Abstract
Abstract: Feeding habits of snakes on Kinkasan Island, where potential food resources for snakes is limited, was investigated based on field surveys of six years. In total 280 snakes, which consisted of five species (Elaphe quadrivirgata, E. climacophora, Euprepiophis conspicillatus, Rhabdophis tigrinus, and Gloydius blomhoffii), were collected. A total of 168 prey items were recovered from the stomach contents of these snakes. The diet of R. tigrinus and G. blomhoffii exclusively consisted of a frog, Rana tagoi, which is the only amphibian species inhabiting Kinkasan Island. Diet of El. quadrivirgata was also predominantly comprised of Ra. tagoi ( 97.7%). O nly e ndothermic animals were found in the stomach contents of El. climacophora and Eu. conspicillatus. Direct observations of feeding behavior and a broad range of body temperature of El. quadrivirgata indicated that during the breeding season of Ra. tagoi, this snake forages for frogs hiding in crevices of rocks immersed in cold running water of mou...
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