How Cooler Temperatures Affect Scavenger Visitation and Decomposition of Sows

Session: (In-Person) Poster Presentation

Taphonomy is the study of what happens to an organism’s remains after death, and it can provide information on many factors, including what facets affect decay, determining the post-mortem interval, organismal interactions with the remains, etc. Lane Community College has a “taphonomy lab” comprising of 7 hog carcasses placed at different times and locations. This study analyzed 3 out of the 7 hogs over 18 weeks, from October to February, to see how cooler temperatures and scavengers may affect the rate of decay. 2 of the 3 hogs were placed in July 2021, and 1 was placed in November 2021. Trail cameras monitored the subjects and were used to examine animal visitation and the progression of decay. Average daily temperatures were recorded via the Eugene Weather Station. We hypothesized that as the temperature decreased, scavenger prevalence would increase, and the hogs’ decomposition rates would fall. Data showed decreased average daily temperatures and increased animal visitation as the study progressed, with a correlation coefficient of -0.6 between them. This allowed us to acknowledge the hypothesis as fairly well supported. Comparison of the decay of the July 2021 hogs to the November 2021 hog showed that the November hog was less decomposed at the 2.5 post-mortem mark than the July hogs were at their 2.5 post-mortem mark. Because of this, we assume the lower temperatures influenced the decreased decomposition rate. Scavengers may have aided in aspects of the hogs’ decay.