Dendrelaphis punctulatus (common tree snake): predation or scavenging

Observations of predation are a useful supplement to dietary studies for understanding trophic links and interpreting both hunting and antipredator behaviors. The snake Dendrelaphis punctulatus is a common arboreal and terrestrial species ranging across northern and eastern Australia (Cogger 2018. Amphibians and Reptiles of Australia. Seventh edition. CSIRO Publishing, Clayton, Australia. 1080 pp.). Few predators have been reported for this snake species. The Black Kite, Milvus migrans, is a medium-sized raptor widely distributed across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia (Olsen 1995. Australian Birds of Prey: The Biology and Ecology of Raptors. University of New South Wales Press, Randwick. 256 pp.). Here, we report an observation of predation or scavenging of D. punctulatus by an M. migrans in northwestern Australia.