Diet of the Cane Toad in Different Vegetation Covers in the Productive Systems of the Colombian Coffee Region

ABSTRACT. The Colombian coffee eco-region is an area where coffee production has reduced the natural coverage to small patches where native species still remain. Here we describe the diet of the native cane toad, Rhinela marina, in the coffee production region of Colombia. Samplings were carried out in this region in 2006–2008, using the visual encounter survey method. The diet of the cane toad (Rhinella marina) was analyzed using gastrointestinal contents and faeces. We then calculated niche breadth. In the studied region, the cane toad is a common species in open, very degraded areas. It has a generalist diet with a high proportion of hymenopterans, coleopterans, and hemipterans. We also found a high incidence of plant material, nematodes, and minerals in the gastrointestinal contents.