Rainfall and temperature effects on the decomposition rate of exposed neonatal remains.

There are scarce data describing seasonal effects on decomposition, and on the decomposition of neonatal remains. Piglet carcasses were exposed in a forest at Coranderrk Bushland (Victoria, Australia) each season for two years. The effects of season, year, temperature, and rainfall on mass loss rate and decay stage durations were investigated. There was a significant season and year interaction in weeks taken until the end of putrefaction: this was longest in winter, followed by autumn, spring and summer. Higher temperatures and rainfall increased both mass loss rates, and decomposition stage progression rates.