The world's first known example of snakes fighting over food in the wild has been recorded in Colombia.

Footage shows the two red-tailed coral snakes battling over a caecilian, marking the first documented instance of kleptoparasitism within the Elapidae family in the wild.

Kleptoparasitism, a phenomenon in which one predator steals food from another, is well-documented across various animal species but has rarely been observed among snakes in their natural habitats.

The groundbreaking observation, detailed in a recent study published on March 22 in the open-access journal Herpetozoa by researchers Henrik Bringsoe and Niels Poul Dreyer, captures the intense tug-of-war as two Micrurus mipartitus snakes as they vie for dominance over the limbless amphibian.

Elapid snakes, renowned for their venomous prowess, encompass many species, including mambas, cobras, kraits, and coral snakes, making them a formidable force in the animal kingdom.

The dramatic showdown unfolded amidst the lush rainforests of Valle del Cauca, western Colombia, where the two coral snakes locked horns in a battle for survival.

In a surprising turn of events, one snake inadvertently bit the body of its opponent, a phenomenon attributed to the intensity of the struggle rather than deliberate aggression.

After a riveting 17-minute spectacle, the defeated coral snake relinquished its grip on the caecilian, allowing the victor to claim its hard-earned prize before retreating from the scene.

The researchers said that while such behaviour is frequently observed in captive settings, where multiple snakes vie for a single prey item, their occurrence in the wild has remained largely uncharted territory, owing to the elusive nature of the reptiles and the inherent challenges of observing them in their natural habitats.

Lead author Henrik Bringsoe expressed surprise at the scarcity of such observations in the wild, saying: 'Snakes in captivity do that often when only one prey is offered in a terrarium with two or more snakes. But it is rather surprising that it has not been observed more frequently in the wild.'

This groundbreaking discovery offers invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of coral snake interactions with their prey species.

Caecilians, renowned for their remarkable adaptations, including toxin resistance and heightened mucus production, exemplify wildlife's resilience in the face of adversity.

As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of the natural world, each revelation brings us closer to a deeper understanding of the intricate web of life and the fascinating behaviours that shape our planet's ecosystems.