![]() In the absence of vultures, mean carcass decomposition rates nearly tripled. We examined whether the absence of vultures changed carcass decomposition time, number of mammalian scavengers visiting carcasses, time spent by mammals at carcasses, and potential for disease transmission at carcasses (measured by changes in intraspecific contact rates). To evaluate these possibilities, we conducted a series of observations and experimental tests of the effects of vulture extirpation on decomposition rates of livestock carcasses and mammalian scavengers in Kenya. These changes could increase rates of transmission of infectious diseases, with carcasses serving as hubs of infection. Possible effects of vulture declines include longer persistence of carcasses and increasing abundance of and contact between facultative scavengers at these carcasses. They feed on rotting carcasses and are the most threatened avian functional group in the world. If a vulture senses danger, it will empty its crop quickly to escape.Vultures (Accipitridae and Cathartidae) are the only known obligate scavengers. The vulture don’t depend on one type of food therefore these act as packed lunches for this amazing bird. ![]()
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