Aggression & Cannibalism
In Reptiles.
Peter Krauss reflects on a rather brutal and
macabre aspect of reptile behaviour.
R
eptile interaction is a topic
that has interested me
over a long period of time. In a
group of animals, this often involves
aggressive behaviour, and in many
cases there is an obvious, well-
established hierarchy. But this can
change very quickly. In a group of
Bell’s phase Lace Monitors that
seem to be quietly going about their
business, I have witnessed a
situation in which one animal
suddenly moves away and another
starts to chase it. The group dynam-
ics have changed abruptly with no
apparent communication between
individuals (i.e. no prior head
bobbing). How do they know that
something has changed? Over the
years I have accumulated many
unanswered questions – what did I
just see and why was it like that?
the case, and all the other animals
want to get stuck into her; attempt-
ing to chase and bite the poor
female.
Another good example is that you
would think a female monitor (I’ve
observed this particularly amongst
Lace Monitors) that has just laid her
eggs would be in a very defensive
mindset and have a psychological
advantage over conspecifics. But in
my experience the reverse is often
2.
1.
&
2.
3.
& The same snake a few
months later. Scarring is
now almost unnoticeable.
5. Close up after 12 months.
All images by Peter Krauss
unless otherwise noted.
4.
1.
Classical bite marks from
combating male Scrub
Pythons during the
breeding season. This is
one of my captive
specimens.