Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK

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Journal of Bioresource Management

Volume 6 Issue 4 Article 2

10-31-2019

Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK

Jibran Haider Forest and wildlife Department, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Inayatullah Malik University of Lakki Marwat, Lakki Marwat, Pakistan

Sabiha Shamim Malaysia University of Science and Technology, Selangor, Malaysia, [email protected]

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Recommended Citation Haider, J., Malik, I., & Shamim, S. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK, Journal of Bioresource Management, 6 (4). DOI: https://doi.org/10.35691/JBM.9102.0112

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by CORE Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Bioresource Management by an authorized editor of CORE Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

WILDLIFE SURVEY OF NATIONAL PARKS TO ASSESS REPTILIAN BIODIVERSITY, AJK

JIBRAN HAIDER1, INAYATULLAH MALIK2 AND SABIHA SHAMIM3*

1Forest and Wildlife Department, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan 2Department of Zoology, The University of Lakki Marwat, Lakki Marwat, Pakistan 3Malaysia University of Science and Technology, Selangor, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT The class Reptilia belongs to phylum Chordata. This group forms a large community of the land vertebrates. However, they remain relatively under-examined. Roll et al. (2017) studied the global distribution of more than 10,000 reptiles. Nearly194 reptilian species have been reported from Pakistan (WWF, n.d.). Five protected parks were studied from February 2008 to May 2010. Dhirkot Nature Reserve (DNR), Banjosa Nature Reserve (BNR), Tolipir National Park (TNP), Pir Chanasi National Park (PCNP) and Pir Lasura National Park (PLNP) were considered. Fifteen species of reptiles were observed in TNP. Ten species of reptiles were recorded from PCNP. Ten species of reptiles were confirmed from DNR, including 6 species of snakes. The present study could collect the evidence on the presence of 14 reptile species distributed under different habitat conditions of BGR. The total number of species of reptiles recorded in PLNP during the study was 24. Keywords: Lizards, snake, turtle, wildlife, biodiversity INTRODUCTION folk medicines and even in recent medical science some species of reptiles are being The class Reptilia belongs to phylum used for drug production. Keeping in view Chordata. This group forms a large the medicinal use of reptiles their community of the land vertebrates. conservational activities need to be planned However, they remain relatively under- for sustainable use of the reptiles (Alves, examined. Roll et al. (2017) studied the 2008). global distribution of more than 10,000 For effective conservation, targeted reptiles. Socotra, New Caledonia and actions are required which further need Antilles are global hotspots for reptiles. detailed information of species distribution, Nearly194 reptilian species have been ecology, systematics and other possible reported from Pakistan; 9 vipers and pit threats like human-induced loss of habitat vipers, 14 sea snakes, 5 kraits and cobras, 40 should be addressed properly (Monika, colubrids, 1 python, 3 boas, 2 thread snakes, 2013). Most of the species of reptiles have 6 blind snakes, 4 monitor lizards, 17 skinks, not yet been evaluated for their conservation 14 sand lizards, 1 chameleon, 2 spinytail status. This study hopes to provide lizards, 24 Agamas, 36 eyelid and lidless information on the species richness of the geckos, 1 crocodile, 4 softshell turtles, 5 class Reptilia in the study area which will marine turtles, 2 tortoise and 4 pond and help in planning conservation activities for river turtles (WWF, n.d.). them. It is reported that 53% of reptile species are endangered globally including 30 families with 104 genera and 156 species of reptiles. They were traditionally used as

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

MATERIALS AND METHODS Five protected parks were studied from February 2008 to May 2010. Dhirkot Nature Reserve (DNR), Banjosa Nature Reserve (BNR), Tolipir National Park (TNP), Pir Chanasi National Park (PCNP) and Pir Lasura National Park (PLNP) were considered. An initial survey of the study sites was done using camera surveillance (Arc View GIS 3.3, 1992-2002), information was gathered by discussing the physical characters and possible locations of species with local inhabitants. Using literary sources (Khan, 2006) an approximate list of species likely present in the study area was formulated. Indirect indicators such as burrows, footprints, molts and droppings were also noted.

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

RESULTS

Table 1: List of reptile species recorded from BGR, DNR, PCNP, PLNP and TNP

S No. Names Pictures Habitat Food Breeding season Remarks Status Local Global sightings * (%) 1. Indogekko Crevices among rocks, Feeds on May to June. Pair Distributed in south BGR= 31 LC rohtasfortai holes and under rocks. photophilic of oblong eggs eastern AJK, DNR= 34 Rohtas reg- insects. glued to the sides nocturnal. PLNP= 34 sang chapkali of crevices. TNP= 31

2. Laudakia Rock crevices. insects Late March-May. Lives in rocks of BGR= 4 DD melanura 10-15 eggs moderate elevations PLNP= 42 melanura, Black rock agama

3. Laudakia Rock blocks at Herbivorous, April- June, 6-9 predominantly BGR= 56 LRLC tuberculata elevation of 1500- feeds on hard shelled eggs herbivorous DNR= 31 Neela kirla 2500m. arthropods, laid under rocks PLNP= 29 leaves and in more than 1 TNP= 31 flowers clutch. PCNP=

4. Laudakia Crevices among rock Insects and Clutch size varies Lives in crevices BGR= 41 NT agrorensis, blocks. caterpillars. from 6-8 eggs. among rock blocks. PLNP= 27 Agrore wadi TNP= 19 kirla PCNP= 24

5. Typhlops Rocky pine country - - - BGR= 21 DD ductuliformes side with lush green DNR= 09 Slender blind grasses PLNP=36 snake TNP= 24

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

6. Lissemys Muddy ditches, lakes, Adult frogs, May-June. Eggs Inhabits wide BGR= 13 LRLC punctata marshes, vegetation, tadpoles, fishes, lain in summer. variations of DNR= 01 andersoni salt, rivers, ponds, crustaceans, Clutch size varies environment and PCNP= Moonji streams, rice fields fish larvae, from 6-14 eggs. habitats, hibernates 09 kunchwa carrion, water in winter PLNP=24 plants, bivalve TNP= 16 mollusks and snails. 7. Eurylepis Loose sandy soil, Different kinds March to may.4-8 Almost deserticolous BGR=29 DD taeniolatus loamy with scrubby of arthropods oval eggs with habitat. TNP= 49 Common mole vegetation, mostly and worms. pliable shells is skink close to water courses. laid under stones. Maidani reg- mahi 8. Naja oxiana Dry wasteland, lives Rodents, birds, - Inhabits dry BGR= 35 NT Brown cobra in holes and crevices snakes, lizard wastelands, lives in DNR= 19 Bhoora naag in uneven ground, and mice. holes and crevices in PCNP=24 carrions and holes in unleveled ground. TNP= 37 rocks. Carnivores.

9. Bioga trigonata Thick jungles, Tree lizards, Breeds from Thick jungles, DNR= 13 C Common cat plantations and birds, eggs, march to may. 7- grasslands with snake grasslands with nestlings, 10 eggs lain moderately thick TNP= 33 moderately thick grasshoppers under tree bark bushes. Typically bushes. and mice. and under stones. arboreal. Nocturnal, carnivorous. 10. Bungarus Grasslands, semi Toads, frogs, Breeding march Krait frequents DNR= 20 FC caeruleus deserts with alluvial snakes, lizards to july.6-8 eggs grasslands, common caeruleus soil, vegetation, barns, and mice. lay at some in marginal PLNP= 33 farms, groves and protected place. vegetation along Common krait gardens. tilled fields, lives in TNP= 40 holes and crevices, deadliest snake, nocturnal,

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

11. Eublepharis Rocky stony terrain, Beetles, Breeding march Inhabits rocky stony DNR= 32 C macularius mudflats with sparse grasshoppers, to may.2-6 oval terrains, mudflats grass and bushes in spider and eggs with smooth with sparse grass, TNP= 60 Leopard geko mesic to xeric scorpions. pliable shells lain and bushes. condition. in more than 2 Gregarious, Korrh kirli clutches in a nocturnal. hibernates season. Eggs lain in winter. in the humid environs of a crevice.

12. Platyceps Sub mountainous Skinks, lizards, - Lives in sub DNR= 42 C rhodorachis stony habitats with eggs and mountainous stony kashmiriensis hard reddish soil, pine nestlings. habitats with reddish PLNP= 34 Kashmir tree and hedges. soil, forages around, koluber saamp Climbs on tress for TNP= 54 feeding on eggs.

13. Psammophis Frequents deserts, Lizard, mice Breeding march Inhabits scrubby DNR= 24 FC leithii leithii grasslands with birds and eggs. to june.4-10 eggs vegetation near scrubby vegetation lain in burrows of marshy areas. TNP= 40 Sindi teer mar near marshy areas. fields. Diurnal, feeds on (Pakistan ribbon lizards and mice, snake breeding period March-June.

14. Typhlops - - - Inhabits litter at the PLNP= 33 DD madgemintonae roots of a pine tree PCNP= (Kashmir patla on a rocky slope 15 kainchwa TNP= 45 saamp)

15. Eryx johnii Inhabits moderate Mice, rat March-May Nocturnal, slow PLNP= 35 DD (Common sand deserts of loose soil moving. PCNP=15 boa) with sparse vegetation, invades houses

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

16. Amphiesma Open damp Frogs, toads, March-May Gentle snake, seldom PLNP= 26 DD stolatum grasslands, common fishes, lizards, bites, a good pet. PCNP=10 (Striped in tilled fields, barns, mice, nestlings keelback) under heaps of reaped crops and fallen leaves, logs, heaps of debris etc. 17. Oligodon Mesic to semi desert, Special liking April-July Does not attempt to PLNP= 17 DD arnensis with bushy to dense for eggs bite, when handled. arnensis forest, lives in caves, (Banded kukri crevices, tree holes snake)

18. Oligodon Flat clay deserts, Eggs of lizards March- August Nocturnal,when PLNP= 14 DD taeniolatus oases, and suburban and snakes, cornered flattens taeniolatus gardens, lives in even its own against the (Streaked kukri crevices and holes in eggs, small substratum and snake) earth, under stones arthropods. spirals its tail. and rocks or in brick walls, hides under piles of wood trash. 19. Xenochrophis Large ponds with Fishes, frogs, February- May Bad tempered, strikes PLNP= 15 DD piscator thick vegetation, tadpoles. with determination piscator confined to side pools and rapidity, (Checkered rather than main viciously keelback) stream.

20. Bungarus Dry open plains, Toads, frogs, - - PLNP= 18 DD sindanus razai termite mounds, snakes, lizards, (Northwestern burrows of small mice. Punjab krait) rodents, beneath debris. - 21. Eublepharis Rocky stony terrain, Beetles, March –may, 2-6 Gregarious, PLNP= 38 RLC macularius, mudflats with sparse grasshoppers, oval eggs with nocturnal (Korrh kirli) grass, bushes in mesic spider, smooth pliable to xeric condition. scorpions. shells, 2 clutches in a season, and eggs in humid environs of

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

crevices. 22. Hemidactylus Chopped vegetations, Soft bodied March- October; Frequent tilled areas, PLNP= 36 LRC brookii, logs, crops, dark arthropods. 1 clutch, a pair of forests, oases, under TNP= 31 (Barani uninhabited huts, leaf white hard leaf litter, fallen trees chipkali) litter, fallen trees. shelled eggs. or any shelter.

23. Eurylepis Loose sandy soil, Arthropods, March – May,4-8 Almost desert colour PLNP= 42 DD taeniolatus, loamy with scrubby worms. oval eggs with habitat. (Common mole vegetation, mostly pliable shells laid skink) close to water courses. under stones.

24. Varanus Moderately dry Arthropods, April-June When alarmed, it PLNP= 38 LC bengalensis forests, extends into larvae, worms, slips away unnoticed, (Bengal cultivated land, frogs, lizards, inflicts a powerful monitor) burrows in hard soil, snakes, birds, bite with long and or in rainy season mammals. strong teeth. lives in tree holes. 25. Varanus griseus Sandy fields with Invertebrates July- August, Does not hibernate, PLNP= 30 DD koniecznyi uneven surfaces, tracts (especially eggs: September- seen throughout the (Indo-Pak of hard soil with beetles), lizards, October day during winter, desert monitor) sparse vegetation, reptile eggs, and only in early excavates burrows in toads, small morning and late roots of trees and mammals afternoon during bushes summer.

26. Cyrtopodion Crevices among rocks Soft bodied March-May - PLNP= 29 DD dattanensis and roots of pine trees. insects and (Plump banded larvae. gecko)

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

27. Ophisops Grassland and desert - - Small lacertids, PLNP= 41 LC jerdonii habitats usually live in transparent lower (Rugose rocky, arid areas. eyelids completely or spectacled partially fused with lacerta) upper lids to form cap over eye. 28. Eutropis Moist grass fields Arthropods, Eggs: March- Terrestrial, adapted PLNP= 40 DD dissimilis mostly crop July, Juveniles: to survive in flooded (Striped grass pests, insect May- August areas. skink) larvae, earthworms, soil nematodes.

29. Lygosoma Grass and fields with Arthropods and March- July Slipping habit , PLNP= 34 DD punctata moderate moisture and their larvae, difficult to catch (Spotted garden shade, gardens, earthworms, skink) orchards, lawns, millipedes. backyards. 30. Siwaligekko Soft bodied March-May Crevices among PCNP= DD dattanensis insects and rocks and roots of 15 (Khan's bow- larvae pine trees. fingered gecko) 31. Boiga Food consists May and June Inhabits desert fields 5 DD melanocephala mainly of with bushy (Dark head cat- lizards, vegetation and rocky snake) arthropods, areas with loose soil: eggs and birds it has occasionally been collected from low to moderately high bushes and gardens.

32. Ptyas mucosus Food consists From march Good swimmer and PCNP= DD mucosus mainly of through August climbs into branches 10 lizards, toad and September. of trees and roofs. (Rope-snake) ,birds, eggs and rodents

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

33. Spalerosophis Diet consists of March To Inhabits forests along PCNP= DD diadema diadema frogs, rats, September water courses, and 10 (surakh chittra birds, eggs and open fields with chua) lizards scrubby vegetation and moderately hard soil. In rocky area it lives in crevices in loose rock

* 2008 IUCN Red List Category (http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/) Lower Risk-least concern*** = LRLC, Least Concern = LC, Critically Endangered= CE, Data Deficient = DD, Not evaluated = NE

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

DISCUSSION andersoni) presented average sightings (24%), living in muddy ditches, lakes Fifteen species of reptiles were marshes and ponds/ streams. The species is observed in TNP. Ten species of reptiles regarded as Low risk least concerned on were recorded from PCNP. Ten species of international level. reptiles were confirmed from DNR, There were 10 species of snakes, 2 of including 6 species of snakes. The present these are poisonous to man. Northwestern study could collect the evidence on the Punjab krait (Bungarus sindanus razai) and presence of 14 reptile species distributed Common krait (Bungarus caeruleus under different habitat conditions of BGR, caeruleus) both had moderate sightings as detailed in Table 1. Moonji Kachwa was (18% to 33%) and are near endangered a rarely sighted reptile, living in muddy species demanding conservation. The other ditches, lakes marshes and ponds/ streams. 8 species were non-poisonous, which This species is internationally regarded as included Kashmir patla kainchwa saamp low risk least concerned. (33%), Slender blind snake (36%), Kashmir There were 6 species of snakes, the koluber saamp (34%), black rock agama common cat snake (living in thick forested (42%), common sand boa (35%), striped plantation and grasslands with moderately keelback (26%), banded kukri snake (17%), thick shrubs) being the most prevalent (64% streaked kukri snake (14%) and checkered sightings) in BGR. Two species, poisonous keelback (15%). to man, i.e., common krait (grasslands, PLNP also holds several species of barns, farms) and brown cobra (dry lizards which include, agrore wadi kirla wasteland, bold and can attack man), are (27%), rohtas reg-sang chapkali (34%), also frequent. Slender blind snake (rocky common mole skink (42%), spectacled pine country), Kashmir koluber saamp (sub- lacerta (41%), striped grass skink (40%), mountainous stony habitat) and Sherman’s spotted garden skink (34%), Bengal monitor slender blind snake are three other species, (38%), Indo-Pak desert monitor (30%), which also presented good sightings. Both plump banded gecko (29%). These species the human poisonous species along with presented frequent sightings. common cat snake have been internationally Rais et al. (2012) reported thirty categorized as near threatened, while the reptiles belonging to 13 families from other three species appear in data deficient specific areas of Chakwal, Islamabad and category. Rawalpindi. Safi and Khan (2014) BGR holds seven species, viz., neela conducted a study at aquatic regions of kirla (more frequent sightings), korrh kirli, Chrasadda, KPK and reported two families barani chipkali, Rohtas ragsang chapkali, of turtles; Geoemydidae and Trionychidae. black rock agama, Agor wadi kirla and They report greatest population size for common mole skink or maidani ragmahi, of Lissemys punctata (30.95%) which was also lacertiles, giving moderate sightings. Agor observed in all the national parks considered Wadi kirla is internationally regarded as in this study. Hashmi and Khan (2013) near threatened, neela kirla, barani chipkali observed sun-bathing activity of Varanus and korrh kirli are low risk least concerned, bengalensis in Thatta, Sindh. while the other four species are data deficient. The total number of species of reptiles recorded in PLNP during the study was 24. Moonji Kachwa (Lissemys punctata

Haider et al. (2019). Wildlife Survey of National Parks to Assess Reptilian Biodiversity, AJK J Biores Manag. 6 (4): 8-18

CONCLUSION Diversity and conservation of amphibians and reptiles in North Fifteen species of reptiles were observed in Punjab, Pakistan. Herpetological TNP. Ten species of reptiles were recorded Bulletin, 122: 16-25. from PCNP. Ten species of reptiles were Roll U, Feldman A, Novosolov M, Allison confirmed from DNR, including 6 species of A, Bauer AM, Bernard R, Böhm M, snakes. Fourteen reptile species distributed Castro-Herrera F, Chirio L, Collen under different habitat conditions of BGR B, Colli GR, Dabool L, Das I, Doan were observed. The total number of species TM, Grismer LL, Hoogmoed M, of reptiles recorded in PLNP during the Itescu Y, Kraus F, LeBreton M, study was 24. Lewin A, Martins M, Maza E, Meirte D, Nagy ZT, de C. Nogueira REFERENECES C, Pauwels OSG, Pincheira-Donoso Alves RRN, Vieira WLS, Santana GG D, Powney GD, Sindaco R, Tallowin (2008). Reptiles used in traditional OJS, Torres-Carvajal O, Trape J-F, folk medicine: conservation Vidan E, Uetz P, Wagner P, Wang implications. Biodivers Conserv., 17: Y, Orme CDL, Grenyer R, Meiri S 2037. (2017). The global distribution of https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-007- tetrapods reveals a need for targeted 9305-0 reptile conservation. Nature Ecology Arc View GIS 3.3, 19992-2002. Arc View & Evolution. Springer Nature 1(11): GIS 3.3 software, Environmental 1677–1682. Available at: Systems Research Institute, Inc. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-017- HCL Technologies LTD, New Delhi, 0332-2. India. Safi A, Khan MZ (2014). Distribution and Böhma M, Collena B, Philip B, Chansonde current population status of J, Coxcd N, Michael H, Livingstone freshwater turtles of District SR, Rama M, Rhodini GH, Stuart Charsadda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, SN, Dijk PP, Young BE, Afuang LE, Pakistan. Journal of Zoology Studies, Afuang A, Garcíar A, Aguilars C, 1 (4): 31-38. Zugcy (2013). The conservation WWF (n.d.). Reptiles of Pakistan. Retrieved status of the world’s reptiles. Biolog from: Conserv., 157: 372-385. http://www.wwf.org.pk/pdf/reptiles_lis https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2012 t.pdf .07.015 Hashmi MUA, Khan MZ (2013). Studies of Basking Activity in Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis) From Thatta of Sindh. International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies, 1 (2): 32-34. Khan, M. S., 2006. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pakistan. Original ed. Krieger Publ. Co., Malabar, Florida. Pp 310. Rais M, Baloch S, Rehman J, Anwar M, Hussain I, Mahmood T (2012).