Hunters’ perception of the ecosystem services provided by the vertebrate scavenger guild

The decline of hunting activity in Europe not only threatens cultural traditions but also impacts ecological processes and biodiversity conservation. Understanding how hunters perceive the functional role of vertebrate scavengers in recycling animal by-products from game hunting is crucial for assessing their attitudes towards this guild. We gathered 1147 questionnaires to explore Spanish hunters’ perceptions of scavenging species and their importance as ecosystem service providers. The perception of vultures and their scavenging roles (regulating service), was generally positive among hunters (88%). Eurasian griffon (Gyps fulvus) and cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) were the species most highly appreciated for their regulating services, whereas facultative avian (corvids and raptors) and mammal scavengers were the least valued. Hunters expressed a higher preference for disposal of game remains for scavengers rather than incineration, especially by vultures and to a lesser extent by facultative scavengers. Our findings also show that respondents with higher levels of education tended to express more favourable attitudes towards scavengers. Hunters recognize that scavenger guilds play crucial roles in providing both regulating and cultural ecosystem services.