Abstract

ASTORGA-ACUNA, Juan de Dios  and  MORA, José Manuel. White-Winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica), a New Specific Item in the Diet of Ctenosaura similis (Squamata: Iguanidae). Rev. latinoam. herpetol. [online]. 2023, vol.6, n.1, e524.  Epub Aug 31, 2023. ISSN 2594-2158.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fc.25942158e.2023.01.524.

The Black Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) mainly inhabits xeric environments at the Pacific slope of Mesoamerica. It has been considered omnivorous, showing ontogenetic changes; juveniles are insectivorous, while adults are primarily herbivorous. The Black Iguana consumes several types of plant and animal material; however, there are very few reports of the actual predation events. Here we report the predation by the Black Iguana in Costa Rica upon a White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica). A female Black Iguana took one adult from its nest, and the only nestling of the nest was predated by another female Black Iguana when it fell to the ground after the predation event. The White-winged Dove has increased its distribution and abundance, exploiting mainly open habitats, including nesting in human infrastructure, where it is exposed to predators inhabiting this habitat, such as the Black Iguana. We discuss the context of this predation event and add the White-winged Dove to a list based on the compilation of prey reported as consumed by the Black Iguana both in its natural distribution area and in sites where it has been introduced.

Keywords : Black Iguana; omnivore; ontogenetic change; predation; Tropical Moist Premontane Forest.