Scavenging with invasive species

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Invasive Species Biology
• Conservation Science

Background:

• Carrion is a vital food source, creating hotspots of animal activity globally.
• Invasive scavengers are increasingly prevalent, yet their ecological impacts on decomposition and food webs remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review invasive scavenger activity in Australia.
• Identify factors influencing invasive scavenger behavior at carcasses.
• Highlight ecological effects of invasive scavengers on native ecosystems.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 44 published studies on scavenging in Australia.
• Identification of invasive vertebrate and arthropod scavenger species.
• Analysis of factors influencing invasive scavenger prevalence and impact.

Main Results:

• Six invasive vertebrate species (e.g., red foxes, feral cats) and four arthropod groups (beetles, flies, ants, wasps) were identified as common scavengers.
• Higher proportions of invasive scavengers correlated with lower native scavenger diversity.
• Invasive scavengers monopolize resources, outcompete natives, predate other species, and alter decomposition rates and nutrient cycling.

Conclusions:

• Invasive scavengers significantly impact Australian ecosystems, reducing native biodiversity and altering fundamental ecological processes.
• The availability of carcasses may exacerbate the negative impacts of invasive species.
• Further research is needed to understand and mitigate the widespread effects of invasive scavengers globally.