Entomological identification of the cadaver fauna of wolf and lynx carcasses in Germany between 2014-2021

The frequency of illegal killings of animals that are under special protection in Germany is continuously increasing. Especially the carnivores wolf and lynx are strongly threatened by humans. To counteract these developments, it is necessary to investigate and prosecute such offenses. An important clue for police investigations is the time of death of the deceased animal. Forensic entomology makes use of the knowledge of temperature-dependent development rates as well as succession patterns of necrophagous flies and beetles and to determine an approximate time of death. While the carcass fauna of other species as well as humans is well studied, the composition of insects on wolves and lynx worldwide has not yet been deciphered. The aim of this work is to investigate the carcass fauna of wolf and lynx. For this purpose, the species composition of insects from 70 wolf carcasses and 8 lynx carcasses was analysed with respect to different habitat types, decomposition stages, and seasons. This data set provides extensive knowledge of the arthropod fauna on wolf and lynx carcasses. The frequency of illegal killings of animals that are under special protection in Germany is continuously increasing. Especially the carnivores wolf and lynx are strongly threatened by humans. To counteract these developments, it is necessary to investigate and prosecute such offenses. An important clue for police investigations is the time of death of the deceased animal. Forensic entomology makes use of the knowledge of temperature-dependent development rates as well as succession patterns of necrophagous flies and beetles and to determine an approximate time of death. While the carcass fauna of other species as well as humans is well studied, the composition of insects on wolves and lynx worldwide has not yet been deciphered. The aim of this work is to investigate the carcass fauna of wolf and lynx. For this purpose, the species composition of insects from 70 wolf carcasses and 8 lynx carcasses was analysed with respect to different habitat types, decomposition stages, and seasons. This data set provides extensive knowledge of the arthropod fauna on wolf and lynx carcasses.