The British Herpetological Society

The Herpetological Journal is the Society's prestigious quarterly scientific journal. Articles are listed in Biological Abstracts, Current Awareness in Biological Sciences,Current Contents, Science Citation Index, and Zoological Record.

 ISSN 0268-0130

2021 Impact Factor from Clarivate for the Herpetological Journal is 1.194, an increase of 0.332 from 2020.


pdf 09. Feeding habits of Indian rock pythons in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, India

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pp. 59-64
Authors: Bhupathy, Subramanian; Ramesh, Chinnasamy & Bahuguna, Archana

Abstract: 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, TROPHIC ECOLOGY, TRICOTAXONOMY, INDIAN ROCK PYTHON

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IMPORTANT NOTE - JUNE 2020

Please note that as from Volume 31 Number 1 (January 2021) on, the Herpetological Journal will be available as an online publication only - the last print edition will be Volume 30 Number 4.   

Aligning with this change, it is now no longer possible to purchase a subscription that includes a print copy of the HJ.  All members who have existing HJ print subscriptions that remain active as at end June 2020 will receive the full four 2020 print editions.  New subscribers or renewals after this time will only have option to subscribe to the online only subscription package.  Subscription pricing has been amended to reflect the content changes.

 

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