Feb 24 • 12:21 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Footage shows frog resisting snake attack in Macaé, RJ

A rare video captures a helmeted tree frog successfully resisting a water snake attack in Macaé, Brazil.

In a remarkable event captured in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, a helmeted tree frog (Trachycephalus nigromaculatus) demonstrated its survival skills by resisting a predation attempt from a water snake (Erythrolamprus miliaris). This unusual interaction was recorded by herpetologist Henrique Nogueira during fieldwork, revealing previously unknown defense mechanisms of this amphibian species.

The extraordinary footage emerged during a time of significant rainfall, a period known for triggering 'explosive reproduction' among frogs, when large groups congregate for mating. This particular setting, a wetland near an artificial irrigation canal adjacent to a forest fragment, highlights the adapted coexistence of both the frog and the snake in a modified yet ecologically significant habitat.

This incident not only enriches our understanding of predator-prey dynamics but also emphasizes the importance of such habitats for wildlife. As environmental changes continue to impact natural ecosystems, documenting these interactions becomes crucial for conservation efforts and appreciating the resilience of local fauna.

📡 Similar Coverage