Differential responses of scavenging arthropods and vertebrates to forest loss maintain ecosystem function in a heterogeneous landscape

► We experimentally placed mouse carcasses on forest floors. ► Ninety-six percent of dead mice disappeared with 7 days of being placed on the forest floor. ► Burial rates by beetles increased with forest area. ► Removal rates by vertebrates decreased with forest area. ► Forest loss influenced the disappearance rates of vertebrate carcasses.