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Geographic Variation in the Taphonomic Effect of Vulture Scavenging: The Case for Southern Illinois
Author(s) -
Dabbs Gretchen R.,
Martin D. C.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.12025
Subject(s) - taphonomy , vulture , ecology , zoology , biology , geography
The taphonomic effect of vulture scavenging has been previously documented in central T exas ( J F orensic S ci, 2009, 54, 524). This study reports on the behavioral differences between two species of vultures ( C oragyps atratus, C athartes aura ) observed over a period of 1 year at the C omplex for F orensic A nthropology R esearch in S outhern I llinois. The decomposition of six research subjects and two control subjects was observed. Compared with the previous findings of vulture activity, the authors observed a severe delay in the time of first arrival (up to 28 days), decreased feeding time on remains (14–40 min), a less voracious feeding rate (7 days to 2 months to skeletonization), and a completely different feeding pattern of vultures in S outhern I llinois. Additionally, no characteristic markings were observed on skeletal elements of research subjects. This study suggests the taphonomic effects of scavengers varies with climate and regions and may affect decomposition rates and patterns.