Multiple isotope tracers in fur keratin discriminate between mothers and offspring.

Rationale: Isoscape origin models for mammals may be impaired by fractionation and routing of isotopes during lactation. Here, we tested if the stable carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen ratios of juvenile bats differ from those of their mothers and if derived isotopic dietary niches and geographical assignments vary accordingly between mothers and juveniles.

Methods: During the post-lactation period, we collected fur of juvenile and female common noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) from the same maternity roost.