Batrachophagy of the Eastern Grass Snake, Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758), in Bulgaria: published data and new records
| dc.contributor.author | Mitrevichin, Emanuil | |
| dc.contributor.author | Sakelarieva, Lidia | |
| dc.contributor.author | Peshev, Hristo | |
| dc.contributor.author | Grozdanov, Atanas | |
| dc.contributor.author | Pulev, Alexander | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-05-24T19:36:53Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-05-24T19:36:53Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026-05-12 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The food spectrum of Natrix natrix in Bulgaria remains understudied, despite the few works on this topic. We summarize all data reported in the literature on the batrachophagy of the species in the country and provide 17 new observations. The results indicated that N. natrix has a wide food spectrum and may feed on at least 11 amphibian species. Pelophylax ridibundus was the most preferred prey. Rana dalmatina and Bufo bufo were also important components of the diet. In some areas, Salamandra salamandra may be more frequent prey for N. natrix than previously thought. However, most of the amphibian species, including Triturus ivanbureschi, Bombina variegata, Pelobates balcanicus, and Rana temporaria, were consumed less frequently. These findings can have important implications for the conservation of the species. Yet, further research on the feeding ecology of N. natrix in Bulgaria is needed to better understand its ecological requirements and to support effective conservation planning | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1313-9940 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/1018 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski" | |
| dc.subject | Natricidae | |
| dc.subject | amphibians | |
| dc.subject | diet | |
| dc.subject | Balkan Peninsula | |
| dc.title | Batrachophagy of the Eastern Grass Snake, Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758), in Bulgaria: published data and new records | |
| dc.type | Article |