Invertebrates outcompete vertebrate facultative scavengers in simulated lynx kills in the Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany

R.-R Ray,M Heurich,H Seibold

doi:10.32800/abc.2014.37.0077

Abstract

Understanding the role of scavengers in ecosystems is important for species conservation and wildlife management. We used road–killed animals, 15 in summer 2003 (June–August) and nine in winter 2003/2004 (from November to January), to test the following hypotheses: (1) vertebrate scavengers such as raven (Corvus corax), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) consume a higher proportion of the carcasses than invertebrates; (2) the consumption rate is higher in winter than in summer due to the scarcity of other food resources; and (3) vertebrate scavengers are effective competitors of Eurasian lynx. We monitored 65 animals belonging to eight different mammal and bird species with camera traps. Surprisingly, Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) was the most important vertebrate scavenger. However, in both seasons, the consumption of vertebrate scavengers was of minor impact. In summer, the carcasses were completely consumed within 10 days, mostly by invertebrates. In winter, only 5% of the carcasses were consumed within 10 days and 16% within 15 days. We conclude that vertebrates in the Bavarian Forest National Park are not strong competitors for lynx.

Highlights

The availability of wild ungulate carcasses has been limited throughout the European ecosystems for many years
Results obtained indicate that the carcasses of animals, both those killed as prey and those dying from other causes, are mostly consumed by vertebrate scavengers
Our hypotheses were that (1) vertebrate scavengers such as ravens, red foxes and wild boars consume a higher proportion of the carcasses than invertebrates. (2) the consumption rate is higher in winter than in summer, because other food resources are scarce in this season, and (3) vertebrate scavengers are effective competitors of Eurasian lynx

Summary

Introduction

The availability of wild ungulate carcasses has been limited throughout the European ecosystems for many years. Ungulate populations are hunted intensively and are usually fed in winter. Their natural mortality rates are very low, and dead animals are quickly removed from the ecosystem. With the return of large predators —such as wolves (Canis lupus) and the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)— to parts of Europe in recent years, the amount of carrion in the ecosystem may increase. Selva (2004) observed that up to 36 vertebrate species consume animal carcasses. Such data are of relevance for the ecological community

Methods

Results

Conclusion