Resource pulse in shallow waters: characterization of the scavenger community associated with a dolphin carcass

Numerous studies have focused on the scavenger communities that feed on the carcasses of large marine animals, such as whales, in deep-sea habitats. Yet, there are far fewer studies in shallow water ecosystems and especially in the Mediterranean. Here, we performed an artificial cetacean fall in shallow waters in the northwestern Mediterranean. The cetacean carcass was monitored by via 30-min time-lapse photos using a fixed camera. We observed that bony fish were the main scavenger taxa. In addition, different species arrived at different times perhaps reflecting their role as scavengers or active predators.

Automated summary

This study conducted a monitoring of cetacean carcass in shallow waters of the northwestern Mediterranean, and found that bony fish were the main scavenger taxa. Different species arrived at different times, which may reflect their roles as scavengers or active predators.