Linking Functional Traits To Trophic Roles In Scavenger Assemblages.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Ecosystem Services

Background:

• Scavenging is a crucial ecological process performed by diverse species, impacting nutrient cycling and disease prevention.
• Understanding the specific roles of scavenger species is key to identifying those vulnerable to environmental changes and ensuring ecosystem stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specialized scavenger species and characterize their trophic roles within ecological networks.
• To quantify the centrality of different scavenger species based on their interactions with various carcass types.

Main Methods:

• Studied three scavenger networks in Spain, analyzing 25 bird and mammal species consuming four wild ungulate carcasses.
• Combined network metrics (degree, specialization, closeness, betweenness centrality) to create a single centrality metric for each species.

Main Results:

• Griffon vultures and azure-winged magpies exhibited the highest centrality, indicating broad carrion consumption.
• Red kites and Egyptian vultures had the most peripheral roles, suggesting specialized feeding habits.
• Species with large home ranges and nocturnal/crepuscular activity generally had more central roles.

Conclusions:

• Scavenger species' centrality varies across sites, with large-ranging species playing key roles.
• Management strategies must consider the interconnectedness of scavenger networks, advocating for transboundary conservation.
• Coordinated protection efforts are essential for maintaining scavenger network resilience and ecosystem services.