We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
First record of Egernia predation by the range restricted Spotted Mulga Snake Pseudechis butleri.
- Authors
Bradley, Holly S.; Hirsh, Damien; Lettoof, Damian
- Abstract
Despite being a hotspot for reptile diversity, there is a chronic knowledge gap surrounding the ecology of Australian reptiles. Understanding the complex interactions between species, such as predator-prey relationships, can be key to informed and effective management, particularly of rare and threatened species. The Spotted Mulga Snake (Pseudechis butleri) is a key example of an understudied endemic reptile, limited to the Mid West region of Western Australia. Here, we present the first recorded observation of a Spotted Mulga Snake consuming a Pygmy Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia depressa). This predation event has implications for the susceptibility of the similar-sized juvenile endangered Western Spiny-tailed Skinks, another understudied reptile co-occurring in the Mid West.
- Subjects
WESTERN Australia; PREDATION; REPTILE diversity; SNAKES; ENDANGERED species; REPTILES; SKINKS
- Publication
Australian Zoologist, 2024, Vol 43, Issue 3, p436
- ISSN
0067-2238
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.7882/AZ.2024.003