Diet Comparison of Free-Ranging and Cave-Associated Puerto Rican Boas, Chilabothrus inornatus (Reinhardt, 1843) (Reptilia: Boidae), Using Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes

Abstract

The study of prey consumed by different species has been useful for the understanding of the relationships among species. The use of stables isotopes in studies of diet offers advantages over other methods. The objective of this study was to determine, using stable isotopes, whether Chilabothrus inornatus that actively forage in caves have a different prey spectrum than snakes that forage in the forest. Tissue samples from the tail of free-ranging and cave-associated snakes were collected. Mean isotope values were not statistically different between the free-ranging and cave-associated C. inornatus. Free-ranging snakes showed more isotopic variance in δ 13C suggesting different types of prey being consumed at different localities. Free-ranging and cave-associated C. inornatus acquired most of their energy from rodents (rat and mice). These explorations of diet using stable isotopes have provided an initial baseline for the development of new research incorporating this technique. Future research might focus on the seasonality of prey and the response of C. inornatus to it.