Native red foxes depredate nests of alien pond sliders: Evidence from molecular detection of prey in scats

摘要: Predation by native species is a chief resistance factor that may counter the spread of alien organisms. Its comprehension plays therefore an important role to assess impact biological invasions and implement management. In this study, we show for first time red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) depredate nests pond sliders (Trachemys scripta). We set our work in Mediterranean area Southern Italy where both are frequent. observed excavated slider eat eggs. then used molecular approach demonstrate presence slider’s DNA carnivore’s scats, found occurred over half scat sample collected during oviposition season. Whether egg consumption widespread rather than only local response might eventually lead population control needs further investigation.