Can an invasive prey species induce morphological changes in an endemic predator? Evidence from a South Korean snake (Oocatochus rufudorsatus)
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Asian Herpetological Research
Publication Date
12-25-2014
Volume
5
Issue
4
First Page
245
Last Page
254
Publisher
Zhongguo Kexueyuan Chengdu Shengwu Yanjiusuo
Keywords
invasive prey, bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, Oocatochus rufodorsatus, predator response
Abstract
Introduction of an invasive prey species into an ecosystem may affect an endemic predator’s fitness by altering the prey-predator system. Successful adaptation may allow the endemic predator to eat and control the invasive species, while unsuccessful adaptation may result in extinction of the predator. We examine the possible effects of the invasive North American bullfrog (Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana) on the endemic Red-backed rat snake (Oocatochus rufodorsatus) in South Korea. We do so by comparing the morphology and behavior of adult and hatchling snakes from bullfrog-exposed (Taean) and bullfrog-unexposed (Hongcheon) populations. Among the seven morphological characteristics investigated, relative tail length (tail length/snout-vent length) of both adults and hatchlings from Taean was significantly greater than that of adults and hatchlings from Hongcheon. Also, adult snakes from Taean had a significantly shorter latency of first tongue flick in response to prey compared to adults from Hongcheon. This difference was not observed in hatchlings. In other snake species, a longer relative tail length and shorter latency of first tongue flick are known to improve foraging efficiency, and these characters may be adaptations of O. rufodorsatus to prey on bullfrogs. This study provides preliminary evidence that the presence of an invasive prey species may cause morphological and behavioral changes in an endemic predator.
DOI
10.3724/SP.J.1245.2014.00245
Print ISSN
20950357
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2014 Asian Herpetological Research (AHR). Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Heo, J.-H., Lee, H.-J., Kim, I.-H., Fong, J. J., Kim, J.-K., Jeong, S., & Park, D. (2014). Can an invasive prey species induce morphological changes in an endemic predator? Evidence from a South Korean snake (Oocatochus rufudorsatus). Asian Herpetological Research, 5(4), 245-254. doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1245.2014.00245