First recorded predation of the Mediterranean centipede Scolopendra cingulata Latreille, 1789, by The North African ocellated lizard Timon pater (Lataste, 1880) in Chréa National Park, Algeria

Title : First recorded predation of the Mediterranean centipede Scolopendra cingulata Latreille, 1789, by The North African ocellated lizard Timon pater (Lataste, 1880) in Chréa National Park, Algeria

Abstract:

We report the first documented predation event of the Mediterranean centipede Scolopendra cingulata Latreille, 1789 by the North African ocellated lizard Timon pater (Lataste, 1880) in Chréa National Park, Algeria. The predation sequence was fully observed and photographed, capturing the entire process from the initial pursuit to the complete ingestion of the prey over approximately 13 minutes. Notably, the ability of T. pater to handle and ingest a venomous arthropod such as S. cingulata without exhibiting signs of distress suggests a specific ecological adaptation or tolerance that may influence its prey choices. This observation provides new insights into the trophic ecology of the North African ocellated lizard and suggests that myriapods may represent a more important dietary component in Mediterranean forest ecosystems than previously recognized.

Keywords: Chrea National Park, Mediterranean centipede, North African ocellated lizard, predation, trophic ecology.

Biography:

Mustapha AROUDJ, is a PhD student Researcher in ecology and biodiversity at the University of Blida 1 (Algeria). His research focuses on the trophic ecology, breeding biology, and urban adaptation of raptors, with particular emphasis on reproductive parameters and human–wildlife interactions.