Influence of land use intensity on the decomposition rate of dead mammals in conjunction with the biodiversity of the carcass associated insect fauna

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In terrestrial ecosystems, decomposition rate of animal biomass is heavily dependent on the availability of decomposers and detritivores and on abiotic factors of a certain habitat. The Biodiversity Exploratories represent an ideal platform to study the influence of land use intensity on the decomposition rate of dead mammals in conjunction with the biodiversity of the associated arthropod fauna at landscape and local scales. For assessment of land use intensity, we will make use of the recently developed silvicultural management intensity indicator (SMI) which successfully separates managed from unmanaged forests, but also reflects the variability of forest management and stand properties within the different forest management groups. In 25 forest plots per exploratory we will expose piglet cadavers for collection and determination of cadaver visiting insects. Furthermore, we will analyze decomposition rate by measuring cadaver weight at specific intervals. For evaluation of cadaveric nutrient cycling, we determine abiotic soil parameters such as type, structure, pH, and humidity and perform isotopic analysis of tissues of piglet cadavers, soil material beneath the carcass and tissue of blowfly maggots. Since insect detritivores are attracted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by cadaver associated bacteria, fungi and other detritivores we will sample and chemically analyze VOCs at different stages of decomposition. For selected generalist and specialist beetle species with a function as detritivores, we will analyze the attractiveness of electrophysiological active VOCs in field and laboratory bioassays. The results of our studies will create synergies across many projects, since decomposition of animal biomass strongly influences functional biodiversity above and below ground.