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Toxic Toads Provide Defensive Poison for Non-Venomous Asian Snakes, Study Finds – National Science Foundation


A recent study funded by the National Science Foundation has found that certain non-venomous Asian snakes have developed a unique defense mechanism by “borrowing” toxic compounds from toxic toads. The researchers discovered that these snakes have evolved the ability to sequester toxins from the toads they feed on and store them in specialized glands located in their necks.

The study, led by researchers from the University of Florida and the National University of Singapore, focused on two species of snakes: the Taiwan slug snake and the keelback snake. Both species are known to prey on toxic toads, which contain potent skin toxins known as bufadienolides. These compounds are normally used by the toads as a defense mechanism against predators.

The researchers found that the snakes are able to store these toxins in their neck glands, which are then released when the snakes are threatened. This allows the snakes to effectively deter predators without needing to produce their own venom.

This unique form of chemical defense has likely evolved as a result of co-evolution between the snakes and the toxic toads they prey on. By sequestering toxic compounds from their prey, the snakes are able to gain a competitive advantage in their environment and avoid the need to constantly evolve their own defensive mechanisms.

Overall, this study sheds light on the fascinating ways in which different species can interact and adapt to their environments. By studying these non-venomous snakes, researchers are uncovering new insights into the complex relationships between predators and prey in the natural world.

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