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11 March 2022 PREDATION ON ADULT LONG-TOED SALAMANDERS AND A NORTHERN RED-LEGGED FROG BY A BELTED KINGFISHER ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA: A REVIEW OF DEFENSIVE STRATEGY ADAPTATIONS
Mark D Thompson, Ron Clark
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Abstract

A case of predation by a Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) on adult Long-toed Salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum) and a Northern Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora) is reported. This general note provides a description of the predation events with photographs of the amphibians being devoured. Additional photographs showing scars in long-toed salamanders are presented and considered in review of types of predatory attacks and defensive strategies. A literature review was completed to identify reported cases of predation on these two amphibian species. We discuss what is known about their anti-predator defensive strategies and what species are involved in the ecological and evolutionary dynamics at play. Traits exhibited by these amphibians are discussed as anti-predator adaptations that include warning colorations, defensive postures, tail dropping, crypsis, and glandular skin secretions that can be adhesive, unpalatable, or toxic. A potentially significant role of avian predators is considered in light of the evidence presented.

Mark D Thompson and Ron Clark "PREDATION ON ADULT LONG-TOED SALAMANDERS AND A NORTHERN RED-LEGGED FROG BY A BELTED KINGFISHER ON VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA: A REVIEW OF DEFENSIVE STRATEGY ADAPTATIONS," Northwestern Naturalist 103(1), 88-95, (11 March 2022). https://doi.org/10.1898/1051-1733-103.1.88
Received: 17 February 2021; Accepted: 1 April 2021; Published: 11 March 2022
KEYWORDS
Ambystoma macrodactylum
aposematic
Belted Kingfisher
British Columbia
defensive behavior
Long-toed Salamander
Megaceryle alcyon
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