RESUMEN
Background: Forensic taphonomy is the use of decomposition timeline estimation to unravel mystery behind time of death confirmation in homicide cases involving the law court. The Guinea forest-savannah vegetation is one of the vegetations in Nigeria characterized by short trees, grassland, very hot temperatures almost round the year, speedy wind, etc. It has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry seasons. This study aimed at investigating the visible post mortem changes of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) in a Guinea forest-savannah vegetation of Nigeria so that it can be used to estimate time since death of bodies on the soil surface. Methods: A stratified random sampling technique was used to select two male and two female matured domestic pigs from a private pig farm located close to the research facility. The visible post mortem changes were observed daily (morning, afternoon and evening) for 49 days. Results: Four stages of decomposition were identified namely fresh, bloat, active decay, and advanced decay stages. Mummification process started at the sixth day post mortem which slowed the rate of decomposition, and prevented the animals to completely skeletonize within the study period. Extreme atmospheric temperature was the major factor that aided the mummification of the animals. Conclusions: Decomposition of domestic pigs in this region accelerates at the early hours of post mortem, and subsequently slows down due to extreme climatic conditions. In addition, it takes carcasses on the soil surface more than 49 days to completely skeletonize due to its vegetative factors. This implies that most crime investigations carried out in this region must take into account the climatic conditions before estimating the time of death.