Post by Ceratodromeus on Jan 2, 2020 3:17:22 GMT 5
Post any and all interactions between extant crocodilians and sharks here!
Reciprocal Intraguild Predation between Alligatormississippiensis (American Alligator) and Elasmobranchii in the Southeastern United States
Abstract
The food habits and predatory interactions of Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator) have been thoroughly studied within populations inhabiting inland freshwater
ecosystems; however, it is increasingly evident that coastal populations habitually forage
in estuarine and nearshore marine ecosystems inhabited by other top predators. While few
studies have been performed, data reported thus far from marine-foraging populations indicate individuals chiefly consume small-bodied prey such as crustaceans, fish, and wading
birds. Nonetheless, capture and consumption of large-bodied marine prey such as multiple
species of sea turtles and a single species of Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) have been
documented. Here, we examine evidence regarding reciprocal intraguild predation between American Alligators and elasmobranchs. We provide the first evidence of American
Alligator depredation of 4 Elasmobranchii species and review putative evidence for Elasmobranchii depredation of American Alligators. We discuss the ecological significance of
these interactions, draw comparisons to similar interactions experienced by other crocodilians, and recommend further avenues for research on the subject.
"Here we present the first records of American Alligators consuming 4 species
of Elasmobranchii, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre) (Nurse Shark), Sphyrna tiburo (L.) (Bonnethead Shark), Negaprion brevirostris (Poey) (Lemon Shark),
and Dasyatis sabina (Lesueur) (Atlantic Stingray). We then review observations and putative evidence for depredation of American Alligators by Elasmobranchii.
We discuss the ecological significance of these interactions, draw comparisons to the documented interactions of other crocodilian species, and recommend further
avenues for research on the subject."
This one came across my facebook feed yesterday, a big bull with a lemon(?) shark:
Reciprocal Intraguild Predation between Alligatormississippiensis (American Alligator) and Elasmobranchii in the Southeastern United States
Abstract
The food habits and predatory interactions of Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator) have been thoroughly studied within populations inhabiting inland freshwater
ecosystems; however, it is increasingly evident that coastal populations habitually forage
in estuarine and nearshore marine ecosystems inhabited by other top predators. While few
studies have been performed, data reported thus far from marine-foraging populations indicate individuals chiefly consume small-bodied prey such as crustaceans, fish, and wading
birds. Nonetheless, capture and consumption of large-bodied marine prey such as multiple
species of sea turtles and a single species of Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) have been
documented. Here, we examine evidence regarding reciprocal intraguild predation between American Alligators and elasmobranchs. We provide the first evidence of American
Alligator depredation of 4 Elasmobranchii species and review putative evidence for Elasmobranchii depredation of American Alligators. We discuss the ecological significance of
these interactions, draw comparisons to similar interactions experienced by other crocodilians, and recommend further avenues for research on the subject.
"Here we present the first records of American Alligators consuming 4 species
of Elasmobranchii, Ginglymostoma cirratum (Bonnaterre) (Nurse Shark), Sphyrna tiburo (L.) (Bonnethead Shark), Negaprion brevirostris (Poey) (Lemon Shark),
and Dasyatis sabina (Lesueur) (Atlantic Stingray). We then review observations and putative evidence for depredation of American Alligators by Elasmobranchii.
We discuss the ecological significance of these interactions, draw comparisons to the documented interactions of other crocodilian species, and recommend further
avenues for research on the subject."
This one came across my facebook feed yesterday, a big bull with a lemon(?) shark:
