Heavy metal pollution has complex impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, trophic relationships, species health, and the quality of natural resources. This study aims to validate a non-invasive method for detecting heavy metals (Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Cr) in micromammalian prey, which constitute the primary diet of the common genet (Genetta genetta), a mesocarnivore sensitive to habitat degradation. By focusing on prey remains (hair and bones) rather than entire fecal samples, this approach leverages the genet’s selective feeding habits to assess the bioaccumulation of contaminants in its preferred prey. Conducted in the Edough forest massif during the winter of 2021, the study analyzed 39 fecal samples, collected from the following two contrasting environments: a natural habitat and an area impacted by an open landfill. Results revealed significant levels of heavy metals, with higher concentrations in bones compared to hair, and increased accumulation in prey from the anthropized environment. Monitoring these contaminants in selective predators, such as the genet, offers a promising approach to better understanding environmental contamination and implementing measures to protect ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

The objective of this study is to analyse the share of small mammals in the diet of the African Golden Wolf (Canis anthus), to deduce its functional role as regulator of densities of this food category. Methods: Sampling campaign was carried out during the winter period 2020, when trophic resources are least abundant, and when the small mammals are most abundant. We choosed two different ecological conditions to conduct the scats sampling in the Edough Mountain Range, once in the natural environment of Berouaga and the second in Ain Barbar landfill. 30 droppings were collected in the field and at each site, then sterilized, washed, sorted and identified in the laboratory. Results: We were able to identify rodents, wild boar’s carcass, arthropods, birds, plants and wastes (plastic bag, papers, aluminium foils..). Occurrence frequencies analysis of item preys stand shows that the African golden wolf consumes micromammals less frequently in the natural environment, to avoid interspecific competition pressure with other predators like common genets, and does not consume them at all in the anthropized environment, since the anthropogenic resources are abundant, easily accessible and requiring no energy loss. Conclusion: By its opportunistic behavior, the African Golden Wolf turns away from its role as regulator of natural populations of small mammals, in the presence of anthropogenic resources.