The Herpetological Journal
The Herpetological Journal is the Society's prestigious quarterly scientific journal. Articles are listed in Biological Abstracts, Current Awareness in Biological Sciences,Current Contents, Science Citation Index, and Zoological Record.
ISSN 0268-0130
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pdf 06. Ecology of Philodryas nattereri in the Brazilian semi-arid region
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pp. 193-198
Authors: de Mesquita, Paulo Cesar Mattos Dourado; Borges-Nojosa, Diva Maria; Passos, Daniel Cunha & Bezerra, Holanda
Abstract: We describe, through hypothesis testing and observations on life-history traits, the ecology of the snake Philodryas nattereri in a semi-arid region in north-east Brazil, where it is widespread and occurs at high abundance. We document sexual dimorphism in snout–vent length and relative tail length. The species is diurnal and semi-arboreal, and most active during the warmest periods of the day. It is active year-round, with peaks of activity during periods of maximum precipitation and temperature. Adults feed on a variety of prey types, whereas juveniles are lizard specialists. The reproductive season extends over at least nine months of the year. We conclude that, due to its high abundance, foraging skills and fecundity, P. nattereri is a major predator in the Brazilian semi-arid region.
Keywords: SNAKE, SERPENTES, DIET, REPRODUCTION, CAATINGA, ACTIVITY, DIPSADIDAE
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