Predation of Boa constrictor (Squamata: Boidae) by Cerdocyon thous (Carnivora: Canidae) in a Caatinga biome region in the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil

Abstract

This study reports the predation on an adult common boa Boa constrictor specimen by the crab- eating fox Cerdocyon thous in the Caatinga Biome, a semi-arid Brazilian region. Such interactions represent cases of risk-sensitive predation, given the real possibility of crab-eating foxes being injured or killed when attacking adult common boa specimens. The likely role of extreme climatic events, such as the severe and prolonged drought that occurred in the region at the time of this record, in the occurrence of these trophic interactions between species is discussed. as entre especies.

Keywords

• Brazil
• Caatinga Biome
• Crab-eating fox
• extreme climatic events
• risk-sensitive predation