A Pioneer Study on Conservation Status of A Pioneer Study on Conservation Status of Indian rock python in Deva Vatala National Indian rock python in Deva Vatala National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, PakistanPark, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Umer Hafeez Goursi*, Muhammad Siddique Umer Hafeez Goursi*, Muhammad Siddique Awan*, Riaz Aziz Minhas*, Muhammad Kabir **, Awan*, Riaz Aziz Minhas*, Muhammad Kabir **, Usman Ali Mughal*& Naeem Iftikhar Dar***Usman Ali Mughal*& Naeem Iftikhar Dar****Department of Zoology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, *Department of Zoology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, **Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS Arid Muzaffarabad, **Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS Arid Agriculture university, Rawalpindi,*** Department of wild life and Agriculture university, Rawalpindi,*** Department of wild life and fisheries , AJ&Kfisheries , AJ&K

Introduction Introduction Indian python Indian python (Python molurus)(Python molurus) is a non- is a non-

venomous python species belongs to venomous python species belongs to family pythonidae of order family pythonidae of order SquamataSquamata in in

class reptiliaclass reptilia. . There are eight There are eight generagenera and 26 and 26 speciesspecies of of

pythons currently recognized in the world. pythons currently recognized in the world. Genus Python has seven species (ITIS., Genus Python has seven species (ITIS., 2009a; McDiarmid et al., 1999).2009a; McDiarmid et al., 1999).

Indian Python has two subspecies, namely, Indian Python has two subspecies, namely, Python molurus molurusPython molurus molurus and and P. m. P. m. bivittatus bivittatus (Wall, 1912; McDiarmid (Wall, 1912; McDiarmid et al.et al., , 1999)1999)

Sub-species of Indian PythonSub-species of Indian Python

Two subspecies of Two subspecies of P. molurusP. molurus are separated are separated by geographic range and certain physical by geographic range and certain physical characteristics. characteristics.

P. molurus molurus (P. molurus molurus (Indian Rock PythonIndian Rock Python) ) Native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Native to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. , Nepal. ,

P. molurus bivittatus P. molurus bivittatus (Burmese python)(Burmese python)

Range from Myanmar eastward across Range from Myanmar eastward across southern Asia through China and Indonesiasouthern Asia through China and Indonesia

((Murphy and Henderson, 1997))

DistributionDistribution

AsiaAsia India, Sri Lanka, southern Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, southern Nepal,

Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China, Bangladesh, Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesia (McDiarmid Malaysia and Indonesia (McDiarmid et et alal., 1999)., 1999)

PakistanPakistan Southern Sindh, district Sanghar (Khan, Southern Sindh, district Sanghar (Khan,

2006), Nawab Shaw district (Minton, 2006), Nawab Shaw district (Minton, 1966) .1966) .

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Reported from Halji Lake and Dureji. Reported from Halji Lake and Dureji. However, no authentic record of its However, no authentic record of its occurrence is available in Punjab.occurrence is available in Punjab.

The species has also been reported in The species has also been reported in Deva Vatala National Park AJK by Azam Deva Vatala National Park AJK by Azam et al.et al. (2007) and Akram (2008). (2007) and Akram (2008).

Status Status

P. molurus molurusP. molurus molurus is listed as is listed as endangered in Appendix I of (CITES).endangered in Appendix I of (CITES).

Lower Risk/Near Threatened (IUCN, Lower Risk/Near Threatened (IUCN, 2010)2010)

Declared endangered under Schedule Declared endangered under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, (Mukherjee, 1982; Tikader 1972, (Mukherjee, 1982; Tikader 1983)1983)

Aims and ObjectivesAims and Objectives

Distribution Distribution Population StatusPopulation Status human-python conflicts with human-python conflicts with

reference to livestock depredationreference to livestock depredation Developing GIS based information Developing GIS based information

regarding species Distribution and regarding species Distribution and location of livestock depredation by location of livestock depredation by species in the study areaspecies in the study area

Material and MethodsMaterial and Methods

Study AreaStudy Area Deva Vatala National Park (study area) is located in Deva Vatala National Park (study area) is located in

sub-division Burnala at a distance of about 40 km east sub-division Burnala at a distance of about 40 km east to Bhimber city in AJKto Bhimber city in AJK

Deva Vatala was declared as Game Reserve in 1982, Deva Vatala was declared as Game Reserve in 1982, having 500 ha area which was upgraded as National having 500 ha area which was upgraded as National Park in 2007, with 2993 ha areaPark in 2007, with 2993 ha area

Ecological importance of Deva Vatala National Park was Ecological importance of Deva Vatala National Park was its habitat supporting some important wildlife species its habitat supporting some important wildlife species e.g., Indian Rock Python (e.g., Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurusPython molurus molurus), Red ), Red Jungle Fowl Jungle Fowl (Gallas gallas murghi)(Gallas gallas murghi), , Nilgai (, , Nilgai (Boselaphus Boselaphus tragocamelus)tragocamelus), Barking deer deer , Barking deer deer (Muntiacus muntjak)(Muntiacus muntjak), , Indian peacock Indian peacock (Pavo indicus)(Pavo indicus) etc. etc.

Location Map of the study area with Study sites Location Map of the study area with Study sites

The study carried out from April, 2009 to September, 2009 in DVNP, AJK.

The study area divided into four localities (Deva, Vatala, Chumb and Barmala) on topographic basis.

Visual Encounter Survey of dens and Direct Sighting Method (Crump & Scott, 1994)

Transect walks were made to assess the distribution and population status of the animal in the selected localities.

To assess the population status of the Indian rock python in the study area, Visual Encounter Survey, dens survey and Direct Sighting Method were used.

Methodology

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Transect area was calculated by Transect area was calculated by multiplying length of transect by 0.4 km multiplying length of transect by 0.4 km (possible visibility area along the both (possible visibility area along the both sides of transect).sides of transect).

Population density/kmPopulation density/km22 = Number of = Number of estimated individuals in all active dens estimated individuals in all active dens /Total area surveyed (km/Total area surveyed (km22))

Human-python conflict in the area Human-python conflict in the area assessed and evaluated by questionnaireassessed and evaluated by questionnaire..

Habitat AssessmentHabitat Assessment

Dominant plant species (herbs, shrubs and Dominant plant species (herbs, shrubs and trees) were generally assessed along each trees) were generally assessed along each transecttransect

Dominants plant species were collected Dominants plant species were collected and got identified from Botany and got identified from Botany Department of AJK UniversityDepartment of AJK University

Topographic aspects were notedTopographic aspects were noted. .

ResultsResults

Distribution

•Indian rock python distributed over some 2993 ha area in all four localities i.e.

• Vatala (11 different sub-localities)• Chumb (6 different sub-localities)• Barmala (4 different sub-localities)• Deva (2 different sub-localities)

Satellite image based map showing the distribution of Indian rock python Satellite image based map showing the distribution of Indian rock python on the basis of active dens in Deva Vatala on the basis of active dens in Deva Vatala National Park National Park during 2009.during 2009.

Population density of Indian rock python during 2009 in the study area

Zone Elevation range(m)

Area surveyed during walk (km2)

No. of active den (observed/ reported)

Number of active den with fresh

direct evidence

Estimated adult

population

Population density

Vatala 309-536 3.2 33 7 7 2.18Chumb 267-313 2.4 28 9 9 3.75Barmala 404-511 1.6 7 4 4 2.5Deva 339-415 1.6 12 7 7 4.37

Total estimated adult population = 27

Past sighting record of Indian rock python in Deva Past sighting record of Indian rock python in Deva Vatala National ParkVatala National Park

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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Year

Num

ber

of s

ight

ing Vatala

Chumb

Barmala

Deva

During year 2005(n=2), 2006 (n=9), while in 2007 (n= 8) Similarly, 2008 (n=29) and 2009(n=28) sightings have been reported at different places.

The rate of sighting was higher in Chumb 32% (n=24) than the Vatala 28% (n=21), Barmala 22% (n=17) and Deva 18% (n=14) during 2005-2009

Sighting of Indian rock python during different months Sighting of Indian rock python during different months of years 2005-2009 in study areaof years 2005-2009 in study area

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Month

Num

ber

of s

ight

ing 2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Sighting record was high in the months of July (n=20, 26%) and August (n=12, 15%) , as Indian rock python hibernates in the winter, when mating takes place and during March to June eggs remain inside the den, Breen and John (1974)

Sighting of Indian rock python in different time during the Sighting of Indian rock python in different time during the

years 2005-2009 in study areayears 2005-2009 in study area

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10121416

Morning Daytime Evening Night

Time of sighting

Nu

mb

er o

f si

gh

tin

g

Y2005Y2006

Y2007Y2008

Y2009

Sighting record during Daytime 45% (n=34), morning 35% (n=27), evening 13% (n=10) and night time 7% (n=5) during Y2005 to Y2009 in DVNP reported by local communityKhan (2006) has also reported these snakes as nocturnal with basking and sleeping behavior in sun during day time.

Active dens Active Dens near water source (m)

Active dens away from water

80 0-100 100-500 500-800 21

  13 38 8  

Distance of the active dens from the water source

Python molurus molurus depend on a permanent source of water Mehrtens (1987)

Human-python conflictsHuman-python conflicts

The occupation of the people in these The occupation of the people in these study sites varied, 68% shepherds, study sites varied, 68% shepherds, 24% farmers, 6% shopkeepers, 1% 24% farmers, 6% shopkeepers, 1% drivers and 1% laborers.drivers and 1% laborers.

Major depending source of economy Major depending source of economy is livestock. The average number of is livestock. The average number of livestock per family was 10 to 20livestock per family was 10 to 20

These snakes have often been killed These snakes have often been killed for their fine skin. for their fine skin.

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The maximum number of livestock was depredated in Barmala (31%, n=23) followed by Chumb (28%, n=21), Vatala (23%, n=17) and Deva (18%, n=13) during the year 2005 to September, 2009.

Satellite image based map showing the livestock depredation points bySatellite image based map showing the livestock depredation points by Indian rock python during 2005-09 in Deva Vatala National Park.Indian rock python during 2005-09 in Deva Vatala National Park.

Livestock depredation during 2005-2009

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2

4

6

8

10

12

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Year of depredation

Num

ber

of li

vest

ock

depr

edat

edVatala

Chumb

Barmala

Deva

maximum number of livestock was depredated in Barmala (31%, n=23) followed by Chumb (28%, n=21), Vatala (23%, n=17) and Deva (18%, n=13) during the year 2005 to September, 2009 as reported by the local community

Types of livestock killed by Indian rock python during 2005-2009

killing rate of goats was very high (84%, n=62) followed by the poultry (5%, n=4), sheep (4%, n=3), cows (4%, n=3) and buffalo (3%, n=2) during the period 2005 to September, 2009 in Deva Vatala National Park

Jerry (1998) has reported that Indian rock python feed on mammals, birds and reptiles indiscriminately, but seem to prefer mammals.

Month wise Livestock depredation during 2005-2009

Live stock depredation reported in July (22%, n=16), August (19%, n=14), September (15%, n=11), March (11%, n=8), May (7%, n=5), October (7%, n=5), February (5%, n=4), April (4%, n=3), June (4%, n=3), January (4%, n=3) and November (3%, n=2)

Khan (2006) has also reported that Indian rock python hibernates in winter, when mating takes place while from March to June eggs are laid in some secure place

Time of livestock Predation by Indian rock python during 2005-2009

During the study, it was reported by the local community that the maximum number of livestock killing were at day time (54%, n=40), followed by the morning (20%, n=15), evening (19%, n=14) and night (7%, n=5) in the study sites during the period 2005 to September, 2009

Local community perception abut Indian Rock Python in study area during the year 2009

Habitat Utilization by Indian Rock PythoHabitat Utilization by Indian Rock Pythonn

In Deva Vatala National Park, In Deva Vatala National Park, Indian rock python usually Indian rock python usually preferred the subtropical area preferred the subtropical area comprising the most dominant comprising the most dominant vegetation including herbs vegetation including herbs ((Saccharum spontaneumSaccharum spontaneum), shrubs), shrubs (Lantana camara,(Lantana camara, Dedonia viscosa,Dedonia viscosa, Carisa opeca, Ziziphus jujuba) Carisa opeca, Ziziphus jujuba) and and treestrees (Mangifera indica, (Mangifera indica, Dalbergia Dalbergia sisso sisso and and Acacia nilotica)Acacia nilotica)..

ConclusionsConclusions The Indian rock python were randomly The Indian rock python were randomly

distributed in Deva Vatala National Park distributed in Deva Vatala National Park including all study sites between 267-536m including all study sites between 267-536m elevation ranges (above sea level)elevation ranges (above sea level)

76 sightings were reported in DVNP during 76 sightings were reported in DVNP during 2005-20092005-2009

Population density was estimated as 3.06/ Population density was estimated as 3.06/ kmkm22..

Livestock depredation by the python Livestock depredation by the python increased gradually from 2005 to 2009.increased gradually from 2005 to 2009.

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A total of 74 livestock killings were A total of 74 livestock killings were reported among which goats were reported among which goats were killed in majority (84%) killed in majority (84%)

Due to the livestock depredation, Due to the livestock depredation, most of the people (85%) were most of the people (85%) were against the Indian rock python and in against the Indian rock python and in such human-python conflicts about such human-python conflicts about 92% pythons were killed by the 92% pythons were killed by the communitycommunity

RecommendationsRecommendations

Park Management must be initiated to Park Management must be initiated to protect the wildlife their natural habitat protect the wildlife their natural habitat which will increases the natural prey which will increases the natural prey population for Indian rock python, population for Indian rock python, minimizing the livestock depredation and minimizing the livestock depredation and human-python conflicthuman-python conflict

Implement and monitor the strong rules Implement and monitor the strong rules and regulations to stop the Indian rock and regulations to stop the Indian rock python illegal trading by the local python illegal trading by the local community to save the Indian rock python community to save the Indian rock python population in the Deva Vatala National Park.population in the Deva Vatala National Park.

RecommendationsRecommendations As the Indian rock python is an As the Indian rock python is an

endangered species, therefore, detailed endangered species, therefore, detailed research studies, awareness programs research studies, awareness programs and conservation projects should be and conservation projects should be launched both by the public and private launched both by the public and private sectors for the conservation and sectors for the conservation and management.management.

Human interference should be strictly Human interference should be strictly banned at least in the core zone of the banned at least in the core zone of the National ParkNational Park

Indian rock python illegal trade should Indian rock python illegal trade should strictly banned in the parkstrictly banned in the park

Our Future Plan…..Our Future Plan…..

1.1. To explore Indian Rock Python distribution To explore Indian Rock Python distribution and status in other areas of AJ&Kand status in other areas of AJ&K

2.2. 2.2. Work on minimizing the human-python Work on minimizing the human-python conflicts and community awarenessconflicts and community awareness

3.3. 3.3. To work on the Dens shape and To work on the Dens shape and topographytopography

4.4. 4.4. To propose the conservation action plan To propose the conservation action plan for the Indian Rock Python population in AJ&K.for the Indian Rock Python population in AJ&K.

Confirmation of species by Prof. Dr. Confirmation of species by Prof. Dr. M. Sharif KhanM. Sharif Khan

Saturated Indian rock python resting after engulfing at Chumb locality during study period 2009

Measuring GPS location of active den of Indian rock python at chumb locality

Russell ViperThreats faced by Wildlife researcher during

field work

Overview of the habitat used by Indian rock python

An inactive den of Indian rock python

An active den of Indian rock python

Bone of depredated animal found outside the Indian Rock Python den at vatala locality

Track sign of Indian Rock Python at chumb

locality

Track used by the Indian Rock Python at vatala locality

Indian rock python at Deva locality

Den of Indian rock python closed by local people at Burmala

Water source near to den of Indian Rock Python at Chumb locality