Diet composition of the Common African Toad, Sclerophrys regularis , in human-modified landscape

The Common African Toad, Sclerophrys regularis, is widespread and common in West Africa, yet little is known about its ecology and natural history. Here, we assessed the dietary composition and trophic niche breadth and overlap of S. regularis in human-modified landscapes in Accra, Ghana, using gut content analysis. Our investigation of 74 individual toads from farmland and developed urban area found 935 prey items from six invertebrate classes (Arachnida, Chilopoda, Diplopoda, Gastropoda, Insecta, and Polychaeta; comprised of at least 18 orders and 31 families). The prey categories Hymenoptera (family: Formicidae) and Coleoptera were the most consumed prey items. We found a high degree of dietary niche overlap between males and females, suggesting no obvious sex-specific preferences in diet. Generally, a positive, but statistically insignificant correlation existed between snout-vent length (SVL) of toads and the diversity and quantity of consumed prey items. The broad dietary niche of S. regularis suggests this toad is a generalist arthropod predator. Our findings highlight basic aspects of the ecology of S. regularis, which we hope can be used to inform conservation and management strategies for the species.