Author/Editor		Potočnik, Hubert; Krofel, Miha; Smole, Irena; Vrezec, Al; Kos, Ivan
Title		Mrhovina kot prispevek k biotski pestrosti slovenskega živalstva
Translated title		Carrion can contribute to biodiversity of Slovenian fauna
Type		članek
Source		Zlatorogov zbornik
Vol. and No.		Letnik 1, št. 1
Publication year		2012
Volume		str. 73-83
Language		slo
Abstract		Scavenging is a widespread phenomenon but one relatively poorly studied and understood, particularly in temperate forests. Most carnivo res exhibit scavenging behaviour to some extent and, together with some other vertebrates, insects and micro bes, they are important decomposers of animal biomass. This has a significant impact on the nutrient cycles and the dissemination of essential nutrients in the natural food webs. In addition, scavenging can significantly reduce the potential sources of infectious diseases. In the past, species have evolved that feed only on carcasses. Ungulates are the most important food source for them. Nowadays, the ungulate populations are actively managed in the form of hunting and a large proportion of the animal biomass is taken from the ecosystem. This cause amajor reduction or loss offood sources and habitats for many species ranging from carnivores and vultures to beetles.flies and microbes. This can significantly change the relationships between species, influence biodiversity and reduce the populations of scavengers, including ones that are on the brink of extinction. In this paper, we present the spectrum of species that fed on the remains of lynx (Lynx lynx) prey and outline the importance of carrion that hunters leave in the environment while hunting.
Descriptors		ECOSYSTEM ANIMAL NUTRITION BEHAVIOR, ANIMAL CATS CADAVER DEER GOATS