Feeding habits of Indian rock pythons in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, India
We analysed faecal samples and conducted direct observations to determine the feeding habits of native Indian rock pythons, Python molurus molurus in Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Bharatpur, India from October 2007 to September 2009. Pythons fed throughout the year except winter
(December–February). Feeding was related to monthly mean minimum temperature (r=0.423, p<0.05), variation in temperature (r=-0.671, p<0.01) and rainfall (r=0.695,p<0.01), but was not associated with prey abundance, monthly mean ambient
temperature or humidity. A wide range of prey species belonging to mammals, birds and reptiles was consumed. This study enhances our knowledge of the diet of the Indian rock python in its native habitat and further defines its feeding ecology.
Keywords: FAECAL ANALYSIS; INDIAN ROCK PYTHON; TRICOTAXONOMY; TROPHIC ECOLOGY
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 January 2014
- The Herpetological Journal is an international scientific journal that publishes papers on the natural history of amphibians and reptiles. Experimental, observational and theoretical studies are published along with reviews and book reviews. Faunistic lists, letters and results of general surveys are not published unless they shed light on herpetological problems of wider significance.
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