Abstract

SANCHEZ ALVAREZ, Belkis et al. Bird-Herpetofauna Interactions in the Usumacinta River Basin, Mexico. Rev. latinoam. herpetol. [online]. 2023, vol.6, n.1, e594.  Epub Aug 31, 2023. ISSN 2594-2158.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fc.25942158e.2023.01.594.

Interspecific interactions between vertebrates of different groups are common but also complex and of great importance for community structure. In particular, predation, considered a trophic interaction, plays a significant role in food webs structure and selective effects on prey in natural ecosystems. In this paper we provide new information on the trophic relationship between birds and herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) in the complex and biodiverse Usumacinta river basin, through 10 observations recorded between 2012 and 2021. The observations show interactions for feeding purposes of eight bird species, including herons (Tigrisoma mexicanum), jays (Psilorhinus morio), raptors (Caracara cheriway, Pseudastur albicollis, Harpagus bidentatus, Buteo plagiatus), puffbirds (Malacoptila panamensis), and ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis), with snakes (Coniophanes quinquevittatus), turtles (Chelydra rossignonii, Trachemys venusta), lizards (Iguana iguana, Sceloporus serrifer), crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii), and frogs (Smilisca baudinii).

Keywords : Amphibia; Aves; interspecific interactions; predation; Reptilia; scavenger; trophic relationships.

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