Australia (Commonwealth Union) – Scavengers play an essential role in ecosystems by breaking down on dead animals, hence factors such as diseases or eliminations of natural habitats of scavengers could place a strain on ecosystems.
A study conducted by Dr Matthew Fielding at the University of Tasmania has found that quolls, native to both Australia and New Guinea, together with Tasmanian devils, native to Australia are required for balance in the ecosystem. The research further emphasizes the requirement for carnivore conservation and the possible advantages of rewilding for small prey species.
The study was led by Dr Matthew Fielding, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, which utilized strategically placed motion capture cameras and animal carcasses to observe scavenger activity in 3 regions differing in population sizes of apex scavengers such as Tasmanian devils and spotted-tailed quolls. The lack or small numbers of these top scavengers paved way for smaller scavengers, like native forest ravens and feral cats, to fill the gap with lower competition and higher scavenging opportunities. Their use of carcasses was not as effective, resulting in partially consumed carcasses to persist more in the atmosphere.
“Native scavengers like the Tasmanian devil and spotted-tailed quolls play a crucial role in the environment but have experienced recent declines on the Tasmanian mainland and local extinction on the Bass Strait Islands,” said Dr Fielding. “The Bass Strait Islands are home to some of Australia’s most endangered bird species, like the King Island Scrubtit and King Island Brown Thornbill, so it’s crucial we understand these potential threats.”
Even though smaller scavengers partially filled the gap of the greater carcass absence, they could not make up for the scavenging efficiency of bigger specialist scavengers, such as the Tasmanian devil.
The study adds to many recent studies across the world on the significance of preserving native species within ecosystems.
