What a herbivore hides: a worm lizard (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) predation event by Dasyprocta punctata (Rodentia: Dasyproctidae) at the Santuario Guanenta-Alto Río Fonce, Colombia

Abstract

Biodiversity is going through a critical moment worldwide. For many species, useful and relevant ecological aspects for their conservation are still unknown. Non-invasive methods can provide valuable information on behavioral traits that are difficult to observe. Using automatic cameras monitoring Colombia’s Cordillera Oriental, we documented a predation event of an Amphisbaena alba by Dasyprocta punctata. This event represents an important contribution on the species’ feeding habits, highlighting how a strict herbivore could present another cryptic trophic trait. This observation is the first of its kind reported for Colombia, and the second known for the species in the wild throughout its distribution.