Fascination with carrion: research project shows the importance of dead animals in the Harz!
In the Harz National Park, a carrion project is investigating the role of dead animals in the ecosystem. 43 carcasses were laid out to document biodiversity and decomposition.

Fascination with carrion: research project shows the importance of dead animals in the Harz!
When you think of the Harz Mountains, the idyllic hiking trails and breathtaking views usually come to mind. But there is currently a completely different kind of experience in this region. In the Harz National Park, dead wild animals are deliberately laid out in order to further research the role of carrion in the ecosystem. This nationwide project, known as the “Aasprojekt”, has not only scientific but also ecological relevance.
National park scientist Andreas Marten has been involved in this exciting project for over three years. By the end of October 2023, a total of 43 carcasses, mainly of deer, red deer and wild boars - often victims of traffic accidents - had been placed in the Harz Mountains. The display points are observed in detail: over 250,000 photos and around 12,000 video recordings were taken during this period. Each site is also equipped with wildlife cameras to capture the decomposition process and the species that visit the carcasses.
The value of carrion to the ecosystem
Dead animals make an important contribution to the resin ecosystem by providing nutrients and serving as a food source for various animal species and insects. Marten's team also took measures to prevent larger scavengers such as lynxes, foxes and wolves from carrying away the carcasses. This is done by attaching the carcasses to stakes.
Insect traps are also used in summer, while swabs are made for bacteria and fungi in order to better understand the decay processes. The findings from this research could provide important future recommendations for dealing with dead animals in road traffic.
Particularly important is the role of predators such as lynxes and wolves, which not only provide a variety of carrion but also contribute to the biodiversity of the entire ecosystem.
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In addition to nature and parades, there are also creative ways to enjoy your free time. The game, for example, offers a foretaste of this Cookie Run: Kingdom, which takes place in the universe of the popular Cookie Run games. Here players can build their own kingdom out of sweets and cookies and prove themselves in exciting battles. The game is characterized by impressive graphics and clever resource management and offers an entertaining change from everyday life.
In the midst of all this activity, however, the Harz National Park remains a place full of surprises and important research that shows us how nature works and how we interact with our surroundings in this world.