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Ecology, natural history, and conservation status of Scolopendra abnormis, a threatened centipede endemic to Mauritius

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jordan CuffORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

The Serpent Island centipede, Scolopendra abnormis, is a threatened centipede species found on only two small islands in the Indian Ocean: Round Island, located 22.5 km north-east of Mauritius, and Serpent Island, 4 km north-west of Round Island. Current understanding of its ecology is based on limited direct observations from 30 years ago. Round Island has since undergone significant habitat restoration. Hyperabundant non-native ants are also present, which may impact centipede nesting behaviour, ecology and survival. Recent methodological advances, such as high-throughput sequencing of dietary DNA, can extend our understanding of invertebrate ecology and provide data complementary to direct observation. Using a combination of dietary metabarcoding and observational approaches, we provide new insights into the ecology and natural history of this threatened invertebrate predator. Scolopendra abnormis nest most consistently in the root network found beneath endemic Pandanus vandermeeschii trees. They are also found in areas with good soil cover, herbaceous growth, and areas of bare rock slab. Only four of 43 centipedes in this study were found near an ant foraging trail, which may have significant implications for S. abnormis nesting habits. These centipedes primarily consume insect prey (particularly taxa within Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera), irrespective of centipede body size. A quarter of centipedes also consumed endemic lizards. We also found marked differences in diet composition between wet and dry seasons arising from the changing availability of prey. We provide additional natural history observations and conclude by suggesting conservation actions that would help better understand and safeguard S. abnormis populations.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Tercel MPTG, Cuff JP, Vaughan IP, Symondson WOC, Goder M, Matadeen S, Tatayah RVV, Cole NC

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Endangered Species Research

Year: 2024

Volume: 54

Pages: 181-189

Online publication date: 13/06/2024

Acceptance date: 25/04/2024

Date deposited: 26/04/2024

ISSN (print): 1863-5407

ISSN (electronic): 1613-4796

Publisher: Inter-Research

URL: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01337

DOI: 10.3354/esr01337

Data Access Statement: Data are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
MR/S502455/1
NERC
NE/L002434/1

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