The impact of scavenging: perspective from casework in forensic anthropology
Forensic anthropology casework frequently encounters evidence of animal scavenging associated with fragmentation and loss of skeletal material. Published research demonstrates that patterns of destruction in bone can suggest the size and type of animal involved. This study analyzes 107 cases reporte...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Oxford University Press
2020-01-01
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| Series: | Forensic Sciences Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/20961790.2019.1704473 |
| Summary: | Forensic anthropology casework frequently encounters evidence of animal scavenging associated with fragmentation and loss of skeletal material. Published research demonstrates that patterns of destruction in bone can suggest the size and type of animal involved. This study analyzes 107 cases reported on by the first author at the Smithsonian Institution to investigate patterns of scavenging in forensic anthropology casework. This investigation reveals that the extent of scavenger impact varies across the body, but primarily is concentrated in the central body area. Although extensive animal scavenging can limit analysis, some evidence of foul play can be preserved. |
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| ISSN: | 2096-1790 2471-1411 |