Scavenger Animals and Their important Role In Nature

Many people look upon a rotting carcass with disgust. This is a natural human response, and it is meant to keep us from contracting harmful pathogens. Even though people avoid animal carcasses, other creatures depend entirely on animal cadavers, and play a vital role in decomposing decaying biomass so that it can return to the earth.

Mammalian Scavengers

Many mammals are scavengers, and quite a lot of the carnivores are scavengers naturally.

Canids

• Jackals
• Hyenas

Avian Scavengers

Corvids

• Ravens
• Crows

Insect Scavengers

Beetles

• Dermestid beetles