Ecological Change Resulting in an Apparent Increase of Marbled Tree Snakes, Dipsadoboa aulica, (…)

ABSTRACT

Dipsadoboa aulica, the marbled tree snake, a small arboreal snake that feeds primarily on geckos, is found in the north-east of South Africa. They were recorded historically in Ndumo Game Reserve; however, a recent trip revealed unexpectedly high numbers at floodplain pans, feeding on calling amphibians. This is a behaviour not encountered before, despite frequent visits. We speculate that this ecological change is due to the reduction in large herbivore numbers and the resultant bush encroachment in these floodplain pans.