1
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Newsome T, Cairncross R, Cunningham CX, Spencer EE, Barton PS, Ripple WJ, Wirsing AJ. Scavenging with invasive species. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:562-581. [PMID: 38148253 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Carrion acts as a hotspot of animal activity within many ecosystems globally, attracting scavengers that rely on this food source. However, many scavengers are invasive species whose impacts on scavenging food webs and ecosystem processes linked to decomposition are poorly understood. Here, we use Australia as a case study to review the extent of scavenging by invasive species that have colonised the continent since European settlement, identify the factors that influence their use of carcasses, and highlight the lesser-known ecological effects of invasive scavengers. From 44 published studies we identified six invasive species from 48 vertebrates and four main groups of arthropods (beetles, flies, ants and wasps) that scavenge. Invasive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), feral pigs (Sus scrofa), black rats (Rattus rattus) and feral cats (Felis catus) were ranked as highly common vertebrate scavengers. Invasive European wasps (Vespula germanica) are also common scavengers where they occur. We found that the diversity of native vertebrate scavengers is lower when the proportion of invasive scavengers is higher. We highlight that the presence of large (apex) native vertebrate scavengers can decrease rates of scavenging by invasive species, but that invasive scavengers can monopolise carcass resources, outcompete native scavengers, predate other species around carcass resources and even facilitate invasion meltdowns that affect other species and ecological processes including altered decomposition rates and nutrient cycling. Such effects are likely to be widespread where invasive scavengers occur and suggest a need to determine whether excessive or readily available carcass loads are facilitating or exacerbating the impacts of invasive species on ecosystems globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Rhys Cairncross
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Calum X Cunningham
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, College of the Environment, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, 98195-2100, USA
| | - Emma E Spencer
- School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - William J Ripple
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Aaron J Wirsing
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, College of the Environment, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, 98195-2100, USA
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2
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Wenting E, Jansen PA, Pattipeilohy L, van Lunteren P, Siepel H, van Langevelde F. Influence of tree cover on carcass detection and consumption by facultative vertebrate scavengers. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e10935. [PMID: 38571788 PMCID: PMC10985364 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Scavenging mammals and vultures can exploit and deplete carcasses much faster than other birds and invertebrates. Vultures are strongly influenced by habitat type, e.g. tree cover, since they rely on their eyesight to detect carcasses. It remains unclear whether and how facultative scavengers - both other birds and mammals - are influenced by tree cover and how that affect carcass decomposition time, which in turn affects biodiversity and ecological processes, including the cycle of energy and nutrients. We studied whether the carcass detection and consumption, hence carcass decomposition speed, by facultative avian and mammalian scavengers varies with tree cover in areas without vultures. Fresh mammal carcasses were placed in different landscapes across the Netherlands at locations that widely varied in tree cover. Camera traps were used to record carcass exploitation by facultative avian and mammalian scavengers and to estimate carcass decomposition time. We found that carcass detection and consumption by birds, wild boar, and other mammals varied between locations. Carcass decomposition speed indeed increased with carcass detection and exploitation by mammals, especially by wild boar. However, this variation was not related to tree cover. We conclude that tree cover is not a major determinant of carcass exploitation by facultative scavengers in areas without obligate scavengers and large carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Wenting
- Department of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology and PhysiologyRadboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Patrick A. Jansen
- Department of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanama CityPanama
| | - Luke Pattipeilohy
- Department of Animal Ecology and PhysiologyRadboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Henk Siepel
- Department of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
- Department of Animal Ecology and PhysiologyRadboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Frank van Langevelde
- Department of Environmental SciencesWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
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3
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Dawson BM, Ueland M, Carter DO, Mclntyre D, Barton PS. Bridging the gap between decomposition theory and forensic research on postmortem interval. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:509-518. [PMID: 37491634 PMCID: PMC10861637 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the decomposition of vertebrate animals has advanced considerably in recent years and revealed complex interactions among biological and environmental factors that affect rates of decay. Yet this complexity remains to be fully incorporated into research or models of the postmortem interval (PMI). We suggest there is both opportunity and a need to use recent advances in decomposition theory to guide forensic research and its applications to understanding the PMI. Here we synthesise knowledge of the biological and environmental factors driving variation in decomposition and the acknowledged limitations among current models of the PMI. To guide improvement in this area, we introduce a conceptual framework that highlights the multiple interdependencies affecting decay rates throughout the decomposition process. Our framework reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach to PMI research, and calls for an adaptive research cycle that aims to reduce uncertainty in PMI estimates via experimentation, modelling, and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake M Dawson
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia.
| | - Maiken Ueland
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - David O Carter
- Forensic Sciences Unit, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Donna Mclntyre
- Graduate Research School, Federation University, Mount Helen, Ballarat, VIC, 3350, Australia
- Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University, Mount Helen, Ballarat, VIC, 3350, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University, Mount Helen, Ballarat, VIC, 3350, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
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4
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Bartel SL, Stephenson T, Crowder DW, Jones ME, Storfer A, Strickland MS, Lynch L. Global change influences scavenging and carrion decomposition. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:152-164. [PMID: 37816662 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Carrion decomposition is fundamental to nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems because it provides a high-quality resource to diverse organisms. A conceptual framework incorporating all phases of carrion decomposition with the full community of scavengers is needed to predict the effects of global change on core ecosystem processes. Because global change can differentially impact scavenger guilds and rates of carrion decomposition, our framework explicitly incorporates complex interactions among microbial, invertebrate, and vertebrate scavenger communities across three distinct phases of carcass decomposition. We hypothesize that carrion decomposition rates will be the most impacted when global change affects carcass discovery rates and the foraging behavior of competing scavenger guilds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah L Bartel
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, 166 FSHN, 100 Dairy Road, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, 301 Abelson Hall, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
| | - Torrey Stephenson
- Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - David W Crowder
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, 166 FSHN, 100 Dairy Road, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Menna E Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Life Sciences Building, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Andrew Storfer
- School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, 301 Abelson Hall, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Michael S Strickland
- Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
| | - Laurel Lynch
- Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
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5
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Dorji T, Jayasingha Ellakkala Appuhamilage RMJ, Bird PL, Huang N, O’Connor TW, Patel KK, Strive T, Taggart PL. Optimising the Delivery of RHDV to Rabbits for Biocontrol: An Experimental Evaluation of Two Novel Methods of Virus Delivery. Viruses 2023; 15:1814. [PMID: 37766220 PMCID: PMC10536075 DOI: 10.3390/v15091814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is established as a landscape-scale biocontrol that assists the management of invasive European rabbits and their impacts in both Australia and New Zealand. In addition to this, it is also available to land managers to augment rabbit control efforts at a local scale. However, current methods of deploying RHDV to rabbits that rely on the consumption of virus-treated baits can be problematic as rabbits are reluctant to consume bait when there is abundant, green, protein-rich feed available. We ran a suite of interrupted time-series experiments to compare the duration of infectivity of two conventional (carrot and oat baits) and two novel (meat bait and soil burrow spray) methods of deploying RHDV to rabbits. All methods effectively killed exposed rabbits. Soil burrow spray and carrot baits resulted in infection and mortality out to 5 days post their deployment in the field, and meat baits caused infection out to 10 days post their deployment. In contrast, oat baits continued to infect and kill exposed rabbits out to 20 days post deployment. Molecular assays demonstrated high viral loads in deployed baits beyond the duration for which they were infectious or lethal to rabbits. Based on our results, we suggest that the drying of meat baits may create a barrier to effective transmission of RHDV by adult flies within 10 days. We therefore hypothesise that fly larvae production and development on infected tissues is critical to prolonged viral transmission from meat baits, and similarly from carcasses of RHDV mortalities, via mechanical fly vectors. Our study demonstrates that meat baits and soil spray could provide additional virus deployment options that remove the need for rabbits to consume baits at times when they are reluctant to do so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshewang Dorji
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia; (T.D.); (R.M.J.J.E.A.); (K.K.P.)
- School of Food, Agriculture and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia
| | | | - Peter L. Bird
- Waite Conservation Reserve, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia;
| | - Nina Huang
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.H.); (T.S.)
| | - Tiffany W. O’Connor
- Virology Laboratory, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Menangle, NSW 2568, Australia
| | - Kandarp K. Patel
- Biosecurity, Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), Urrbrae, SA 5064, Australia; (T.D.); (R.M.J.J.E.A.); (K.K.P.)
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Tanja Strive
- Health & Biosecurity, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (N.H.); (T.S.)
| | - Patrick L. Taggart
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries NSW, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
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6
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Andresen JL, Oughton DH, Birkemoe T, Sverdrup-Thygeson A. Trophic food chain transfer of radiocaesium from reindeer meat to the blowfly Calliphora vicina and the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161558. [PMID: 36640889 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The role of insects in the transfer of radionuclides has received little attention, despite their key role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the trophic food chain transfer of radiocaesium (137Cs) from reindeer meat to the blowfly Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and further from blowfly pupae to the parasitoid wasp Nasonia vitripennis (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae). Radiocaesium was transferred to blowfly larvae during their feeding stage, with the highest whole-organism to food source concentration ratios (CRwo-fs) being found in actively feeding third instar blowfly larvae, with CRwo-fs in the range of 0.68-0.90. CRwo-fs in blowfly larvae at later developmental stages (i.e., post-feeding stage, prepupal stage, pupal stage, and adult stage) were significantly lower, with CRwo-fs in adult flies in the range of 0.07-0.10. Modelling of the data indicated that >70 % of the radiocaesium present in third instar feeding stage larvae was removed exponentially with excreta prior to pupariation. Furthermore, on average 49 % of the radiocaesium activity concentration assimilated in the metamorphing blowfly pupa was retained in the pupal case after the adult blowfly had emerged. When blowfly pupae were parasitised by parasitoid wasps, a greater proportion of radiocaesium was retained in the parasitised pupal case, with only 2-3 % of the activity concentration in the meat being found in the wasps, providing further evidence to support that radiocaesium is biodiluted in insect food chains. Our results indicate that carcass decomposition driven by insects directly affects the fate of radiocaesium retained in vertebrate carcasses and we discuss these findings in connection to radiocaesium cycling and dispersion in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas L Andresen
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Centre for Environmental Radioactivity, Ås, Norway.
| | - Deborah H Oughton
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway; Centre for Environmental Radioactivity, Ås, Norway
| | - Tone Birkemoe
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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7
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Nooten SS, Chan KH, Schultheiss P, Bogar TA, Guénard B. Ant body size mediates functional performance and species interactions in carrion decomposer communities. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine S. Nooten
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building Pok Fu Lam Road Hong Kong SAR China
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology Biocentre, University of Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Kin H. Chan
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building Pok Fu Lam Road Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Patrick Schultheiss
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building Pok Fu Lam Road Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Taylor A. Bogar
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building Pok Fu Lam Road Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Benoit Guénard
- School of Biological Sciences The University of Hong Kong Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building Pok Fu Lam Road Hong Kong SAR China
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8
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Dawson BM, Wallman JF, Barton PS. How does mass loss compare with total body score when assessing decomposition of human and pig cadavers? Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022; 18:343-351. [PMID: 35543928 PMCID: PMC9587095 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00481-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Providing accurate and reliable measures of decomposition is paramount for forensic research where decomposition progress is used to estimate time of death. Mass loss is routinely used as a direct measure of biomass decomposition in ecological studies, yet few studies have analysed mass loss in a forensic context on human cadavers to determine its usefulness for modelling the decomposition process. Mass loss was examined in decomposing human and pig cadavers, and compared with other common decomposition metrics, such as total body score (TBS). One summer and one winter field decomposition experiment was conducted using human and pig cadavers, as pigs are often used as proxies for human cadavers in forensic research. The two measures of decomposition revealed two contrasting patterns of decomposition on pigs and humans, particularly in winter where TBS stabilised at similar values, but mass loss differed greatly. Mass loss was found to be faster in pigs than humans during early decomposition. Pigs lost 75% of their mass in winter, while humans lost less than 50%; however, in summer, both lost around 80% of their mass. TBS displayed similar patterns in both experiments, with TBS increasing more rapidly in pigs compared with humans but both eventually reaching similar TBS values in late decomposition. Measuring mass loss can provide additional information about decomposition progress that is missed if using TBS only. Key differences in decomposition progress between cadaver types were also observed, suggesting caution when extrapolating data from pigs to humans for forensic research and decomposition modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake M. Dawson
- grid.1007.60000 0004 0486 528XCentre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW Australia
| | - James F. Wallman
- grid.1007.60000 0004 0486 528XCentre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW Australia ,grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW Australia
| | - Philip S. Barton
- grid.1040.50000 0001 1091 4859Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
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9
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Newsome TM, Barton B, Buck JC, DeBruyn J, Spencer E, Ripple WJ, Barton PS. Monitoring the dead as an ecosystem indicator. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5844-5856. [PMID: 34141188 PMCID: PMC8207411 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dead animal biomass (carrion) is present in all terrestrial ecosystems, and its consumption, decomposition, and dispersal can have measurable effects on vertebrates, invertebrates, microbes, parasites, plants, and soil. But despite the number of studies examining the influence of carrion on food webs, there has been no attempt to identify how general ecological processes around carrion might be used as an ecosystem indicator. We suggest that knowledge of scavenging and decomposition rates, scavenger diversity, abundance, and behavior around carrion, along with assessments of vegetation, soil, microbe, and parasite presence, can be used individually or in combination to understand food web dynamics. Monitoring carrion could also assist comparisons of ecosystem processes among terrestrial landscapes and biomes. Although there is outstanding research needed to fully integrate carrion ecology and monitoring into ecosystem management, we see great potential in using carrion as an ecosystem indicator of an intact and functional food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Brandon Barton
- Department of Biological SciencesMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMSUSA
| | - Julia C. Buck
- Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNCUSA
| | - Jennifer DeBruyn
- Biosystems Engineering and Soil ScienceUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleTNUSA
| | - Emma Spencer
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - William J. Ripple
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and SocietyOregon State UniversityCorvallisORUSA
| | - Philip S. Barton
- School of ScienceFederation University AustraliaMt HelenVICAustralia
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10
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Bump JK, Barton PS, Evans MJ, Foster CN, Pechal JL, Quaggiotto MM, Benbow ME. Echoing the Need to Quantify Carrion Biomass Production. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 35:92-94. [PMID: 31822369 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K Bump
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
| | - Philip S Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Maldwyn J Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia; Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Life and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Claire N Foster
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Pechal
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - M-Martina Quaggiotto
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - M Eric Benbow
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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11
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Barton PS, Evans MJ, Foster CN, Pechal JL, Bump JK, Quaggiotto MM, Benbow ME. Towards Quantifying Carrion Biomass in Ecosystems. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 34:950-961. [PMID: 31256926 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The decomposition of animal biomass (carrion) contributes to the recycling of energy and nutrients through ecosystems. Whereas the role of plant decomposition in ecosystems is broadly recognised, the significance of carrion to ecosystem functioning remains poorly understood. Quantitative data on carrion biomass are lacking and there is no clear pathway towards improved knowledge in this area. Here, we present a framework to show how quantities derived from individual carcasses can be scaled up using population metrics, allowing for comparisons among ecosystems and other forms of biomass. Our framework facilitates the generation of new data that is critical to building a quantitative understanding of the contribution of carrion to trophic processes and ecosystem stocks and flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip S Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Maldwyn J Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Claire N Foster
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Pechal
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Joseph K Bump
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - M-Martina Quaggiotto
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - M Eric Benbow
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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