Linking Functional Traits To Trophic Roles In Scavenger Assemblages.

ABSTRACT: Scavenging is a widespread feeding strategy involving a diversity of taxa from different trophic levels, from apex predators to obligate scavengers. Scavenger species play a crucial role in ecosystem functioning by removing carcasses, recycling nutrients and preventing disease spread. Understanding the trophic roles of scavenger species can help identify specialized species with unique roles and species that may be more vulnerable to ecological changes. To identify species with specialized roles, we studied three scavenger networks (one in north temperate Spain and two in central-south Mediterranean Spain) that comprised 25 scavenger species (65% birds and 35% mammals), consuming carcasses of four wild ungulate species. We characterized the trophic role of a species by combining four speci

SUBMITTER: Marie Montenegro V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11711106 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature