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Published on: May 6, 2010
Decomposition and arthropod succession on exposed rabbit carrion during summer at high altitudes in Colorado, USA
1Chadwick & Associates, Incorporated, Littleton, CO 80120, USA.
Abstract:
Six rabbit carcasses were exposed during summer at elevations ranging from 2,713 to 4,191 m in Colorado to determine decomposition rates and arthropod succession patterns. Biomass removal, bloat, and internal and ambient air temperatures were measured and the arthropod community was monitored during 51-d succession studies. A total of 53 taxa was collected (range, 8-36 taxa), with diversity apparently decreasing as a negative function of elevation. Extensive scavenging altered decomposition rates and arthropod succession. Rates and duration of biomass removal and bloating of carcasses were slowed and prolonged at higher elevations.
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