A Survey of Intraspecific Predation among Reptiles and Amphibians

Numerous investigations, citing occurrences of cannibalism and/or oophagy in over 100 species of reptiles and amphibians, were reviewed with particular emphasis on predator/prey characteristics, environmental determinants, and evolutionary significance. In most species of rep- tiles cannibalism appears to occur opportunistically as a by-product of normal predatory behavior. Among amphibians, cannibalism is also opportunistic. However, many authors speculate that can- nibalism implements particular strategies. In some cases, it is directly associated with specific behavioral, and even morphological characteristics. There is evidence that the development of cannibalistic morphotypes may be genetically and environmentally controlled.