Scavenging in changing environments: woody encroachment shapes rural scavenger assemblages in Europe

Rural abandonment and subsequent vegetation regeneration (‘passive rewilding') are expected to increase worldwide, producing cascades of dynamic socioeconomic, landscape biological changes. Although characteristics strongly influence the structure functioning scavengers, little is known about ecological consequences passive rewilding due woody encroachment (i.e.‘landscape closure') on scavenging assemblages. We investigated differences in ‘scavenger assemblage composition' (species richness abundances) ‘scavenging efficiency' (scavenging frequency, detection consumption times rates) a mountain agroecosystem (Pyrenees) undergoing rewilding. monitored 178 carcasses three landscapes: ‘open', ‘shrubland' ‘forest', evaluated effects type at community species levels, while accounting for influences carcass size, placement time. also examined whether locally most abundant efficient scavenger (i.e. griffon vulture Gyps fulvus) affects patterns. found that was main factor governing dynamics. Overall average were similar open shrubland landscapes, forests contained lowest number mainly comprising mammals. Unlike mammals, avian frequency decreased as cover increased, especially obligate scavengers vultures). Scavenger abundances highest detected consumed more rapidly these landscapes. Carcass size did not times, although it affect richness, rates. Consumption rates higher landscapes associated with presence vultures. Interestingly, we vultures influenced dynamics via facilitation processes. However, could reduce role this species, favoring mammalian facultative scavengers. Finally, our findings highlight pivotal vultures, mediated by characteristics, reducing persistence.