, and because they were already feisty, one of them tied each of the kitten’s legs and put them in his rucksack. He surrendered the kittens to the Maral Project, and we turned it in to the Negros Forests & Ecological Foundation, Inc. (NFEFI) in Bacolod. But some kittens, or mothers, are not so lucky.

Often, when a nest is uncovered, and the mother chooses to fight, she gets killed by the cane cutters. Kittens are taken home by the cutters, sometimes divided up amongst themselves when there is more than one kitten. Some of them turn up in the local wet markets being sold as pets, while others were simply brought home to the children. Either way, these cats do not survive because they are fed table scraps, and children can sometimes be cruel to animals. At about three to four months of age, these kittens start getting feisty, and can no longer be petted.

This is the story of the orphans of the sugar cane fields of Negros. And this is how IT all began.



NB: We thank William Oliver for letting us borrow the title "Orphans of the sugar cane fields", which is the title of his unpublished article about the leopard cats of Negros.

A hectare a day

It’s only been a week since harvest started, and already, it has changed the landscape dramatically. It’s not that I have not seen a harvested field; it’s that it feels quite different to see what used to be vast expanse of sugarcane turn into fields of dried cane leaves, flat on the ground, one hectare a day.  The sound of the wind as it rustles through the tall cane is no more. I no longer hear the sounds of the birds shuffling under the cane, nor do I see them perching amongst the leaves. It is unsettling to walk through these fields without the cane overshadowing me. I remember taking shelter amongst them, when one rainy transect day, lightning hit close to the ground. What if we have another one of those lightning-happy days? There will be no more cane to take cover in.

As I gaze upon these harvested fields, I am frustrated by my continued inability to answer one of the fundamental questions of this research: where do the leopard cats go?

Hello, food

We went out early in the morning to make a round of the traps. While on our way down Transect 8 where two traps were deployed, we noticed leopard cat tracks heading east. We hurried to the first trap. Nothing. We did the usual routine of replenishing the food and water, and hurried on to the next one. Nothing. As we walked to the next trap in Transect 12, we saw more tracks, still heading east. It looks as if the cat just passed by two of our traps.

The cat probably took a look at the live bait in the trap, and said, “Hello, food. Too bad you’re in the trap.” And passing the second one, it must’ve said, “Tsk tsk tsk. Such a waste!”

Marar! Marar!

For the last three weeks, we’ve been passing through a shortcut Jeric discovered on our way to the traps. We’d pass by this small hut, and there’s always these two kids shyly looking at us. Niño and Niña are siblings, only a year within each others’ age, 3 or 4. They’d whisper to each other: “Marar!” (their way of saying maral, the local term for leopard cat). Lately, I think their shyness has dissolved, and every time we pass by their hut, or their cornfields, they’ll shout in greeting, “Marar! Marar! Marar!” How can one not smile and wave back?

Live bait

How would you feel if you were left for days in a trap, with only your feeder and waterer to accompany you in the bait compartment? I would be traumatized, I imagine.

We didn’t take the traps, or baits, out in the morning, and I visited them alone this afternoon to replenish their food and water supply. Tom was her usual perky self, but no longer panicky. She also up-ended her feeder, scattering food all over the trap floor. I replenished her food and water, and scolded her a bit for throwing away her food. Geri was better with her food, but I threw it away because it got wet when it rained hard earlier in the afternoon. I also gave her some water. The moment I set down her waterer, Geri started drinking. I apologized for the delay in delivering water to her; I gave her some more.

I walked to where the first trap baited with chick was. I’m beginning to hate the vines that grow between cane rows. I almost always get caught in them, either my neck, or my feet. As I got closer to the trap, the chick started yipping loudly. I told it, “It’s ok, it’s just me.” I quickly got to it, gave it more food and water; it was hungry. I said, “I’m sorry; next time we’ll bring you food earlier.” I moved to the next trap. The chick yipped even louder when I bent down to take the bamboo stakes out to open the bait compartment door. It was scared. I put my hand in, and it kipped under it. When I moved to get the waterer and feeder, it yipped again, and when I put my hand on it, it stopped. I crooned to it. I was sorry to leave it on it’s own. Before I left, I said, “Get me a cat, will you?” I went on to check the last one. It didn’t have any more food, or water, so I gave it some. It was thirsty. I gave it some more water.

It was almost 6 PM by the time I finished my round of the traps. I was exhausted. I realized I moved more quickly when Jeric’s not around. I also realized that my memory served me well, at least in finding the traps. They were all set deep within a cane field, and only a braid of cane leaves mark the entrance to the row where the traps were set.

I walked slowly on my way home. I love these walks. They induce me to think. I thought, there must be some improvement we can do on the traps. Camouflage the floor more, perhaps.

Yet again…

Instead of baiting the hair snares this morning, we set out with the carpenters who will be working on our observation posts to gather the bamboo. I enjoyed the ride on the tractor, although I probably have numerous cuts from the cane, again. We also saw some edible mushrooms on the way, and although Jeric was first to get to them, I asked him to give them to carpenters. The real Platform Day will be tomorrow!

Our third attempt, yes. With the help of the village hunter, we set up two traps. Walking through the Transect 13, manong Ronnie would peer inside the cane from time to time. I guess he’s trying to think like a cat; something I’ve failed to do several times already. He stopped. We went in. This time, we went further inside parcel 5. Tom was unwilling to go inside the bait compartment. Quite understandable. The set up was basically the same; nong Ronnie didn’t put soil to camouflage the trap floor though. From parcel 5, we went further in. We’re going to parcel 13 THROUGH the cane. I braced myself. Off to #13 we go, winding through the cane, wincing every time a blade catches some bare skin. He stopped, and again, he bent down and leveled the soil. This is where we’re setting the second one up. Same procedure. We tried the treadle-and-door mechanism several times, and like Tom’s trap, Jerry’s was working well. We stood up, and I braced myself again for more cane. We went straight home.

And another one…

We set out earlier today. With three traps out, in two different areas, we had to hurry up. It was still dark when we went out at 4:45 AM. We scoured between the cane rows with our light. We didn't mark where we set up the traps for fear of losing them. We found one. The door was triggered, but there was nothing in the trap. We hurried to the second one. Trapdoor was still up. Nothing. We walked to the next one, which was on the other side of the parcel we're currently in. It was the last one. Still nothing. We took the trap with us; I was to hide it in a safe place. The morning is starting to creep in. We have to hurry; we've already seen workers moving towards the direction of the hacienda. We cannot risk being seen by more people. I decided to hide the trap in a cane parcel next to the road. I covered it with dried cane leaves, and was about to follow Jeric to retrieve the 2 other traps when I saw man walking towards me. I stopped and greeted him good morning. I let him walk in front of me. He was going towards the same direction I was going, and where Jeric was still busy with retrieving the 2 traps. I hope he doesn't see Jeric popping out of the cane field with a trap in hand. He didn't. But another worker, on a carabao, did.

I observed him as he was walking towards me. He was checking out the areas between the cane rows. A bad feeling was creeping at me. I got the other trap from Jeric, and hurried to the one I hid. If he went searching that other field, he will chance upon it. I tried walking even faster. I was relieved to see he was going in a different direction. I got the first trap, and sat on a rock, the two traps in front of me. One has Tom in it, while the other had dried fish.

I was caught by surprise when I saw several workers walking towards me from the direction where we retrieved the traps. I cursed under my breath. All of them stopped when they saw me with the traps. They were all interested in either the rat or the trap, or both. Big trouble.

Very BIG trouble. I saw Jeric walking amongst the men, I stood up, and motioned for him to keep walking. I was in a foul mood. And so was he.

The word is out. We are trapping marals. With white rats. With nice traps. The discussion was our breakfast this morning. How to go about this? Manang Diding will know. I am also frustrated by our failure. I know it's only our second attempt, but I do not have months to try and capture a cat. I decided to have Jeric ask nang Diding if she knows a local who hunts leopard cats. To top this morning's fiasco, we didn't have power until late in the afternoon.

Tomorrow is another day.

Second attempt?

I was up by 3:48 AM; too excited so I couldn't get back to sleep. Is there a cat pissed off because he got caught, and frustrated because he couldn't get to rat that lured him to the trap in the first place? Or like Rajan, would we have to wait for months before we can catch our first one?

My alarm rang at 4:45. I got up, and heard Jeric stir. I went down to the loo; went back up to change clothes. We got our stuff ready the night before, and the coffee was ready by the time I got down. I was fidgety. I wanted to go out. I didn't even finish my coffee when I told Jeric, "let's go." One reason was it was almost light. Another was I was too excited.

We walked purposefully to where we set the trap. We were ready. We had discussed the night before the steps we'd take if we have a capture; the data that should be entered in the form. The works.

We got to the trap. I peered. I directed my headlamp to the entrance. An eye shine. But, no cat. Tom survived the night. While Jeric was taking the trap out, i survived the road for tracks and scats; hoping to know if a cat came by, and the trap was just unattractive, or repulsive. There was none. It didn't rain and the soil was too hard to retain any paw print.

We headed home. Tom was reunited with Geri, and both are now cuddled in sleep. Geri was no longer peeking out.

I was up by 3:48 AM; too excited so I couldn't get back to sleep. Is there a cat pissed off because he got caught, and frustrated because he couldn't get to rat that lured him to the trap in the first place? Or like Rajan, would we have to wait for months before we can catch our first one?

My alarm rang at 4:45. I got up, and heard Jeric stir. I went down to the loo; went back up to change clothes. We got our stuff ready the night before, and the coffee was ready by the time I got down. I was fidgety. I wanted to go out. I didn't even finish my coffee when I told Jeric, "let's go." One reason was it was almost light. Another was I was too excited.

We walked purposefully to where we set the trap. We were ready. We had discussed the night before the steps we'd take if we have a capture; the data that should be entered in the form. The works.

We got to the trap. I peered. I directed my headlamp to the entrance. An eye shine. But, no cat. Tom survived the night. While Jeric was taking the trap out, i survived the road for tracks and scats; hoping to know if a cat came by, and the trap was just unattractive, or repulsive. There was none. It didn't rain and the soil was too hard to retain any paw print.

We headed home. Tom was reunited with Geri, and both are now cuddled in sleep. Geri was no longer peeking out.

Catching cats

We were unsure if it would be good to set the trap. The four o' clock sky was too dark, and thunder is threatening to bring what seems to be a downpour. If I cannot bear to think of the rat Tom getting drenched and cold for an evening, how much more the potential leopard cat capture? I made a decision. It hasn't rained yet; we can still go. We set out with the rat, some food and water for our poor live bait, the trap, some bamboo stakes that we will use to secure the trap to the ground, and an espading (a large cutting tool for harvesting cane).

We got to the area where we had planned to put the trap. Jeric went to level the soil. We secured the trap with the bamboo stakes; scattered more soil on the trap floor, and covered it with dried cane leaves. I reluctantly put Tom (short for Tomasa),  in the bait compartment, apologizing for what will be a long and cold night (hopefully, not wet too); and what may be the trauma of her murid life. I placed a rock before the treadle, hoping that the leopard cat has enough sense to step over it and place its foot on the treadle, triggering the door shut. We put more dried leaves around the trap, hoping that it looks as natural as cane rows go.

I took some photos of the trap after we finished setting it up. With one last apology to Tom we left. I hope it won't rain tonight. It's already half past 9 in the evening, still no rain.

Geri (short for Geronima), the quieter of the two rats, was unusually mobile this evening. She also kept on looking out; seemingly looking for someone. I talked to her, saying Tom's going back to the crate tomorrow. I didn't tell her that if we didn't get any cat tonight, it will be her turn to go out and be bait. I don't think she'll be able to take it.

We're going out tomorrow at 5:30 am. I am excited; worried about Tom though. I do feel sorry for her, and for Geri, who I'm sure is missing her friend and roommate.

Hopefully tomorrow...

It left something behind…

We left the rest house a little later than desired. No dawn survey today; it was only 5:30 in the morning but the light has gotten there first. We should’ve gone for 4 AM. We’ll go poop searching instead. We went to Najalin River. No such luck. I wasn’t about to give up. I told Jeric we’re going to search the northern parts of the hacienda. It was still cool, although the sun was already up. Jeric was walking in front of me, our eyes were scouring the road between cane parcels. He stopped, and exclaimed, “Tracks!” I hurried to where he was, and lo and behold, leopard cat tracks. Our first tracks! And here we thought the substrate wasn’t suitable for retaining the small paw print of this light-footed animal. Perhaps the conditions should be right for it do so. Afternoon rains soften the soil enough for the leopard cat’s feet to leave an imprint, and no rain in the evening and the following morning hardens the soil, preserving the tracks temporarily.

We followed the small paw prints. There was more heading west, on the road! I went trigger-crazy. I probably took photos of almost all the prints we saw. GPS coordinates were not forgotten. We realized the tracks went both ways: east and west. Was the cat following something? We found some overlapping prints, like the hind foot stepping on the fore foot. I took out the caliper and measured a number of tracks. Almost the same size for the same foot. Must be the same cat?