Habitat use and feeding in juveniles of Bothrops jararaca (Serpentes, Viperidae) in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Herein we describe habitat use, diet, and subjugation behavior of prey in juveniles of Bothrops jararaca that occur in streams in the Atlantic Forest, north coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Additional information on juveniles of B. jararacussu found in similar situations to those of B. jararaca are also discussed. Individuals of B. jararaca were observed mainly on the ground during the day, and on the ground and also on the vegetation at night. The majority of prey were diurnal anurans that inhabit the marginal rocks of streams. Juveniles of B. jararaca hold the prey after the bite, and use parts of the body to subjugate it. The frequent use of streams seems to be related to prey availability, and the use of vegetation at night may protect juveniles from terrestrial predators. Considering that some individuals were resting on the vegetation at night we can infer that juveniles of B. jararaca forage mainly on the ground during the day at the study site. Juveniles of B. jararacussu also use stream margins during the day to search for prey and apparently, similar to juveniles of B. jararaca, forage at times and places where frogs are active.