Possible consumption of corn by American alligators at wildlife feeders in Louisiana, USA.
IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter Vol. 30 (1): 27-28.
Einleitung:
American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are generally assumed to be obligate carnivores, although plant materials such as fruits, seeds and vegetation have been found among stomach contents. The presence of these items is usually attributed to accidental ingestion during prey capture or secondary ingestion [ie the acquisition of items contained in the gut of primary prey. However, Brueggen (2002) observed captive alligators deliberately consuming wild grape (Vitis sp.), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), and citrus (Citrus spp.) fruit directly from plants, eating fallen fruit below citrus trees, and consuming squash (Cucurbita spp.) provided for tortoises inhabiting the same
enclosure. Observations of frugivory among wild alligators are rare, which is not surprising given that foraging is often nocturnal and takes place underwater or among dense aquatic vegetation. Nonetheless, Annona glabra and Opuntia spp. fruits are said to be consumed by wild alligators in Florida and Texas, respectively. We here report additional observations of possible frugivory by
wild alligators.
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