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 09. Feeding habits of Indian rock pythons in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, India
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Open Access
pp. 59-64
Authors: Bhupathy, Subramanian; Ramesh, Chinnasamy & Bahuguna, Archana
Abstract: We analysed faecal samples and conducted direct observations to determine the feeding habits of native Indian rock pythons, Python molurus molurus in Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Bharatpur, India from October 2007 to September 2009. Pythons fed throughout the year except winter (December–February). Feeding was related to monthly mean minimum temperature (r=0.423, p<0.05), variation in temperature (r=-0.671, p<0.01) and rainfall (r=0.695,p<0.01), but was not associated with prey abundance, monthly mean ambient temperature or humidity. A wide range of prey species belonging to mammals, birds and reptiles was consumed. This study enhances our knowledge of the diet of the Indian rock python in its native habitat and further defines its feeding ecology.
Keywords: FAECAL ANALYSIS, TROPHIC ECOLOGY, TRICOTAXONOMY, INDIAN ROCK PYTHON
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