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ABSTRACT
As both predators and prey, frogs contribute significantly to the ecological balance of diverse habitats. For the purpose of understanding their ecological relationships and creating successful conservation plans, it is essential to appreciate their dietary preferences and feeding behaviours. The aim of this study is to examine frogs' eating habits and preferences with a view to comprehending their diet, foraging behavior, and the impact of environmental influences on their feeding habits. In order to better understand how frogs eat and feed, this study looked into important topics such diet composition, foraging behaviour, and how the environment affects frogs' feeding habits. A combination of field observations, laboratory analysis, and literature evaluation was used to carry out the study. This study was carried out in the faculties of Life Sciences and Physical Sciences of the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City. Field observations comprised of exploring several frog habitats in various geographic locations, recording the kinds of prey consumed, and counting the number of feeding occasions. In order to identify and quantify the precise foods consumed, specimens were gathered for further evaluation in the laboratory using stomach content analysis. A total of forty six (46) specimens comprising twenty three (23) specimens each of Hoplobatrachus occipitalis and Sclerophys maculatus were analyzed for their dietary content. Forty-three (43) prey items were recovered from the stomachs of twenty (20) specimens of H. occipitalis and one hundred and seven (107) prey items were recovered from the stomachs of twenty two (22) specimens of S. maculatus. The dominant group of prey items in this study was insects with 88.7%. The overall most abundant prey item was Hymenoptera, as well as the most frequent prey item. Rate of feeding activities indicated that S. maculatus had a higher rate of feeding activity with 97.5%. There were dietary overlaps between H. occipitalis and S. maculatus. Chi-square indicated that the dietary number of prey items and the rate of feeding activities between H. occipitalis and S. maculatus examined was not statistically significant (p<0.05). Therefore, to better understand the dietary habits of these species throughout all of the seasons in a year, it is necessary to conduct seasonal studies of the dietary composition of H. occipitalis and S. maculatus.
