When comparing carnivore and herbivore feces, carnivore dung is more likely to be preserved. Carnivores are better able to digest their food intake, than are herbivores (whose digestion efficiency happens to be only around 20-25%). Therefore carnivorous scat has more waste material, attracting fewer scavengers and more bacteria, which is better for preservation conditions. Accordingly, herbivorous scat attracts decomposers in the opposite wasy, more scavengers and less bacteria. Another factor contributing to better carnivore feces preservation, is the presence of bone derived calcium phosphate, which acts as a great permineralizing agent.

   Insects are also very common in the decomposition of dung. In fact, if conditions were so rare that insects weren't involved in the decomposition of feces, preservation potential would almost double.

   Other factors such as weathering by rain and snow for example, provide sources of mechanical destruction as well.

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