Ebner, Brendan C., St Vincent Welch, John, Cameron, Leo M., Schaffer, Jason, and Butler, Gavin L. (2025) Lace monitors scavenge the large carcass of an endangered eastern freshwater cod. Food Webs, 46. e00434.

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Abstract

Riparian zones represent dynamic interfaces where amphibious predators and scavengers operate on both land and in water. Here we document observations of two individual monitor lizards (Lace monitor, Varanus varius) scavenging on the carcass of a large-bodied eastern freshwater cod (Maccullochella ikei) in the upper Clarence River catchment in northern New South Wales, Australia. In adulthood, these species function as apex predators in their respective terrestrial and aquatic habitats but predation of one on the other has not previously been documented. We use our observations to broaden conceptualisations of past and current food webs in riparian habitat along rivers in the endemic range of eastern freshwater cod. Complex interactions among aquatic and amphibious taxa and human-mediated processes (e.g. land clearing, climate change, recreational angling) warrant careful consideration if remaining remnant eastern freshwater cod subpopulations are to persist and the regional aquatic and riparian food webs preserved. Conceptualising the biotic and abiotic interactions within riparian zones is an important component of protecting riverine ecosystems. Large-bodied flagship species can potentially play an important role in engaging landholders and gaining public attention for riparian zone protection and rehabilitation.

Item ID:	91205
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	2352-2496
Keywords:	Apex scavenger, Riparian, Maccullochella, Flagship species,
Copyright Information:	© 2025 Published by Elsevier Inc
Date Deposited:	14 Apr 2026 22:17
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180504 Marine biodiversity @ 100%
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