What the study found
Forest degradation changed which vertebrate scavengers were present in a seasonally dry tropical forest in southern Ecuador. Semi-natural forests had the richest and most diverse scavenger assemblages, while degraded habitats were dominated by generalist species and carcasses were removed more quickly.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say the findings provide the first empirical evidence that forest degradation reshapes vertebrate scavenger dynamics in the Tumbesian dry forests. They conclude that conserving well-preserved forests is essential to sustain biodiversity and long-term food web stability in this threatened tropical ecosystem.
What the researchers tested
The researchers monitored 60 chicken carcasses with camera traps during the dry season from December 2021 to February 2022. They compared scavenging across three forest degradation states: Semi-natural, Shrub-dominated, and Arid land.
What worked and what didn't
The study recorded 13 vertebrate scavenger species, with estimated richness reaching 17 species. Semi-natural forests supported the highest richness and diversity, including the king vulture and white-tailed jay, which were absent from degraded habitats. Degraded habitats were dominated by generalists, especially the Sechuran fox, which scavenged nearly half of all carcasses and significantly accelerated carrion removal; carcasses persisted for 1.2–1.8 days in degraded habitats versus 3.8 days in semi-natural forests.
What to keep in mind
The study was conducted in one region, during one dry season, and with chicken carcasses as the carrion source. The abstract does not describe longer-term, wet-season, or broader regional limitations beyond this scope.
Key points
- Semi-natural forests had the highest vertebrate scavenger richness and diversity.
- Degraded habitats were dominated by generalist scavengers, especially the Sechuran fox.
- The Sechuran fox scavenged nearly half of all carcasses and sped up carrion removal.
- Carcasses persisted longer in semi-natural forests than in degraded habitats.
- The study recorded 13 scavenger species and estimated richness at 17 species.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Forest degradation changes scavenger diversity and carrion removal
- Authors:
- Adrian Orihuela-Torres, L Naves-Alegre, Eneko Arrondo, Darío Alexander Nole-Nole, Freddy Gutierrez-Morillo, Carlos Iván Espinosa, Juan Manuel Pérez-García
- Institutions:
- Universidad de Granada, Universidad de Granada, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Universitat de Miguel Hernández d'Elx, Universitat de Miguel Hernández d'Elx, Universitat de Miguel Hernández d'Elx, University of Alicante
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-23
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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