Network analyses reveal the role of large snakes in connecting feeding
guilds in a species-rich Amazonian snake community
Abstract
In ecological communities, interactions between consumers and resources
lead to the emergence of ecological networks and a fundamental problem
to solve is to understand which factors shape network structure.
Empirical and theoretical studies on ecological networks suggest
predator body size is a key factor structuring patterns of interaction.
Because larger predators consume a wider resource range, including the
prey consumed by smaller predators, we hypothesized that variation in
body size favors the rise of nestedness. In contrast, if resource
consumption requires specific adaptations, predators are expected to
consume distinct sets of resources, thus favouring modularity. We
investigate these predictions by characterising the trophic network of a
species-rich Amazonian snake community (62 species). Our results
revealed an intricate network pattern resulting from larger species
feeding on higher diversity of prey, promoting nestedness, and specific
lifestyles feeding on distinct resources, promoting modularity. Species
removal simulations indicated that the nested structure is favored
mainly by the presence of five species of the family Boidae, which
because of their body size and generalist lifestyles connect modules in
the network. Our study highlights the particular ways traits affect the
structure of interactions among consumers and resources at the community
level.