Recent Observations on the Herpetofauna of Syria with Notes On

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Zeitschrift/Journal: Herpetozoa

Jahr/Year: 2007

Band/Volume: 20_1_2

Autor(en)/Author(s): Amr Zuhair S., Shehab Adwan, Abu Baker Mohammad

Artikel/Article: Recent observations on the herpetofauna of Syria with notes on trade in reptiles Neue Beobachtungen zur Herpetofauna Syriens mit Angaben zum Reptilienhandel 21-26 ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

HERPETOZOA20(1/2):21-26 21 Wien, 30. Juli 2007

Recent observations on the herpetofauna of Syria with notes on trade in reptiles

Neue Beobachtungen zur Herpetofauna Syriens mit Angaben zum Reptilienhandel

ZUHAIR AMR & ADWAN SHEHAB & MOHAMAD ABU BAKER

KURZFASSUNG Es wird über weitere Fundorte von zwei Arten von Amphibien [Hyla savigny, Triturus (O.) vittatus] und vierzehn von Reptilien [Blanus strauchi, Testudo graeca, Chelonia mydas, Mauremys caspica, Asaccus elisae, Cyrtopodion scaber, Laudakia stellio, Trapelus ruderatus, T. persicus, T. pallidus, Eumeces schneiden, Ophisops elegans, Varanus griseus, Coluber (H.) nummifer] berichtet, die in Syrien gefangen oder beobachtet wurden. Zusätzlich werden Angaben über den Lebensraum am Fundort gemacht. Bei der Befassung mit dem Reptilienhandel in Syrien, stellten sich zumindest fünf Arten als durch uneingeschränkten Handel gefährdet heraus, nämlich die Syrische Landschildkröte Testudo graeca terrestris, die Kaspische Bachschildkröte Mauremys rivulata, das Europäische Chamäleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, die Ägyp- tische Domschwanzagame Uromastyx aegyptia und zwei Schlangenarten, eine Wassernatter {Natrix sp.) und die Pfeilnatter Coluber jugularis.

ABSTRACT

Further localities for two species of amphibians [Hyla savigny, Triturus (O.) vittatus] and fourteen of reptiles [Blanus strauchi, Testudo graeca, Chelonia mydas, Mauremys caspica, Asaccus elisae, Cyrtopodion scaber, Laudakia stellio, Trapelus ruderatus, T. persicus, T. pallidus, Eumeces schneiden, Ophisops elegans, Varanus griseus, Coluber (//.) nummifer] collected or observed in Syria are given with some notes. Emphasis on trade in reptiles in Syria revealed that at least five species are threatened due to excessive trade, including the Middle Eastern Spur-thighed Tortoise, Testudo graeca terrestris, the Striped-necked Turtle, Mauremys rivulata, the Mediterranean Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, the Dabb, Uromastyx aegyptia, and two snakes; Natrix sp. and Coluber jugularis.

KEY WORDS

Amphibia; Reptilia; Syria, herpetofauna, distribution, trade, conservation

INTRODUCTION

During field visits to Syria in the years Disi & BÖHME 1996; MORAVEC 1998). 2004 to 2006, the authors encountered sev- More recently, LYMBERAKIS & KALIONZO- eral species of reptiles and amphibians. POULOU (2003) and SINDACO et al. (2006) As indicated by MARTENS (1997), the added new localities and records, herpetofauna of Syria is still poorly known In this report, field observations and and requires further investigation. Previous additional locality records for 16 species of studies added additional records to the her- reptiles and amphibians are presented, petofauna of Syria (MARTENS & KOCK Since reptile trade was observed closely in 1992; MORAVEC & MODRY 1994a, 1994b; Damascus this issue is also addressed here.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen species of amphibians and mens were deposited at the Jordan Uni- reptiles were either collected or observed versity of Science & Technology Museum during the study period. Collected speci- (JUSTM) in Irbid. ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

22 Z. AMR & A. SHEHAB & M. ABU BAKER

TAXONOMIC ACCOUNT

Hyla savignyi AUDOUIN, 1827 Aanasriye Mountains showed a contrasting yellow-black colouration, while those from Material examined: Nahr al-Sajoor, 6. 7.2005 arid regions are distinctly paler. They con- (JUSTM0198). sidered such variations as adaptations to We observed this species among Typha local conditions prevailing in Syria. vegetation that extends along the river banks. This Tree Frog is common in most Chelonia my das my das (LINNAEUS, 1758) of the freshwater bodies in Syria. It is note- worthy to indicate that this frog was never One specimen was observed near the before encountered along the Euphrates beach at Oum et Touyour on 20.7.2003. around Ar-Raqqah and Dair ez Zour. The Green Turtle was previously reported along the Mediterranean shoreline of Syria, Triturus (Ommatotriton) vittatus vittatus however, nesting was not ruled out (KASPA- (GRAY in JENYS, 1835) REK 1995; KASPAREK et al. 2001). Material examined: Basofan, 2.2.2005 (JUSTM 0199). Mauremys caspica caspica This specimen was found in a small (GMELrN, 1774) pool between old ruins near Basofan village. It seems that the Banded Newt is dis- Material examined: Nahr al-Sajoor, 6. 7.2005 tributed across Syria from north to south. (JUSTM 0203). Specimens were reported from Latakia, In Syria, both M. caspica and M. rivu- Horns and Dar'a (ARNTZEN & OLGUN 2000). lata (VALENCIENNES, 1833), are known to Two alloatric populations were reported; occur (DISI & BÖHME 1996). Mauremys one from the Caucasus region (northeastern caspica is found in freshwater bodies of the Turkey to Georgia and adjacent northern northeast, along the tributaries of the Eu- Iraq) and one from coastal southeastern phrates and the Tigris rivers, while M. rivu- Turkey, through Syria, to northern Lebanon lata is known from water bodies in the south and Palestine (OLGUN et al. 1997). and close to the coastal mountains.

Blanus strauchi aporus Asaccus elisae (F. WERNER, 1895) F. WERNER, 1884 1 Material examined: Id , Qal'at Nijm, 9.6.2006 (JUSTM 0204). Material examined: 3 km E Hamama (35°55'N, 36°23'E), 3.7.2005 (JUSTM 0200). This is a common species along the A dead specimen was found in culti- Euphrates River basin. Specimens were col- vated land about 100 m from the Orontis lected in old ruins and rocky areas. We ob- River. This species was reported from served specimens in Qal'at Jaaber and in Ar- Latakia (ALEXANDER 1966) and from Qalat Raqqah, Qal'at Nijm. el Hosn (BISCHOFF & SCHMIDTLER 1994). Specimens were also collected from three Cyrtopodion scaber (HEYDEN, 1827) localities from the eastern region of the Material examined: 5gecko were collected from mud-built houses in Ar-Raqqah. Testudo graeca terrestris Several specimens were observed in FORSKÂL, 1775 Fukhaiha and Dair ez Zour. This species is common in houses along the Euphrates. Material examined: 19, Tahonan Al-Halawa, 3.7.2005 (JUSTM 0201). \â, Slinfah, 3.7.2005 (JUSTM 0202). Laudakia stellio stellio FRITZ et al. (1996) recognized differ- (LINNAEUS, 1758) ent local morphs of this species in Syria. Material examined: id, Slinfah, 3.7. 2005 They indicated that the population of the (JUSTM 0210). ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Observations on the herpetofauna of Syria with notes on trade in reptiles 23

The Starred Agama is quite common Trapelus pallidus agnetae in rocky areas. This is a problematic species (F. WERNER, 1929) (Fig. 2) that still requires further investigation. Material examined: Id1, 60 km from Reqa to Colour and size of the observed specimens Horns, July 2004 (JUSTM 0215). 2c? and 1 9, 50 km vary greatly from north to south; where from Dair Al-Zour to Palmyra, 8.7.2005 (JUSTM northern specimens are smaller and darker 0216-18). than southern. In the past, all specimens of this nom- inate subspecies were refered to as Trapelus For reasons of consistency with the pallidus haasi (Y. WERNER, 1971). This most pertinent recent herpetofaunal litera- lizard is a rather common within flat deserts ture on agamas of the Genus Trapelus in and semi deserts. adjacent Jordan, the below names were used. Eumeces schneiden ssp. Trapelus ruderatus ruderatus (DAUDIN, 1802) (OLIVIER, 1804) One specimen was observed in a Material examined: Id1, Himo, Al-Qamishli, cemetery in Tal Abyad, near the Turkish 6.7.2005 (JUSTM 0211). border. We observed the prédation strategy This species has been previously col- of Schneider's Skink. While inspecting the ected from the Irano-Turanian zone of site for reptiles, a camel spider (solpugid) Syria, extending from the south of Damas- was moving in the flat area of the cemetery, cus, over Palmyra to Jaboul to the north very swiftly it was attacked by a medium- (LYMBERAKIS & KALIONZOPOULU 2003). sized E. schneiden that was hiding between This record extends the known range further the stones. north-west towards near the Turkish border. Ophisops elegans elegans Trapelus persicus fieldii MÉNÉTRIÉS, 1832 (HAAS & Y. WERNER, 1969) (Fig. 1) This very common lizard was encountered in several localities including Tal Material examined: 2â and 19, 50 km from Abyad, Hemo and Dair Dejlah. Deir ez-Zour to Palmyra, 8.7.2005 (JUSTM 0212-14). A large population of this lizard was Varanus griseus griseus observed about 50 km from Deir ez-Zour to (DAUDIN, 1803) Tadmor highway. Lizards were seen and collected at about 10:00 a.m. in a flat area A road-killed specimen was collected with few rocks. The vegetation cover is on the highway between Dair Al-Zour and mostly Anabasis sp. Males were more com- Palmyra. The specimen was too badly dam- mon than females and located on the highest aged to perform any measurements. stone within the area. The gular fold was Stomach contents yielded three geckos of brilliant blue. One newly hatched individ- the genus Stenodactylus and a solpugid as ual was collected suggesting that eggs may well as a mass of intestinal cestods. The have hatched recently. Trapelus pallidus surrounding area consists of shallow sand agnetae was found along with this species dunes formed by wind action. The sand was and was active at the same time. mostly formed around bushes. Tracks of the MORAVEC & MODRY (1994a) record- desert monitor were also found further into ed this species for the first time from Syria the sand. from Abu Kamal near the Syrian-Iraqi bor- ders. They indicated the low density of Coluber (Hemorrhois) nummifer this species in the sampling area. Our (REUSS, 1834) records extend the distribution range fur- Material examined: 3 km E Hamama (35°55'N, ther to the north-west. In Jordan, Disi et al. 36°23'E), 3.7.2005 (JUSTM 0219). (1999) found populations of this species to One specimen was found close to a inhabit hard wet land with Nitraria refusa cave near Hamama village overlooking the shrubs. Orontis River. ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

24 Z. AMR & A. SHEHAB & M. ABU BAKER

Fig. 1: Trapelus persicus fieldii Fig. 2: Trapelus pallidus agnelae (HAAS & Y. WERNER, 1969), male specimen, (F. WERNER, 1929), gravid female, 50 km from Dair ez-Zour to Palmyra. 50 km from Dair ez-Zour to Palmyra. Abb. 1: Trapelus persicus fieldii Abb. 2: Trapelus pallidus agnetae (F. WERNER, (HAAS & Y. WERNER, 1969), Männchen. Fund- 1929), trächtiges Weibchen. Fundort: 50 km ort: 50 km von Dair ez-Zour in Richtung Palmyra. von Dair ez-Zour in Richtung Palmyra.

I.I.I...!!.

Fig. 3 (left): Testudo graeca lerreslris FORSKAL, 1775 in cages in the animal market, downtown Damascus. Abb. 3 (links): Testudo graeca terrestris FORSKAL, 1775 in Käfigen auf dem Tiermarkt in der Altstadt von Damaskus. ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

Observations on the herpetofauna of Syria with notes on trade in reptiles 25

REPTILE TRADE IN SYRIA

Over the past years, we had the oppor- crease fertility in men and women, Echis tunity to visit the animal market downtown coloratus GÜNTHER, 1878 skeleton against Damascus several times. More than 10 intimacy problems, Pelophylax ridibundus shops are specialized in selling live local (PALLAS, 1771) against inguinal hernia and animals (birds, mammals and reptiles). thinning eyelashes, Varanus griseus dried Several species of living reptiles were dis- skin and secretion are used against spider played for sale, including the Middle Eastern bite, reducing fear, skin diseases and treat- Spur-thighed Tortoise, Testudo graeca ter- ment of eye inflammation and Testudo grae- restris, of various sizes, the Strip-necked ca to improve personal relations and Turtle, Mauremys rivulata, the Mediterra- inguinal hernia problems (LEV 2003). nean Chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon In 2004, the RSCN seized a "bag of (LINNAEUS, 1758), The Dabb, Uromastyx snakes" which contained over 100 Natrix aegyptia (FORSKÂL, 1775), snakes of the specimens. Two species of Natrix occur in genus Natrix and the Large Whip Snake Syria, N. tessellata (LAURENTI, 1768) and N. Hierophis jugularis (LINNAEUS, 1758). natrix (LINNAEUS, 1758). Again these Hundreds of T. graeca terrestris, are snakes are sold in Syria as "aquaria"-ani- kept under improper conditions (Fig. 3). mals and sent to Turkey and parts of Europe They are placed in cages of about 70 cm x70 by buses and land transport. In the animal cm, where each cage contains more than market, tens of Natrix specimens are placed hundred specimens without suited food. crowded in water containers, with several Several Ch. chamaeleon, of various sizes dead specimens. These snakes are sold for are kept in cages. Locals buy chameleons to about 2 US$ a piece. practice traditional medicine, and believe Such illegal trade will certainly affect strongly that chameleon meat and skin can these species and will lead to a drastic heal from several diseases. Snakes are decline in their populations. Concerning placed in glass containers filled with water. Morocco, LAMBERT (1979) suggested that Each container includes more than 30 spec- the net effect of collecting T graeca graeca imens, some of which are dead. LINNAEUS, 1758 may have reduced pre-trade About 500 specimens of T. graeca ter- population levels by as much as 86 %. restris originating from Syria have been Overcollecting of certain species ad- confiscated at Dubai Airport in 2003. Also, dresses the need to evaluate the level of the Royal Society for the Conservation of trade and make sure that it is not causing Nature (RSCN) in Jordan confiscated over declines in wild populations. In Syria, no 600 specimens at the land border between records to track the imports and exports of Jordan and Syria from a single transport in reptiles are available. The lack of informa- 2004. Large specimens of this turtle are tion implies that population declines due to sold at a price of 3 US$. The trade with this overcollecting could be going undetected species is continuous despite the fact that (SCHAEPFER et. al. 2005). Further investiga- Syria is a signatory of the CITES treaty in tion should focus on the actual number of 2003. Specimens are sold mostly to Eastern traded animals in Syria. Europe and then smuggled into Western The concept of conservation in its Europe. Fore instance, a Norwegian citizen broad spectrum is not yet fully visualized in was fined for violating CITES in Denmark, Syria, despite the presence of a conservation where he had brought 125 live juvenile authority. This is mainly due to lack of Spur-thighed Tortoises from Syria in 2002. experience and knowledge in this multidis- He claimed they were for medicinal purpos- ciplinary task. Syria has no area-based es and that the specimens were to be roasted environmental laws or protected area sys- and ground to a powder for ingestion to heal tem dedicated explicitly towards conserving an aching back (ANONYMOUS 2003). biodiversity. However, the Ministry of Other reptiles and amphibians are Environmental Affairs is currently drafting used in folk medicine in the Levant such as a nature conservation law, and there is a sys- Scincus scincus (LINNAEUS, 1758) to in- tem of protected forests and rangelands. ©Österreichische Gesellschaft für Herpetologie e.V., Wien, Austria, download unter www.biologiezentrum.at

26 Z. AMR & A. SHEHAB & M. ABU BAKER

Hunting and collecting animals occurs ties many collectors collect and trade in ani- throughout Syria and is said to be increas- mals illegally. Enforcement and awareness ing; the hunting laws are considered to be should be the first priority for the Syrian strict, but despite the efforts of the authori- authorities to regulate this trade.

REFERENCES

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DATE OF SUBMISSION: October 12, 2006 Corresponding editor: Heinz Grillitsch

AUTHORS: Zuhair AMR, Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Jordan University for Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, 22110 Irbid, Jordan; Adwan SHEHAB, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Douma. P.O. Box 113, Damascus, Syria; Mohamad ABU BAKER, Dept. Biological Sciences (MC066)/ Division of Ecology and Evolution, 845 West Taylor St. University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607-7060 USA.