PATTERNS OF SCAVENGER DETECTION AND CARCASS USE IN LARGE MAMMALS

Abstract

Carrion is an important source of energy and nutrients for various organisms and plays a significant role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems. Although this topic has been widely studied worldwide, there have been no studies conducted in Lithuania on carrion and its consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of large mammal carcasses in the diet of scavengers. The research was carried out in 2023–2024 in the Karšuva Forest and the Varnaitinė Forest located in the Jurbarkas district. Roe deer carcasses and roe deer or red deer viscera were placed at the study sites, and animal visits to carrion were recorded using camera traps. During the entire study period, 1,523 animal visits to carrion were recorded in the Karšuva Forest and 2,881 in the Varnaitinė Forest. A total of 13 animal species were identified in the Varnaitinė Forest and 9 species in the Karšuva Forest. The study analyzed species composition, time spent at carrion, and the influence of seasonality, study site, and carrion type. The results showed that the time animals spent at carrion differed significantly between species, seasons, study sites, and carrion types. Animals spent the longest time at carrion during winter and when an intact roe deer carcass was present. The obtained results contribute to a better understanding of the role of scavengers in forest ecosystems and patterns of carrion utilization.