THE IMPACT OF SCAVENGING ON EMBALMED CARRION

Embalming is widely used to preserve human remains, but its effectiveness can be compromised by scavenger activity. The study investigate the impact of scavengers on embalmed carrion, shedding light on the complex interactions between embalming agents, tissue degradation and scavenger behaviour. The study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (DAFARF) using a domestic pig (Susscrofa). The pig was killed via blunt force trauma and then embalmed after death. Observations were done three times daily and photographing of the process on each visit for the entire duration of the research which lasted four days due to scavenger activity. Scavenger activity began by day two of the study with the removal of the left ear. Scavenging distribution pattern was noticed by day three of the study. The limbs moved 40m away from the body while the abdominal cavity was severely compromised, with tearing and evisceration of internal organs. By day four the carrion was moved 60m away from the body with part of the lungs 30m away from the body. Carrion was no longer found on site by day five morning. Scavengers have an impact on embalmed carrion even due to presence of fixatives in them, by causing disarticulation which leads to increase in the rate of decomposition, affect the postmortem interval, total body scoring and can displace or consume evidence from the remains, such as tissue or personal items. This study highlights the critical role of scavengers in modifying embalmed carrion decomposition, with significant implications for forensic investigation.