Predation on a conspecific by Leptodactylus macrosternum Miranda-Ribeiro, 1926 (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in the southern Pantanal, Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18315874Keywords:
Batrachophagy, cannibalism, food web, predator-prey relationshipAbstract
Anurans play an important role in food chains, acting both as predators and prey for several animal groups. Due to their opportunistic feeding habits, anurans may occupy a broad trophic niche, which can be influenced by factors such as food availability. The quantity and quality of food resources are affected by environmental variables, including the seasonal flooding regime of the Pantanal region. During the dry season, some anuran species may experience a reduction in trophic resources, which can lead to intraspecific predation. Here, we report an instance of in situ predation involving an adult Leptodactylus macrosternum preying on a conspecific juvenile in the southern Pantanal. The adult approached the juvenile and attempted to swallow the anterior portion of its body, leaving only the hind limbs protruding from the mouth. Such opportunistic and cannibalistic behaviors may be associated with ecological advantages, including the reduction of intraspecific competition and an increase in energetic gain.References
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