Monitoring of facultative avian scavengers on large mammal carcasses in Dinaric forest of Slovenia

摘要: Facultative vertebrate scavengers have an important role in forest ecosystems, however, not much is known as to their use of carrion temperate forests. Three carcasses Red Deer Cervus elaphus and European Roe Capreolus capreolus found dead or killed by Grey Wolf Canis lupus were monitored March April 2010 2011 on Menisija Plateau northern Dinaric Mountains (central Slovenia) using photo-trapping video surveillance. Carcasses for 26 days, during which 708 photos 43 recordings taken. In the 91% all visits recorded, birds most frequent scavengers, with Common Buzzard Buteo buteo species present at 76% visits. On average, Buzzards returned twice per day, average visit lasting 29 min. used a significantly higher degree days snow cover, was due more day longer Recorded antagonistic interspecific interactions suggested that dominant observed avian scavenger guild, they displaced Ravens Corvus corax Goshawk Accipiter gentilis from carcass. However, frequently mobbed while scavenging. Once Ural Owl Strix uralensis also visited prey remains Wolf, but feeding could be confirmed. Observations large mammals locally temporarily food source some facultative forests, especially times when other scarce. Data two wolf kills confirm importance predation carnivores providing scavengers. Given small amount meat consumed, kleptoparasitism solitary raptors did bring significant losses carnivores, whereas gregarious like corvids can importantly affect consumption process consume biomass relatively short time.