Decomposition of Equus caballus roadkilled in the brazilian semi-arid region: temperature and vultures accelerate the decomposition process

Resumo

Roads play a vital role in the socioeconomic development of modern society, facilitating the transportation of goods and passengers between different locations. However, they are also a major driver of biodiversity loss, primarily due to the direct impact of animal roadkill. The resulting carcasses from these accidents are a rich source of nutrients for a variety of decomposer organisms, including arthropods, vertebrates, fungi, and bacteria. The decomposition process of a carcass follows a series of distinct stages, influenced by both abiotic and biotic factors such as temperature, humidity, the presence of scavengers, and characteristics of the surrounding vegetation. Scavengers, such as vultures, are essential for nutrient recycling and maintaining environmental health by preventing the proliferation of pathogenic organisms. This case study investigated the decomposition of a horse carcass in a Caatinga environment, observing the presence of invertebrate and vertebrate scavengers. The results indicated that vultures significantly accelerated the decomposition process, leading the carcass to the skeletal decomposition stage in just a few days. Additionally, local environmental factors such as temperature and precipitation played an important role in the decomposition rate. These findings suggest that, in addition to causing biodiversity loss, roadkill can be a valuable resource for scavengers, influencing the dynamics of carcass decomposition and removal.