New insights into dermatophagy in Himalayan toad Duttaphrynus himalayanus (Günther, 1864) from Pokhara, Nepal

Authors

  • Abhishek Sapkota Snake Conservation Society Nepal, Simpani-1, Pokhara, Nepal
  • Keshab Raj Sapkota Snake Conservation Society Nepal, Simpani-1, Pokhara, Nepal
  • Rishi Baral Laboratory of Wildlife Biology and Medicine, Department of Environmental Veterinary Science, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6718-0016

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/njz.v8i2.74939

Keywords:

Amphibians, Cannibalism, Dermatophagy, Himalayan toad, Kaski

Abstract

Dermatophagy, the act of consuming shed skin, is documented across various amphibians and reptiles but remains understudied. This study presents the first recorded observation of dermatophagy in Himalayan toad (Duttaphrynus himalayanus) from Pokhara, Nepal. The toad was observed consuming its entire shed skin during a rainstorm, a behavior captured on video over 6 minutes and 18 seconds. We recorded complete consumption of the old skin, unlike previously reported partial dermatophagy in this genus. This observation expands the knowledge of dermatophagy in amphibians.

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Published

2024-12-31

How to Cite

Sapkota, A., Sapkota, K. R., & Baral, R. (2024). New insights into dermatophagy in Himalayan toad Duttaphrynus himalayanus (Günther, 1864) from Pokhara, Nepal. Nepalese Journal of Zoology, 8(2), 65–68. https://doi.org/10.3126/njz.v8i2.74939

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Short communication

License

Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s)

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