scavenger

Scavenger refers to an organism that feeds on dead animal material or other non-living organic matter. Scavenging is a feeding strategy that helps recycle nutrients and accelerates decomposition by removing carcasses and waste from the environment. Scavenging differs from predation, in which an animal actively hunts and kills its prey, and from detritivory, where organisms feed on decomposing matter at various stages. Many species are opportunistic scavengers, taking advantage of available carrion or refuse, while others are obligate scavengers that rely primarily on carrion for sustenance.

Common terrestrial scavengers include birds such as vultures and condors, family groups of jackals and hyenas, and insects like blowflies, flesh flies, and beetles. In marine and freshwater ecosystems, scavenging is performed by certain sharks, hagfish, crabs, and other scavenging species. Scavengers have adaptations for dealing with decaying material and potential pathogens, such as strong digestive systems and specialized microbiomes.

Ecologically, scavengers contribute to nutrient cycling, reduce disease risk by removing decaying matter, and influence the structure of communities by competing with predators and detritivores for carrion. Their activity integrates into food webs by transferring energy from dead matter to higher trophic levels.

In human contexts, scavenging can refer to the consumption of discarded or salvaged materials, or to people who collect waste materials for reuse. While scavenging can be a practical response to resource scarcity, it is also associated with health risks and is subject to regulation in many settings.