Review of Species Selected at SRG 45 Following Working Group Recommendations on Reptiles and One Scorpion from Benin, Ghana and Togo

Home , Charina, Senegal chameleon

Review of species selected at SRG 45 following working group recommendations on reptiles and one scorpion from Benin, Ghana and Togo

(Version edited for public release)

A report to the European Commission Directorate General E - Environment ENV.E.2. – Environmental Agreements and Trade

by the

United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre

November, 2008

UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre 219 Huntingdon Road

Cambridge CB3 0DL CITATION United Kingdom UNEP-WCMC (2008). Review of species selected at SRG 45 following working group recommendations on reptiles Tel: +44 (0) 1223 277314 and one scorpion from Benin, Ghana and Togo. A Report Fax: +44 (0) 1223 277136 to the European Commission. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge. Email: [email protected] Website: www.unep-wcmc.org PREPARED FOR

ABOUT UNEP-WORLD CONSERVATION The European Commission, Brussels, Belgium MONITORING CENTRE The UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre DISCLAIMER (UNEP-WCMC), based in Cambridge, UK, is the The contents of this report do not necessarily reflect specialist biodiversity information and assessment the views or policies of UNEP or contributory centre of the United Nations Environment organisations. The designations employed and the Programme (UNEP), run cooperatively with WCMC presentations do not imply the expressions of any 2000, a UK charity. The Centre's mission is to opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP, the evaluate and highlight the many values of European Commission or contributory organisations biodiversity and put authoritative biodiversity concerning the legal status of any country, territory, knowledge at the centre of decision-making. city or area or its authority, or concerning the Through the analysis and synthesis of global delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. biodiversity knowledge the Centre provides authoritative, strategic and timely information for conventions, countries, organisations and countries © Copyright: 2008, European Commission to use in the development and implementation of their policies and decisions.

The UNEP-WCMC provides objective and scientifically rigorous procedures and services. These include ecosystem assessments, support for the implementation of environmental agreements, global and regional biodiversity information, research on threats and impacts, and the development of future scenarios.

Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 2 SPECIES: Chamaeleo senegalensis ...... 3 SPECIES: Varanus exanthematicus ...... 9 SPECIES: Calabaria reinhardtii...... 14 SPECIES: Python sebae ...... 18

Introduction

At SRG 43, the SRG established an inter-sessional working group to consider EU imports of 16 CITES-listed reptile and scorpion species, in particular to review current and historical SRG decisions and opinions, and to examine trade data for these species. The working group, led by Spain, also included Belgium, the United Kingdom and UNEP-WCMC. At the request of the working group, UNEP-WCMC produced a document compiling information and trade data for the 15 reptile species and scorpion Pandinus imperator from Benin, Ghana and Togo (SRG 45). For those species which had not previously been subject to detailed review by UNEP-WCMC and for which little or no status information was available and trade to the EU had been reported, the working group recommended that an in-depth review be undertaken by UNEP-WCMC. This recommendation of the working group was accepted by the SRG. This document compiles in-depth reviews for the four reptile species selected by the working group: Varanus exanthematicus, Calabaria reinhardtii and Python sebae from Ghana (W and R), and Chamaeleo senegalensis from Benin (R) and Ghana (W). For the purposes of this report, the 27 countries that are currently members of the European Union have been considered as part of the EU (EU-27). This may include countries that have not been EU Member States for the duration of the period under consideration in the trade tables of this report.

REVIEW OF WEST AFRICAN REPTILE SPECIES SELECTED AT SRG 45.

REPTILIA: CHAMAELEONIDAE

SPECIES: Chamaeleo senegalensis

SYNONYMS: Chamaeleon subcroceus

COMMON NAMES: Senegal-Kameleon (Dutch), Senegal Chameleon (English), Caméléon du Sénégal (French), Camaleón del Senegal (Spanish), senegalkameleont (Swedish)

RANGE STATES: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

RANGE STATES UNDER REVIEW: Benin, Ghana

IUCN RED LIST: -

PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: A positive opinion for all countries was formed on 22/07/1997. A positive opinion for Ghana was formed on 15/09/2008. There is a current negative opinion for wild specimens from Togo (formed 15/09/2008) and ranched specimens with a snout-vent length greater than 6 cm (formed 15/09/2008). A positive opinion exists for ranched specimens from Togo with a maximum snout-vent length of 6 cm. TRADE PATTERNS: Chamaeleo senegalensis from Benin was selected for this review on the basis of high levels of trade in ranched specimens to the EU, and no previous species review had been undertaken for the country. Tables 1-4 summarise CITES trade data for this species/country combination. Live animals for the pet industry are Benin‟s primary export commodity for this species and the main EU importing State is Spain with France, Netherlands and Germany also importing significant quantities. In the rest of the world, the United States is the main importer but considerable numbers also go to Ghana for re-export. Export quotas for ranched live animals have been published for this species from Benin since 1997 and were possibly exceeded in 1999 according to data presented by Benin (Table 4). However data reported by importing countries suggest that export permits are issued for more specimens than are actually traded.

Ghana was selected for review on the basis high levels of trade in wild specimens to the EU, and no previous species review had been undertaken for the country. Tables 5-7 summarise CITES trade data for this species/country combination. Live animals for the pet industry are Ghana‟s primary export commodity for this species and the main EU importing States are Spain and Germany, with the United Kingdom and Netherlands also importing significant quantities. In the rest of the world, the United States is the main importer with smaller quantities going to Japan and Canada. Export quotas for wild live animals have been published for this species from Ghana since 1997 but not for the years 2005 to 2007. The quota for 1997 was possibly exceeded according to data presented by Ghana (Table 7), and in 2002 according to importer data. However data reported by importing countries suggest that export permits were issued for more specimens than are actually traded in that year. Table 1. Direct exports of Chamaeleo senegalensis from Benin to EU-27, 2001-2006.

Importer Term Purpose Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Austria live T R Importer 30 30

Exporter 50 50

Denmark live T R Importer 62 20 82

Exporter 30 30

France live T R Importer 50 280 330

Exporter 150 400 550

Germany bodies S W Importer 4 4

Exporter

live T R Importer 30 92 30 152

Exporter 100 80 100 280

Italy live T R Importer 20 20

Exporter

Netherlands live T R Importer 50 175 105 330

Exporter 155 188 343

Slovenia live T R Importer

Exporter 30 30

Spain live T R Importer 298 830 300 261 982 250 2921

Exporter 290 1150 940 150 2530

United Kingdom live T R Importer 65 65

Exporter

- I Importer 209 209

Exporter

bodies S W Importer 4 4

Exporter

live T R Importer 398 890 567 571 1064 440 3930 Subtotals Exporter 725 1868 1040 180 3813

- I Importer 209 209

bodies S W Exporter

Table 2. Indirect exports of Chamaeleo senegalensis originating in Benin to EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was for commercial purposes. Exporter Importer Term Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Total

Ghana Germany live R Importer 85 85

Exporter 35 35

Greece live R Importer 50 50

Exporter

Italy live R Importer

Exporter 100 100

Netherlands live R Importer 25 25

Exporter 65 65

Poland live R Importer 50 50

Exporter

Spain live R Importer 92 38 39 30 199

Exporter 40 30 70

W Importer

Exporter 40 40

Niger Netherlands live R Importer 50 50

Exporter

Togo Spain live R Importer 100 100

Exporter 600 600 live R Importer 92 188 249 30 559 Exporter 100 600 140 30 870 Subtotals W Importer

Exporter 40 40

Table 3. Direct exports of Chamaeleo senegalensis from Benin to countries other than EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in live specimens for commercial purposes.

Importer Purpose Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Ghana T R Importer 600 2900 4588 8088

Exporter 600 4550 2000 100 7250

Japan T R Importer 10 50 100 160

Exporter 50 10 60

Mexico T R Importer 105 105

Exporter 105 105

United States T C Importer 100 100

Exporter

R Importer 1185 703 1480 1289 1530 6187

Exporter 7529 2850 1300 1950 13629

W Importer 1422 2793 200 200 4615

Exporter

Subtotals T C Importer 100 100

Exporter

R Importer 1890 3603 4598 1530 1289 1630 14540

Exporter 8284 7410 3300 2050 21044

W Importer 1422 2793 200 200 4615

Exporter

Table 4. CITES Export quotas for Chamaeleo senegalensis from Benin and associated global exports, (source R) reported by importer and exporter. All quotas refer to live specimens.

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Benin Quota (ranched) 21200 21200 4500 6500 12341 10500 10500 10500 8000 10000 7000 7000

Exports reported by 396 625 1836 878 2288 4493 5165 2101 2353 2070 importer

Exports reported by 5677 4966 5101 4955 9009 9278 - 4340 2230 - exporter

Table 5. Direct exports of Chamaeleo senegalensis from Ghana to EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in wild live specimens for commercial purposes. There was no indirect trade originating in Ghana. Importer Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Austria Importer 30 81 111

Exporter 100 100

Belgium Importer 10 10

Exporter 25 25

Czech Republic Importer 35 20 30 85

Exporter 20 20

Denmark Importer 25 25

Exporter 25 25

Finland Importer 10 10

Exporter

Germany Importer 50 36 85 363 40 105 679

Exporter 120 32 130 350 230 862

Greece Importer 30 30

Exporter 30 30

Italy Importer 98 30 128

Exporter 115 30 145

Netherlands Importer 26 75 10 70 38 219

Exporter 75 10 200 285

Spain Importer 183 25 69 277 40 313 907

Exporter 25 25 20 350 290 710

United Kingdom Importer 30 83 129 85 40 367

Exporter 77 70 260 160 567

Importer 294 234 402 829 316 496 2571 Subtotals Exporter 145 294 355 970 1005 2769

Table 6. Direct exports of Chamaeleo senegalensis from Ghana to countries other than EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in live specimens for commercial purposes. Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Canada W Importer 30 28 30 25 75 188

Exporter 30 28 30 55 100 243

Japan W Importer 200 50 120 370

Exporter 200 100 220 520

Malaysia W Importer 20 20

Exporter 20 20

Mexico W Importer 45 45

Exporter

Serbia and Montenegro W Importer

Exporter 8 8

Thailand R Importer 20 20

Exporter

W Importer 20 20

Exporter

Ukraine W Importer

Exporter 5 5

United Arab Emirates R Importer 100 100

Exporter

W Importer 100 50 150

Exporter 50 50

United States R Importer 50 680 125 183 1038

Exporter

W Importer 795 2884 928 175 233 554 5569

Exporter 310 700 348 75 890 2323

R Importer 50 680 145 283 1158

Exporter Subtotals W Importer 845 3112 958 370 403 674 6362

Exporter 340 928 478 143 1280 3169

Table 7. CITES Export quotas for Chamaeleo senegalensis from Ghana and associated global exports (source W), reported by importer and exporter. All quotas refer to live specimens.

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Ghana Quota (wild) 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 1500 - - - 1500

Exports reported by 1138 1132 1130 1055 1139 3346 1360 1199 719 1170 importer

Exports reported by 2396 1048 1093 1365 485 1222 833 1113 2285 - exporter

CONSERVATION STATUS in range states Reported to be widely distributed throughout equatorial Africa inhabiting dry savannahs and gallery forests (Pollak, 2002). Not globally threatened, however Carpenter et al. (2004) noted “.. any species currently traded at high annual volumes, such as … C. senegalensis …, should be of concern to conservationists as there is a lack of information concerning the biology of the species and harvesting impacts.” Reported to reach sexual maturity in 5-6 months, females can lay two clutches per year with each up to 70 eggs (Pollak, 2002). Benin: Recorded as occurring in Benin (The Reptile Database, 2008). No published survey reports are available for the species in Benin, and conservation status within the country is unknown. No anecdotal evidence has been found to indicate the presence of the species throughout the country. Not included in a study of reptiles within international trade from Benin and Togo by Harwood (2003).

Ghana: There have been relatively few studies of Ghana‟s herpetofauna (Leaché, 2005). Observed in road ditches and gardens of Nkwanta in the Volta region, Eastern Ghana by opportunistic searching during 2001 (Rödel & Cudjoe, 2002). Occurrence in the Kyabobo National Park, Eastern Ghana was reported by Leaché et al. (2006). Surveys during the rainy season recorded presence in moist savannah habitat; specimens were observed crossing roads during the day and found easily during night surveys in bushes and small trees. Possible local threats identified were bush fires and collection for local medicine use Leaché et al., (2006). Leaché (2005) surveyed reptiles in three sites in Ghana representing savannah woodland (Northern region), semi-deciduous forest (Brong-Ahafo region) and coastal forest (three geographically proximal collection areas in the Greater Accra region). C. senegalensis was not encountered in any of the visual surveys.

REFERENCES: Carpenter, A. I., Rowcliffe, J. M. and Watkinson, A. R. 2004. The dynamics of the global trade in chameleons. Biological Conservation, 120(2): 291-301. Harwood, J. 2003. West African reptiles: species status and management guidelines for reptiles in international trade from Benin and Togo. Prepared by UNEP-WCMC for the European Commission. Leaché, A.D. 2005. Results of a Herpetological Survey in Ghana and a New Country Record. Herpetological Review, 2005, 36(1), 16–19. Leaché, A.D., Rödel, M.-O., Linkem, C. W., Diaz, R. E., Hillers, A., and Fujita, M. K. 2006. Biodiversity in a forest island: reptiles and amphibians of the West African Togo Hills. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, 4(1):22-45 Pollak, E. 2002. http://www.adcham.com/html/taxonomy/species/chsenegalensis.html Accessed 13/10/2008 Rödel M-O, Cudjoe, A.A.. 2002. Herpetological survey in the Volta region, Eastern Ghana URL http://www.cepf.net/ImageCache/cepf/content/pdfs/voltasurvey_2epdf/v1/voltasurvey.p df Accessed 13/10/2008 The Reptile Database. 2008. The J. Craig Venter Institute. URL http://www.jcvi.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Chamaeleo&species=senegalensis Accessed 13/10/2008

REVIEW OF WEST AFRICAN REPTILE SPECIES SELECTED AT SRG 45.

REPTILIA: VARANIDAE

SPECIES: Varanus exanthematicus

SYNONYMS: Lacerta exanthematica,Varanus ocellatus

COMMON NAMES: Steppevaraan (Dutch), African Large-grain Lizard (English), African Savanna Monitor (English), Bosc's Monitor (English), Northern Savanna Monitor (English), Varan des savanes (French), Varan des steppes (French), stäppvaran (Swedish)

RANGE STATES: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania

RANGE STATE UNDER REVIEW: Ghana

IUCN RED LIST: -

PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: Article 4.6 (b) import suspensions for Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Niger, and Rwanda, (applied initially on 22/12/1997) were removed on 24/09/2000. Current Article 4.6 (b) suspension in place for wild and ranched specimens from Benin, first applied on 22/12/1997, until the present (most recently applied on 03/09/2008).

A current positive opinion is in place for Togo for ranched specimens with snout-vent length with maximum size 35cm. A 4.6 (b) import suspension is in place for wild specimens (first applied 10/05/06) and ranched specimens with snout- vent length greater than 35cm (most recently applied on 03/09/2008). TRADE PATTERNS: Varanus exanthematicus from Ghana was selected for this review on the basis of high levels of trade to the EC in wild specimens, and no previous species review had been undertaken for the country. Tables 8-10 summarise CITES trade data for this species/country combination. Live animals for the pet industry are Ghana‟s primary export commodity for this species and the main EU importing States are the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain with lesser amounts going to

9 the Netherlands and Denmark. In the rest of the world, the United States is the main importer with smaller quantities going to Canada and Japan. No export quotas have been have been published for this species from Ghana. Table 8. Direct exports of Varanus exanthematicus from Ghana to EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in live specimens for commercial purposes.

Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Austria W Importer 50 74 50 174

Exporter 50 80 130

Belgium W Importer 50 50

Exporter 120 50 170

Czech Republic W Importer 160 150 100 30 30 60 530

Exporter 360 100 160 120 740

Denmark W Importer 216 200 400 250 200 1266

Exporter 80 325 275 400 380 1460

Finland W Importer 10 10

Exporter

Germany R Importer

Exporter 150 150

W Importer 729 597 720 1175 1241 1431 5893

Exporter 345 758 830 970 2290 5193

Greece W Importer 115 115

Exporter 165 165

Hungary W Importer 80 40 90 40 250

Exporter 70 50 40 40 50 250

Italy W Importer

Exporter 60 60

Netherlands W Importer 173 37 240 45 200 695

Exporter 250 450 265 800 1765

Poland C Importer 70 70

Exporter

W Importer 140 450 220 90 50 950

Exporter 130 115 400 240 150 1035

Slovak Republic W Importer 10 10 Exporter 60 60

Spain W Importer 281 200 519 488 383 510 2381

Exporter 238 312 475 785 760 2570

United Kingdom W Importer 768 800 1293 939 905 2085 6790

Exporter 910 1070 1390 1478 2146 6994

C Importer 70 70

Exporter Subtotals R Importer

Exporter 150 150

Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

W Importer 2387 2087 3714 3442 3058 4426 19114

Exporter 2563 2790 4185 4228 6826 20592

Table 9. Indirect exports of Varanus exanthematicus originating in Ghana to EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in wild live specimens for commercial purposes. Exporter Importer Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 Total

Benin Germany Importer 584 584

Exporter

Canada Portugal Importer 12 12

Exporter

Spain Importer 25 10 35

Exporter 25 25

Switzerland Spain Importer 50 50

Exporter

United States Germany Importer 20 10 30

Exporter 55 20 75

Netherlands Importer 50 50

Exporter

Spain Importer 12 44 56

Exporter 35 35

Importer 75 606 32 104 817 Subtotals Exporter 80 20 35 135

Table 10. Direct exports of Varanus exanthematicus from Ghana to countries other than EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in live specimens for commercial purposes.

Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Canada W Importer 1480 1050 919 645 350 975 5419

Exporter 950 1400 979 655 980 4964

Indonesia W Importer

Exporter 200 200

Japan W Importer 250 350 310 300 521 310 2041

Exporter 50 300 310 360 570 1590

Malaysia W Importer 5 14 19

Exporter 5 10 50 65

Mexico W Importer 50 170 220

Exporter

Switzerland W Importer 4 4

Exporter 10 10

Taiwan, Province of China R Importer

Exporter 320 320

Thailand W Importer 20 20

Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Exporter 20 20

Ukraine W Importer

Exporter 50 50

United Arab Emirates W Importer 200 60 260

Exporter 350 350

United States R Importer 810 490 1300 400 3000

Exporter 200 400 600

U Importer 198 198

Exporter

W Importer 8360 18207 16346 9078 9145 9704 70840

Exporter 7811 25722 23558 9100 13720 79911

R Importer 810 490 1300 400 3000

Exporter 520 400 920

U Importer 198 198 Subtotals Exporter

W Importer 10149 19621 17575 10043 10216 11219 78823

Exporter 8826 27482 25047 10135 15670 87160

CONSERVATION STATUS in range states Widely distributed across West Africa and throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa (Harwood, 2003). Typically associated with dry areas, especially the variety of savannah-type habitats and Brachystegia woodland (Luxmoore et al., 1988). The species “does not occur in rainforests nor in deserts, and thus the northern and southern limits of its distribution are restricted by the Sahara and the belt of rainforest” (Bennett, 1995). Known to adapt well to disturbed agricultural mosaic environments (Harwood, 2003). Its inactivity in the dry season in combination with its dull colouration and secretive nature mean that it is often overlooked and may be considered rare in areas where it is actually very common (Bennett, 1995). However, it is apparently negatively affected by human predation for both food and skins (Luxmoore et al., 1988). Lawson & Klemens (2001) considered information about the status of this species to be insufficient, and additional monitoring should be undertaken. Varanus exanthematicus skins are reputedly not in high demand from the leather industry because of their large, strongly keeled scales (Jenkins & Broad, 1994). de Buffrenil (1995) divided the reptile species found in farms of Benin, Ghana and Togo into four groups based on the complexity and extent of the breeding methods employed. He placed V. exanthematicus in the category for which breeding is well mastered. Bennett & Akonoor (1995, cited in Harwood, 2003) considered it “extremely unlikely that collection for international trade would have any impact on the overall population but indicated that the impact on localized population, e.g. in a single field, might be severe in the short term”. Females can lay up to 41 eggs in a clutch (Bennett, 1995) but may vary between 6 and 29 (Bennett, 2000). Ghana: There have been relatively few studies of Ghana‟s herpetofauna (Leaché, 2005). The density and abundance of Varanus exanthematicus was measured by single searches and mark-recapture studies at sites in the Great Accra Region of Ghana by Bennett (2000). One hour search effort yielded a mean of 0.42 lizards in August/September 1994 and 0.87 lizards in March/April 1996, indicating a density of 357 juveniles per km2 and estimated 24 adult females per km2 in mixed farmland and grassland habitats with sandy soil in coastal Ghana (Bennett, 2000).

Distribution records compiled by Bayless (2002) from various sources (including scientific literature sources, museum voucher, specimens, personal comments, field observations and photographic records), suggest V. exanthematicus is found widely throughout Ghana and in the following areas: Ayi Myensah, east and west Abokobi, Accra, Agomeda near Accra, Goden, Kokrobite, Legon, Salaga east of Shai Hills, Tamale near Tambakounda and Yendi. Leaché (2005) surveyed reptiles in three sites in Ghana representing savannah woodland (Northern region), semi-deciduous forest (Brong-Ahafo region) and coastal forest (three geographically proximal collection areas in the Greater Accra region). V. exanthematicus was encountered visually in coastal habitat at sites 26km north of Accra and 85km north-east of Accra. Occurrence in savannah habitat of the Kyabobo National Park, Eastern Ghana was reported by Leaché et al. (2006). In a survey of terrestrial habitat associated with the coastal Muni-Pomadze lagoon (a designated Ramsar site), Raxworthy & Attuquayefio (2000) recorded the occurrence of V. exanthematicus in Onyadze Forest, a site including a mixture of secondary forest and Eucalyptus plantations, as well as Yenku Forest Reserve, an area of coastal grassland and thicket. No commercial collection was observed. The authors noted that coastal thicket is being lost at Muni to provide new agricultural land. REFERENCES: Bayless, M. K. 2002. Monitor lizards: a pan-African check-list of their zoogeography (Sauria: Varanidae: Polydaedalus). Journal of Biogeography, 29: 1643-1701. Bennett, D. 1995. A little book of monitor lizards. Viper Press: Aberdeen, UK. 208 pp. Bennett, D. 2000. The density and abundance of juvenile Varanus exanthematicus (Sauria: Varanidae) in the coastal plain of Ghana. Amphibia-Reptilia, 21(3): 201-306. Bennett, D. & Akonoor, W. 1995. A preliminary investigation into the ecology of the monitor lizard Varanus exanthematicus in the coastal savannah of Ghana. Unpublished report. de Buffrenil, M.V. 1995. Les elevages de reptiles du Benin, du Ghana et du Togo. Report of a study undertaken for the CITES Secretariat. Harwood, J. 2003. West African reptiles: species status and management guidelines for reptiles in international trade from Benin and Togo. Prepared by UNEP-WCMC for the European Commission. Jenkins, M. & Broad, S. 1994. International trade in reptile skins. TRAFFIC International: Cambridge, UK. Lawson, D. P. & Klemens, M. W. 2001. Herpetofauna of the African rain forest: overview and recommendations for conservation. In: Weber, W., White, L. J. T., Vetter, A. and Naughton- Treves, L. (eds.) African rain forest ecology and conservation: an interdisciplinary perspective. New Haven and London: Yale University Press. Leaché, A.D. 2005. Results of a herpetological survey in Ghana and a new country record. Herpetological Review, 2005, 36(1), 16–19. Leaché, A.D., Rödel, M.-O., Linkem, C. W., Diaz, R. E., Hillers, A., and Fujita, M. K. 2006. Biodiversity in a forest island: reptiles and amphibians of the West African Togo Hills. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, 4(1): 22-45. Luxmoore, R., Groombridge, B. & Broad, S. 1988. The significance of trade in selected species listed in CITES Appendix II. Vol. 3. Reptiles and invertebrates. CITES Secretariat: Lausanne, Switzerland. Raxworthy, C.J. & Attuquayefio, D.K. 2000. Herpetofaunal communities at Muni Lagoon in Ghana. Biodiversity and Conservation 9: 501–510.

REVIEW OF WEST AFRICAN REPTILE SPECIES SELECTED AT SRG 45.

REPTILIA: BOIDAE

SPECIES: Calabaria reinhardtii

SYNONYMS: Calabaria fusca, Charina reinhardtii, Eryx reinhardtii, Rhoptrura petiti, Rhoptrura reinhardtii

COMMON NAMES: Aardpython (Dutch), African Burrowing Python (English), Calabar Ground Python (English), Calabare de Reinhardt (French), Calabaria de Reinhardt (French), Pitón de Calabar (Spanish), afrikansk grävpyton (Swedish), calabaria (Swedish)

RANGE STATES: Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo

RANGE STATE UNDER REVIEW: Ghana

IUCN RED LIST: -

PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: Current Article 4.6 (b) suspension in place for ranched specimens from Benin, first applied on 24/9/2000 and most recently updated on 3/09/08. Current positive opinion for Cameroon, formed on 25/10/2005. Current Article 4.6 (b) suspension in place for wild and ranched specimens from Benin with effect from 03/09/08, first applied for ranched specimens on 24/09/2000. TRADE PATTERNS: Calabaria reinhardtii from Ghana was selected for review on the basis of steady trade levels to the EU, and no previous species review had been undertaken for the country. Tables 11-13 summarise CITES trade data for this species/country combination. Live animals for the pet industry are Ghana‟s primary export commodity for this species and the main EU importing States are the United Kingdom and Germany. In the rest of the world, the United States is the main importer with smaller quantities going to Japan and Canada. No export quotas have been published for this species from Ghana.

Table 11. Direct exports of Calabaria reinhardtii from Ghana to EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in live specimens for commercial purposes. Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Czech Republic W Importer 20 20

Exporter 10 20 30

Denmark W Importer 10 25 35

Exporter 20 10 40 70

Germany W Importer 13 56 35 109 24 52 289

Exporter 60 50 75 74 201 460

Greece W Importer 5 5

Exporter 5 5

Hungary W Importer 12 12

Exporter 12 12

Italy R Importer 10 10

Exporter

W Importer 30 36 66

Exporter 10 66 76

Netherlands W Importer 7 19 4 30

Exporter 119 16 46 181

Poland W Importer 10 10 10 30

Exporter 10 10 20

Spain W Importer 10 6 20 20 10 41 107

Exporter 15 6 20 50 36 127

United Kingdom W Importer 15 40 71 53 77 75 331

Exporter 70 95 118 108 161 552

R Importer 10 10

Exporter Subtotals W Importer 75 157 131 202 182 178 925

Exporter 294 217 228 268 526 1533

Table 12. Indirect exports of Calabaria reinhardtii originating in Ghana to EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in wild live specimens for commercial purposes. Exporter Importer Reported by 2001 2006 Total

Switzerland Spain Importer 5 5

Exporter

United States France Importer 5 5

Exporter 5 5

Importer 5 5 10 Subtotals Exporter 5 5

Table 13. Direct exports of Calabaria reinhardtii from Ghana to countries other than EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in live specimens for commercial purposes. Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Canada W Importer 60 10 45 14 40 35 204

Exporter 80 7 45 23 54 209

Hong Kong W Importer 48 48

Exporter 50 50

Indonesia W Importer

Exporter 10 10

Japan W Importer 10 32 20 69 44 21 196

Exporter 30 10 73 65 178

Mexico W Importer 30 30

Exporter

Mozambique W Importer

Exporter 70 70

Serbia and Montenegro W Importer

Exporter 10 10

Taiwan, Province of China W Importer

Exporter 30 30

United Arab Emirates W Importer 30 20 30 80

Exporter 20 10 30

United States R Importer 41 8 49

Exporter

W Importer 344 270 190 30 82 118 1034

Exporter 899 528 407 65 378 2277

R Importer 41 8 49

Exporter Subtotals W Importer 414 312 255 191 186 234 1592

Exporter 979 565 462 311 547 2864

CONSERVATION STATUS in range states Widely distributed across West Africa (Harwood, 2003). This rainforest species is “..present in western tropical Africa, where it is widespread across the Liberia-Congo rainforest belt”, including Ghana (Cimatti, 2003). Inhabits “mostly forested regions” (Kluge, 1993), but also occurs in overgrown cultivated areas (Cimatti, 2003) and is found in coastal thicket (Raxworthy & Attuquayefio, 2000). May be subject to an inferred threat due to habitat loss of preferred damp forest environments (Harwood, 2003).

Calabaria reinhardtii was considered relatively easy to keep (Cimatti, 2003). Although there is some indication that breeding may be biennial, annual breeding has been observed (Cimatti, 2003). Clutch size varies from 2-6 eggs (Harwood, 2003). However, captive-born C. reinhardtii are “rare, and in most cases of breeding the females were wild-caught and already gravid, (Cimatti, 2003). de Buffrenil (1995) divided the reptile species found in farms of Benin, Ghana and Togo into four groups based on the complexity and extent of the breeding methods employed. Calabaria reinhardtii came under the category for which breeding was in an experimental stage and remained unpredictable.

Ghana: There has been very little attention to herpetological study within the country (Leaché, 2005). Gorzula et al. (1997) noted that Calabaria reinhardtii in Ghana “appeared to be restricted to relatively pristine damp primary forests in the south-west”. The species is thought to occur in three wildlife conservation areas of Ghana: The Bia National Park, the Ankasa and Nini-Suhien Reserve, and the Kakum and Assin Attandanso Reserve (Gorzula et al. 1997). These protected areas cover a combined total area of 1,140 km2. Information reported by trappers indicated that the species may be encountered in several areas relatively close to the capital Accra. “The localities are Nkwadum in the Eastern Region, and Kwaata, Domenasa, Bofuyedru and Awurso, all in Central Region” Gorzula et al. (1997). Virtually all of the 6,335 km2 forest area in Ghana was reported to be natural forest rather than plantation; forest loss in Ghana during 1990-2000 was 16% (Earthtrends, 2003). In a survey of terrestrial habitat associated with the coastal Muni-Pomadze lagoon (a designated Ramsar site), Raxworthy & Attuquayefio (2000) recorded occurrence of C. reinhardtii in Onyadze Forest, a site including a mixture of secondary forest and Eucalyptus plantations, as well as the Onyadze-Winneba Junction, just south of the coastal highway in grass/thicket habitat. The authors noted that coastal thicket habitat was being lost at Muni to provide new agricultural land. Leaché (2005) surveyed reptiles in three sites in Ghana representing savannah woodland (in the Northern region of Ghana, 2.5 km SW of Buipe), semi-deciduous forest (Brong-Ahafo region, 26km SW of Goaso) and coastal forest (three geographically proximal collection areas, 26km North, 34km North and 55km NE from Accra respectively). C. reinhardtii was not encountered in any of the visual surveys. Harwood (2003) reported that farmers in Benin stated that “Calabaria reinhardtii was either very rare or did not occur in Benin but was more common in Togo and particularly Ghana”. Specimens for breeding in Benin were purchased from both Ghana and Togo. In Ghana the species was observed in captivity at the breeding facility „Ogun‟s and Company Limited‟, visited by Gorzula et al. (1997); Calabar pythons with clutches of 2 to 4 eggs were observed.

REFERENCES: de Buffrenil, M.V. 1995. Les elevages de reptiles du Benin, du Ghana et du Togo. Report of a study undertaken for the CITES Secretariat. Cimatti, E. 2003. Calabaria reinhardtii - African Burrowing Python. Reptilia (GB) 28: 66-67. Earthtrends. 2003. URL http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library/country_profiles/for_cou_288.pdf Accessed 22-10-08. Gorzula, S., Nsiah, W. O. and Oduro, W. 1997. Survey of the status and management of the Royal Python (Python regius) in Ghana. Report to UNEP-CITES. Harwood, J. 2003. West African reptiles: species status and management guidelines for reptiles in international trade from Benin and Togo. Prepared by UNEP-WCMC for the European Commission. Kluge, A. G. 1993. Calabaria and the phylogeny of erycine snakes. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 107: 293-351. Leaché, A.D. 2005. Results of a herpetological survey in Ghana and a new country record. Herpetological Review, 2005, 36(1), 16–19. Raxworthy, C.J. & Attuquayefio, D.K. 2000. Herpetofaunal communities at Muni Lagoon in Ghana, Biodiversity and Conservation 9: 501–510.

REVIEW OF WEST AFRICAN REPTILE SPECIES SELECTED AT SRG 45.

REPTILIA: PYTHONIDAE

SPECIES: Python sebae

SYNONYMS: Boa hieroglyphica, Boa liberiensis, Coluber sebae, Coluber speciosus, Heleionomus variegatus, Hortulia natalensis, Hortulia sebae, Python houttuyni, Python jubalis, Python liberiensis, Python natalensis, Python saxuloides

COMMON NAMES: Rotspython (Dutch), African Python (English), African Rock Python (English), Python de Seba (French), Pitón de Seba (Spanish), assala (Swedish), hieroglyform (Swedish), klippyton (Swedish)

RANGE STATES: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

RANGE STATE UNDER REVIEW: Ghana

IUCN RED LIST: -

PREVIOUS EC OPINIONS: Current positive opinion for ranched specimens from Benin, formed on 15/09/2008.

Current positive opinions are in place for Cameroon, formed on 25/10/2005, Chad, formed on 05/09/2002, Mali, formed on 26/03/2001 and the United Republic of Tanzania, formed on 13/06/2005. Current positive opinions for wild and ranched specimens from Ghana are in place, both formed on 15/09/2008 (initially formed for wild specimens on 10/09/1998). Article 4.6 (b) suspensions are place for wild specimens from Mauritania (first applied on 22/12/1997), and for Mozambique for both wild specimens (applied since 19/09/1999) and ranched specimens (from 22/12/1997). An Article 4.6 (b) import suspension from South Africa (first applied on 22/12/97) was removed on 24/09/2000.

TRADE PATTERNS: Python sebae from Ghana was selected for review on the basis of regular trade to the EU, and no previous species review had been undertaken for the country. Tables 14-16 summarise CITES trade data for this species/country combination. Live animals for the pet industry are Ghana‟s primary export commodity for this species and the main EU importing States are Germany, Spain and United Kingdom. In the rest of the world, the United States and Japan are the main importers. Export quotas for live animals and skins have been published for this species from Ghana since 1997 and do not appear to have been exceeded (Table 17). Table 14. Direct exports of Python sebae from Ghana to EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in live specimens for commercial purposes. The only indirect trade was two ranched specimens imported by Slovakia from Ukraine in 2003.

Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Austria R Importer 15 15

Exporter 25 25

Belgium R Importer 20 20

Exporter

W Importer

Exporter 20 20

Czech Republic R Importer

Exporter 10 10

Denmark R Importer 18 18

Exporter 10 70 40 120

Germany R Importer 10 20 45 85 57 85 302

Exporter 10 20 55 70 70 225

W Importer 3 10 34 11 2 60

Exporter 40 10 4 54

Greece R Importer 5 5

Exporter 5 10 15

Italy R Importer 53 53

Exporter 95 95

Netherlands W Importer 6 6

Exporter 10 10

Poland R Importer

Exporter 15 15

Slovak ia R Importer 10 10

Exporter

W Importer

Exporter 10 10

Spain R Importer 18 40 72 28 22 180

Exporter 30 75 40 145

W Importer 2 2

Exporter 14 26 40

Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

United Kingdom R Importer 10 10 34 31 165 250

Exporter 20 10 10 85 46 171

W Importer

Exporter 50 50

R Importer 58 101 100 191 131 272 853

Exporter 40 195 150 255 181 821 Subtotals W Importer 9 10 34 11 4 68

Exporter 94 36 4 50 184

Table 15. Direct exports of Python sebae from Ghana to countries other than EU-27, 2001-2006. All trade was in live specimens for commercial purposes.

Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

Canada R Importer 16 16

Exporter 31 30 61

Egypt R Importer

Exporter 10 10

W Importer

Exporter 10 10 20

Japan R Importer 20 10 63 5 10 108

Exporter 20 10 63 10 103

W Importer 10 10

Exporter

Jordan R Importer

Exporter 10 10

W Importer

Exporter 10 10

Serbia and Montenegro R Importer

Exporter 10 10

Switzerland W Importer

Exporter 3 3

Ukraine R Importer

Exporter 10 10 20

United Arab Emirates R Importer

Exporter 50 110 160

W Importer 140 60 200

Exporter 10 5 10 25

United States R Importer 20 158 367 167 230 103 1045

Exporter 61 390 465 120 365 1401

W Importer 155 50 3 100 40 348

Exporter 201 5 20 1 227

Importer Source Reported by 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Total

R Importer 20 178 377 246 235 113 1169

Exporter 61 420 485 284 525 1775 Subtotals W Importer 155 50 3 240 110 558

Exporter 211 5 35 34 285

Table 16. CITES Export quotas for Python sebae from Ghana and associated global exports, reported by importer and exporter.

Term Quotas/exports 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 (source) live (W) Quota 360 360 360 360 360 360 360 360 360 360 360 360

Exports reported by 205 123 156 134 164 60 37 240 121 4 live (W) importer

Exports reported by 202 30 107 59 306 41 4 85 34 exporter live (R) Quota 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Exports reported by 19 183 79 40 78 279 477 437 366 385 live (R) importer

Exports reported by 302 200 334 147 101 615 635 539 706 exporter skins Quota 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50

Exports reported by skins importer 5 9 14 25 5 1

Exports reported by

exporter 10 3 17 9 5

CONSERVATION STATUS in range states Pitman (1938) considered the species to be “one of the most widely distributed of African snakes, occurring practically throughout the whole continent”. The species is often found in or around water and adapts to a range of habitats, including savannah, forest regions and disturbed or agricultural land (Gorzula et al., 1997, Luxmoore et al., 1988). Lawson & Klemens (2001) noted that information about the status of this species is insufficient, and additional monitoring is needed. Python sebae was reported to be heavily exploited for the international reptile skin trade (Luxmoore et al., 1988, Jenkins and Broad, 1994) and locally traded as bushmeat (Luiselli et al., 2001). Luxmoore et al. (1988) reported: “The southern subspecies is said to be „still common in thinly populated areas where there is good cover and an adequate food supply‟ (Broadley, 1984); this general situation is also likely to apply to the northern subspecies. In many cases such areas are likely to be in national parks, game reserves, and similar protected areas. In general the species is under pressure due to habitat loss and killing for the skin trade. Although python populations are said to be rapidly declining in many parts of Africa (Madsen et al., 1985), the species is also said to be very common in many regions, and to adapt readily to disturbed environments such as sugar cane fields (and to be found frequently around human habitation) (Branch and Hacke, 1980). Most sources do agree that very large specimens are now rarely seen. Given the widespread exploitation of the species and the concern in some quarters for its population status, appropriate field data are required with some urgency.” (Luxmoore et al. 1988). de Buffrenil (1995) divided the reptile species found in farms of Benin, Ghana and Togo into four groups based on the complexity and extent of the breeding methods employed. He placed P. sebae in the category for which breeding is well mastered.

Ghana: There has been very little attention to herpetological study within Ghana (Leaché, 2005). Gorzula et al. (1997) considered that all of Ghana‟s 14 wildlife protected areas, covering a total of 1,297,900km2 should harbour populations of Python sebae; these included the National Parks of Bia, Bui, Digya, Kyabobo and Mole, the Reserves of Kogyae (strict Reserve), Ankasa & Nini-Suhien, and Kakum & Assin Attandanso, the „Resource Reserves` of Gbele, Kalakpa and the Shai Hills, and Sanctuaries including Agumatsa, Boabeng-Fiema and Owabi. Wildlife conservation areas are distributed throughout major vegetation zones of Ghana, except coastal habitat (Ntiamoa-Baidu, undated). Gorzula et al. (1997) noted: “Interviews with trappers and local people suggests that the African python is widely distributed throughout the whole of Ghana. It is by no means as common as the royal python, but was reported to occur in all of the farmland areas visited by the team. It would seem to be found close to water, along the banks of rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and in forest.” (Gorzula et al., 1997). Leaché (2005) surveyed reptiles in three sites in Ghana representing savannah woodland (Northern region), semi-deciduous forest (Brong-Ahafo region) and coastal forest (three geographically proximal collection areas in the Greater Accra region). P.sebae was not encountered in any of the visual surveys. No population estimates were found to be available for Ghana. Gorzula et al., (1997) considered an annual quota of 1,000 ranched specimens would “represent the hatchlings from fewer than 40 pregnant females”.

REFERENCES: Branch, W.R. & Hacke, D. 1980. A fatal attack on a young boy by an African Rock Python Python sebae. Journal of Herpetology 14(3): 305-307. Broadley, D.G. 1984. A review of geographical variation in the African Python Python sebae (Gmelin). British Journal of Herpetology, 6(10): 359-367. de Buffrenil, M.V. 1995. Les elevages de reptiles du Benin, du Ghana et du Togo. Report of a study undertaken for the CITES Secretariat. Gorzula, S., Nsiah, W.O. and Oduro, W. 1997. Survey of the status and management of the Royal Python (Python regius) in Ghana. Report to UNEP-CITES. Jenkins, M. and Broad, S. 1994. International trade in reptile skins. TRAFFIC International: Cambridge, UK. Lawson, D. P. & Klemens, M. W. 2001. Herpetofauna of the African rain forest: overview and recommendations for conservation. In: Weber, W., White, L.J.T., Vetter, A. and Naughton-Treves, L. (eds.) African rain forest ecology and conservation: an interdisciplinary perspective. New Haven and London: Yale University Press. Leaché, A.D. 2005. Results of a herpetological survey in Ghana and a new country record. Herpetological Review 36(1): 16–19. Luiselli, L., Angelici, F. M. and Akani, G. C. 2001. Food habits of Python sebae in suburban and natural habitats. African Journal of Ecology 39(1): 116-118. Luxmoore, A., Groombridge, B. and Broad, S. (eds.) 1988. Significant Trade in Wildlife: A review of selected species in CITES Appendix II. Volume 2: Reptiles and invertebrates. IUCN and CITES: Cambridge and Lausanne. 351 pp. Madsen, T., Loman, J., Hebrard, J. & Duff-Mackay, A. 1985. A survey of the reptile fauna in Kora Game Reserve. Unpublished report. Ntiamoa-Baidu, Y. Undated. West African wildlife: a resource in jeopardy. URL http://www.fao.org/docrep/s2850e/s2850e05.htm Accessed 22/10/08. Pitman, C. R. S. (1938) A guide to the snakes of Uganda. The Uganda Society: Kampala (Uganda).