title: Decomposition and arthropod succession on exposed rabbit carrion during summer at high altitudes in Colorado, USA.
abstract: Six rabbit carcasses were exposed during summer at elevations ranging from 2,713 to 4,191 m in Colorado to determine decomposition rates and arthropod succession patterns. Biomass removal, bloat, and internal and ambient air temperatures were measured and the arthropod community was monitored during 51-d succession studies. A total of 53 taxa was collected (range, 8-36 taxa), with diversity apparently decreasing as a negative function of elevation. Extensive scavenging altered decomposition rates and arthropod succession. Rates and duration of biomass removal and bloating of carcasses were slowed and prolonged at higher elevations.
authors.affiliation: Chadwick & Associates, Incorporated, Littleton, CO 80120, USA.
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: De Jong
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Chadwick
mesh_terms: D000531:Altitude; D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods / Q000145:classification* / Q000502:physiology*; D003120:Colorado; D017753:Ecosystem; D011817:Rabbits / Q000469:parasitology*; D012621:Seasons