Many methods of bile analysis for various species of man and mammals have been reported, but they are difficult to employ for minute quantities due to the inherent inaccuracy of the processes. In this paper the analysis of the bile acids of Elaphe quadrivirgata (Boie) by thin layer chromatography is reported. To purify the sample of bile acids, extraction with organic solvents and hydrolysis were used. The sample was separated into 12 fractions on the stationary phase of silica GH by two-demensional development. Taurocholic acid was clearly identified, but the identity of the other spots remained unclear.

View full abstract

For a period of 5 years beginning with 1959, the feeding habits in the wild of the “Hime-Habu” (Trimeresnrus okinavensis) on the Amami Islands were studied, with the following results:
1) The animals fed on were vertebrates of 7 families, 9 genera, 12 species. They were divided as follows: Mammals-2 families, 2 genera, 2 species; Birds-1 family, 1 genus, 1 species; Reptiles-1 family, 3 genera, 3 species; Amphibians-3 families, 3 genera, 6 species.
2) Of the animals in 1), 10 species were recorded for the first time.
3) A total of 31 animals were recorded of which 61.3% were amphibians, 19.4% reptiles, 16.1% mammals, and 3.2% birds.
Of the total, the “Ryukyu Aka-Gaeru” (Rana okinavana) and the “Hanasaki-Gaeru” (Rana narina) accounted for 41.2%. These frogs were presumed to be the principal food of the “Hime-Habu”.
4) Judging from the animals eaten, the “Hime-Habu” was presumed to inhabit narrow forested valleys; observations in the field confirmed this.
5) Judging from the feeding habits and the habitat, the “Hime-Habu” and the “Habu” (Trimeresurus f. flavoviridis) were presumed to be completely allopatric.
6) A maximum length of 783mm for the “Hime-Habu” from the Amami Islands was recorded.
7) An instance of the “Hime-Habu” eating a snake longer than itself was recorded.

View full abstract

Begining September, 1959 for period of 5 years, the feeding habits of the “Akamata” (Dinodon semicarinatus) on the Amami Islands were studied, both in the wild and in experimetal situations, with the following results:
1) The animals preyed on by the Akamata in the wild were of 6 families, 8 genera, and 10 species, devided by Class as follows: Reptiles-4 families, 4 genera, 7 species; Amphibians-1 family, 1 genus, 2 species; Pisces-1 family, 1 genus, and 1 species.
2) Of the animals in 1), 6 species were recorded for the first time.
3) There were 19 animals in the stomachs examined, of which 78.9% (15 specimens) were reptiles, 15.8% (3 specimens) were amphibians, and 5.3% (1 specimen) were fish.
Of the 19 specimens, 63.2% (12 specimens) were snakes. From this is presumed that snakes from the main food of the Akamata.
4) Since 31.6% of the animals eaten were the poisonous “Habu” (Trimeresurus f. flavoviridis), the Akamata should be considered a natural enemy of the Habu. Steps are proposed for its conservation.
5) The single fish will be described as a new species (Salarias (?) sp.).

View full abstract