Scavenging Mode of Vertebrate Scavengers on Domestic Buffalos Bubalus bubalis (Linnaeus, 1785) Killed by Tiger Panthera tigris and Natural Deaths in Southern India

Scavengers such as vultures, eagles and wild boars play important ecological functions within their ecosystems. A total of 60 domestic buffalo carcasses (40 killed by tigers and 20 natural deaths) of the size of about 364 kg were recorded in forest areas in 2011 and 2015. We recorded 25 species of vertebrate fauna (19 bird and six mammal species) eating the carcasses. The presence of vertebrate scavengers was associated with five decomposition stages: initial, bloated, decay, post decay and dry. Our study provides evidence that domestic buffalo remains are routinely scavenged or visited by a broad range of avian and mammalian scavengers and decomposed by microbes. Vultures, one of the most versatile scavenging birds, were the only group of vertebrates observed during almost the entire process. Mammalian scavengers also play a significant role in carcass decomposition.