COMPARING THE DECOMPOSITION RATE BETWEEN CAGED AND UNCAGED SURFACE CARRION

This study investigated the decomposition rates of caged and uncaged surface carrion in a tropical environment, utilizing pig carcasses as human proxies. The research was conducted at the Department of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology Research Facility, University of Cross River State, Okuku Campus. Temperature, humidity, and insect activity were monitored over a four-day period. Results showed that scavengers significantly impacted the uncaged surface carrion, altering its decomposition rate and pattern. In contrast, the caged surface carrion followed the predictable five-stage decomposition process. Insect succession patterns were also disrupted by scavengers on the uncaged carrion. The aim of this project is to compare the decomposition rates between caged and uncaged surface carrions. The study highlights the importance of considering scavenger activity when estimating post-mortem intervals in forensic investigations. The findings contribute to the understanding of decomposition processes in tropical environments and inform forensic anthropology practices.