Predation report of Boana lanciformis (Basin Treefrog) by Leptophis Ahaetulla (Parrot snake)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56926/repia.v3i1.57Keywords:
Amazon, feeding behavior, predation, Hylidae, ecological interactionsAbstract
Predator-prey interactions are fundamental to understanding ecological dynamics in ecosystems. This article aims to report a predation event of the tree frog Boana lanciformis by the parrot snake, Leptophis ahaetulla. The event was documented on February 13, 2022 in the Callería River, Ucayali region, Peru, where the behavior of L. ahaetulla preying on B. lanciformis was observed and recorded for 15 minutes. It was observed that the snake first swallowed the frog's head, while it tried to free itself by moving its limbs and making small jumps. Finally, the snake swallowed B. lanciformis completely. It is hypothesized that the frog was captured by the snake when it was sleeping. Both species were probably in the branches of a tree and fell as a result of the struggle. This is the first record that documents B. lanciformis as part of the diet of L. ahaetulla, although this snake is known to feed mainly on hylid frogs. The discovery contributes to the understanding of the trophic relationships and ecological niches of these species in the Peruvian Amazon.
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