A synthesis of carcass decomposition studies conducted at a tropical (Aw) taphonomy facility: 2013-2022.

Decomposition studies have been conducted in several regions of the world, but relatively few have investigated taphonomy in tropical environments. Even fewer have explored carcass decomposition during multiple tropical seasons, leaving the relationships between season and decomposition in tropical environments poorly understood. Ten decomposition studies using 30 carcasses were conducted in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA to start addressing this knowledge gap. These studies show that some postmortem processes were observed regardless of season. Carcass temperature and chemistry were spatiotemporally variable. Fly larval masses were consistently observed within 3 days (∼75 ADD) postmortem and carcasses lost 60%-90% of mass by 10 days (∼250 ADD) postmortem (Total Body Score ∼26). Season had a significant effect on decomposition, yet the warmest and most humid seasons did not always result in the most rapid and extensive decomposition. Seasonal variation appears to be less pronounced than at other tropical decomposition sites.

Perspectives on the establishment of a canadian human taphonomic facility: The experience of REST[ES].

REST[ES] is the first Canadian human taphonomic facility (HTF) dedicated to research and training relating to human decomposition in a northern temperate climate. The following paper outlines the measures taken to successfully establish, open and operate this novel Canadian HTF with particular focus on: project team and partnerships, facility location, approvals and permits, infrastructure and social acceptability. It is intended that our experience of establishing REST[ES] may serve as an example to help others with the establishment of future HTFs, thus contributing to the expansion in the global accessibility to human decomposition research and training.