Derik The Deadly Snakes

Researchers Spain, America, and Mexico made ​​the first quantitative description of cannibalism among the rattlesnakes ( Crotalus polystictus ) after monitoring the 190 tail female reptiles. The study showed that after giving birth, the animals ate an average of 11 percent of the eggs and babies who die. Cannibalistic behavior is done to regain energy for subsequent reproduction.

Scientists are embarking on a study in 2004 to gather information about cannibalism on rattlesnakes. Studies were continued for three years in central Mexico, the endemic area of ​​snake. They examine the behavior of 190 female cannibalism on a 239 group of eggs, and found that the phenomenon has proved a master snake recovers and can get his strength back.

"A female rattlesnake cannibals could restore the lost energy due to reproduce without the need to hunt for food and energy drain," said Estrella Mociño and Kirk Setser, principal investigator as well as scientists at the University of Granada in Spain.

The study published in the journal Animal Behaviour is the latest to show that cannibalism in the species is an evolutionary result of eating behavior. Snakes are usually waiting for their prey to death rotting for a while before eating it.

"Most snakes eat carrion Viperid usual, so no wonder that they consume eggs and children who die after the release of energy is so great," said Mociño.

This behavior can be explained by four biological factors. Day of birth is very affecting, because females give birth in late July is likely to cannibalism because they do not have time to eat and prepare to reproduce.

The proportion of infants who die in one group and the parent investment levels as well as two influential factors. Therefore, the more eggs, the greater the possibility of eggs and dead child who will eat the stem. Stress due to locked in a cage also has a share in that behavior.

Source: http://eksplorasi-dunia.blogspot.com/2009/06/ular-derik-yang-mematikan.html