Testing the competitive exclusion principle using various niche parameters in a native (Natrix maura) and an introduced (N. tessellata) colubrid

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_D3128D9E0F7A
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Testing the competitive exclusion principle using various niche parameters in a native (Natrix maura) and an introduced (N. tessellata) colubrid
Journal
Amphibia-Reptilia
Author(s)
Metzger C., Ursenbacher U., Christe P.
ISSN
0173-5373
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2009
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
30
Number
4
Pages
523-531
Language
english
Abstract
Despite the increase of animal and plant introductions worldwide and the strong augmentation of the reptile trade, few invasive snake populations have been studied. Dice snakes (Natrix tessellata) were introduced to the shores of Lake Geneva (Switzerland) in the early 1920s, and are now well established. This region of introduction was previously inhabited by Viperine snakes (N. maura). Ever since these two species have been under monitoring (which began in 1996) the Viperine snake population has shown drastic decline. We examine here the possibility of trophic competition by analysing diet composition, prey size and trophic niche overlap. Spatial distribution is also assessed in order to address the question of spatial competitive exclusion. We found very similar diets, and thus a high trophic niche overlap, indicating no partitioning of the trophic resource. No arguments in favour of spatial competitive exclusion were found. Our study suggests that trophic competition may occur between the two natricines and that it may give an explanation for the drastic decline of the Viperine snake in this area. Other pathways potentially playing a role in the exclusion of the Viperine snake are discussed.
Keywords
Alien Species , Colubrids , Competition , Diete , Foraging , Natricinae
Web of science
Create date
11/05/2009 7:25
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:53
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